Scrubs are excellent for exfoliation and to keep skin soft and glowing. Store-bought scrubs, however, can be expensive and contain chemicals or colorants that can irritate sensitive skin. If you want to make your own scrubs, the good news is that the process is easy, quick and inexpensive. Homemade scrubs also give you the option of adding your favorite scents or products into the mix.
Step 1
Put 3 cups of your base into a bowl. Common scrub bases include coarse salt, brown sugar or ground nuts. Salt is better for oily skin but it will burn if it touches open wounds or cuts, so keep that in mind when choosing your base. This is the ingredient that will provide the rough base to clean your skin.
Step 2
Add jojoba, olive, coconut or vitamin E oil until the base becomes moist but before there's excess liquid. The amount you need will vary depending on the scrub base you're using, so add 1 tsp. at a time and mix well to see if it's enough. If the mix appears too dry, add another teaspoon and continue.
Step 3
Add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice. Essential oils are strong, so add a couple of drops at a time, mix well and smell the results. If the aroma is too weak, add more. Good choices include lavender or chamomile to relax and mint to freshen the skin. You can also create your own combinations based on the scents you like. If you don't have essential oils, you can add vanilla extract or cinnamon powder to the mix.
Step 4
Put the mix into a glass container with a lid. Close well and shake vigorously. Let the mix stand for at least two hours so the moisture and the oils are well absorbed. The mix will dry up as the days go by and become a more effective scrub, so wait longer, if possible.
Step 5
Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Sugar-based scrubs may attract ants, so keep that in mind when choosing storage. The mix will keep fresh and ready to use for at least a few months.
Tips and Warnings
- You can also create a base mix (just base and oil) if you would rather change the aroma and consistency each time you use it. That way you can add mashed fruits, honey or aloe vera gel to a small portion of the mix before using it.
Things You'll Need
- Coarse salt, brown sugar or ground nuts
- Jojoba, olive, coconut or vitamin E oil
- Essential oils
- Glass jar with lid
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