DIY Exfoliating Scrubs for Face and Body
Last Updated on November 13, 2017 by lydiaf1963
It’s Spa Time!
The last time we had a spa day we talked about the benefits of dry skin brushing. Now, I know that most of us aren’t going to add an extra step to our shower routine, at least not every day. However, we all find time to take a shower and it doesn’t take long to slather on these DIY exfoliating scrubs while we’re in there. You’ll improve your skin tone, and smooth your skin. And, because we’re making these products at home, we’re ensuring the quality of the ingredients (and saving some money!)
You may remember a few years ago when microbeads were all the rage in cosmetics and personal care products. Turns out microbeads persist in the environment just like their bigger plastic counterparts. Worse, fish were eating the microbeads and introducing them into the food chain. Other cosmetic products contain ingredients that may cause hormone disruption or cause an allergic reaction. These DIY scrubs contain ingredients found in the pantry, so we can feel good about using them while we make ourselves silky smooth.
Start with the basics
The most basic scrub is a mix of some type of oil and either sugar or salt. I’ve used both but mostly use table salt on my body because it’s the least expensive option. This article from LifeJacks discusses when to use a sugar scrub versus a salt scrub and includes a few recipe ideas. For the oils choose good quality olive oil or coconut oil. Other choices are almond and jojoba oil, but they’re pricier.
Put a cup of salt or sugar in a bowl and mix a quarter cup of oil to form a paste. Add more oil or sugar to balance the mix. It should be like wet sand. I like the smell of a fruity olive oil or coconut oil base but some people like to add a few drops of their favorite essential oils. You could also try using the baking extracts you have on hand; vanilla, lemon and peppermint are all nice choices. Store your scrub in a jar. You should have enough for three or four applications.
You can apply the scrub to a wet or dry body. I do it in the tub so it can be rinsed away. You will need to be cautious because the tub can get slippery due to the oil. Start at your feet and work your way up the body. Avoid the delicate skin of the breasts, chest, face and neck as well as any cuts or scrapes you may have. After rinsing the scrub away, wash as usual to get rid of any residue. You will marvel at how soft your skin feels. Use a scrub 2 or 3 times a week, less if your skin is sensitive.
If you find the basic scrub to be too harsh, give this Oatmeal Honey Body Scrub a try. It smells fantastic and is very soothing.
Did you know you can use old coffee grounds to make a scrub? More scrub recipes can be found in this post.
About Faces
You won’t want to use harsh scrubs on your face, but there are alternatives. These involve mixing a finely ground ingredient (like certain flours) with a base and applying them to the face, neck and chest. The base can be oily or milky depending on your skin type. If you’ve used microdermabrasion products these scrubs will work in a similar way.
In general you apply your chosen scrub to the area you wish to exfoliate, work it in briefly, then allow it to set for 5 minutes or so. Then rinse it off. Depending on the base you could follow with a moisturizer. Do this once or twice a week.
Flours to try include:
- almond: DIY Triple Duty Almond Flour For Face and Eyes
- garbanzo (aka besan or gram flour): 23 Homemade Besan Face Packs for All Skin Types
- rice: 9 Miraculous Beauty Uses of Rice Powder
If you don’t have access to any of those flours, try this facial scrub which uses coconut oil and baking soda. (I’ve used this and like the way it feels…way cheaper than a little jar of microdermabrasion product)
Or you could try cocoa (among other things).
This post discusses how to use yogurt in a mask for glowing skin.
Enjoy the Glow
One last word of advice…Don’t go overboard using these products. If your skin isn’t used to being exfoliated there will be some inflamation and you may find your face breaking out. Give your body time to adjust and if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients in a particular scrub try a different one.
Have you tried any of these DIY Exfoliating Scrubs? Were you surprised at how many there are? I’m sure you have the ingredients to make one or more of these scrubs.
Further reading:
She Knows: 5 Great Reasons to Exfoliate Your Face Tonight
Yogi Surprise: Go Green With In Your Beauty Routine
A Woman’s Health: The Importance of Exfoliation
Image Credits: Pixabay
