Reader Michelle works at the Skana Spa and is sharing a Sugar Scrub Recipe with us. This is perfect way to get your skin ready for spring.
A refreshing spring body rub at a spa is the perfect antidote to end-of-the-winter blues. But if you’re like most moms and women in general, you might not have the time to go to a spa, or you don’t want to take out a second mortgage just to get rid of some dried skin cells.
Not to worry, you can make a variety of body scrubs from simple ingredients you probably have on hand; the same type of ingredients we use at Skana Spa. Body scrubs rejuvenate and moisturize your skin, as well to exfoliate the dry skin away. Some of the most common natural exfoliates are oatmeal, sugar, salt and coffee grounds. The recipe below is for a sugar scrub; one of the best scrubs you can use on your skin. Eating a spoonful of sugar may not be good for your health, but slathering a sugar scrub on your skin works wonders.
Here’s why:
- Sugar is humectant; it actually hydrates your skin and helps your skin retain moisture.
- Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid—yes, the same alpha hydroxy acid that manufacturers of expensive skin creams tout. But a name-brand body scrub with alpha hydroxy acid can cost as much as your first car; a scrub made with sugar will cost you mere pennies.
- Sugar is a natural exfoliate; it will remove the dead surface skin cells gently and make your skin glow.
Simple Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
1 cup fine sugar
1/3 cup carrier oil (use Jojoba, olive, sweet almond or just plain vegetable oil)
15 to 20 drops essential oil (use lavender, rose, geranium, ginger or your favorite scent)
Place the sugar in a bowl and slowly add the carrier oil; stirring after each addition until the sugar mixture feels like wet sand. Add the drops of essential oil until you obtain the strength of the scent you desire. Stir once more to mix in the essential fragrance.
Note: the essential oil isn’t strictly necessary, but essential oils are beneficial to your health. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to soothe and calm, and they are a nice addition to a body scrub.
Applying the Scrub
- Transfer the scrub mixture to a non-breakable container before you step into the shower. After your skin is clean and warm you are ready to apply the scrub.
- Rub the sugar scrub all over your body, paying special attention to knees and elbows. Rinse off the scrub and pat yourself dry with a soft towel.
That’s all there is to it. You can make the scrub in less than 5 minutes; in fact, this is also a great facial scrub. You won’t need as much, of course. Simply cut the ingredients by 2/3 and you will have plenty of scrub to use on your face and neck. Use the sugar scrub as often or as little as you like, just as you see fit!
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