I have suffered from dry skin my whole life – and winter doesn’t help at all. I will just make a disclaimer now, the older I get, the worse I hate the cold. These days when I wake up and it’s 16, I’m dreaming of living in warmer weather.
Needless to say I have tried almost all product out there and some works better than others.
A big thing I have discovered though is for any lotion or moisturizer to work, it has to be able to get to the skin. That’s when exfoliation comes into play.
Sugar scrubs have become a big part of this.
What is a sugar scrub?
Basically it’s sugar, oil, and an added scent. How easy is that?
With the combination of sugar and oils, you create a great exfoliating paste or “Scrub”.
Why use a sugar scrub?
Sugar has natural hydrating properties and the crystals are gentle enough to slough off dead skin cells, while the oils are used to moisturize the skin.
Using different types of sugar such as granulated, brown sugar and raw or turbinado sugar can give you different results.
As with anything home-made or even purchased, if you ever start having burning or irritation, stop using it immediately. Also there are some oils, such as lavender not recommended during pregnancy. Anytime you try a new product, use precautions.
I have to admit, I love massages, but when my feet are massaged, that is my favorite part. Not only is using a sugar scrub on the feet great for exfoliating but can help relieve pain, increase circulation, and relax muscular tension. There are so many foot conditions that you can have. Just think how much your feet take each day.
Why make your own?
Have you priced them? They can run from $10 and up for just a small container.
You probably have items in your pantry to make your own.
What do you need?
Oils
Already in my arsenal of oils are olive, coconut, and Wildtree Grapeseed (flavored) which I use in cooking daily. Almond oil I use is for making scrubs, not for cooking.
Sugars
Using different types of sugar such as granulated, brown sugar and raw or turbinado sugar can give you different results. Granulated is the smoothest then going to brown or turbinado creates a coarser scrub.
With either of the last two sugars I would recommend these only for your hands and feet. There are salt scrubs, but they tend to be more drying.
Scents and Additives
Extracts such as vanilla, lemon and peppermint.
Honey – helps with preserving scrub
Vitamin E – additional moisturizing and preservative
Essential oils – these are used in small quantities for scent and benefits
Other items which works well in scrubs include coffee grounds, also great for exfoliating, and food coloring, just for looks, but both could stain if used repeatedly.
Not only are these great to make for yourself, but think about gifts. Valentine’s Day is coming up so think about these for friends, teachers, and anyone special in your life. Due to allergies, you might want to include on the tag the ingredients you used and date made. Check out the one I thought would be great for guys.
Containers
I recommend glass jars with lids. Jar rings can be re-used but lids should always be new.
How long will these keep?
I like to make small amounts at a time, but if you keep them in an airtight jar, they should last 2 – 3 months. One of the worst things to contaminate these is water. It can have bacteria in it, so use a small scoop or wood spoon to dip it out. Don’t use your wet hands.
This would be like any other food type item, if it starts having a funky smell, or color – toss it.
Also, never use these on skin which is already irritated or have any open wounds.
Sometimes you will see the oil separating; just give it a stir before using.
Remember, the type of sugar and oils you are using can affect the color of your scrub.
Here’s a few of my favorite recipes for Scrubs.
SIMPLE SUGAR SCRUB2 Cups granulated sugar
½ Cup coconut oil
2 T honey
1 T vanilla extract
Mix sugar and oil in bowl. Stir in honey and extract until well mixed.
Store in airtight container.
When using coconut oil, it will solidify at certain temperatures. Just microwave for about 10 – 15 seconds to liquefy before mixing.
This is one you could change up by substituting other extracts for vanilla such as peppermint or lemon.
PEPPERMINT SUGAR SCRUB
2 Cups granulated sugar
½ Cup coconut oil
3 t peppermint extract
Red food coloring
Mix sugar and oil in bowl. Stir in peppermint extract until well mixed.
To tint part of the mix and layer as I have done here, place about 1/3 of mixture into another small bowl. Add 2 drops of red food coloring. The color will deepen a bit after sitting.
Layer 1/3 white, then pink, then top off with remaining white.
Store in airtight container.
When using coconut oil, it will solidify at certain temperatures. Just microwave for about 10 – 15 seconds to liquefy before mixing.
Maybe make it green for St. Patricks Day, or even pink and blue for a baby shower favor.
SMOKY BACON
Thinking about the guys, who doesn’t love a smoky bacon scent?
½ Cup turbinado sugar
2 T Wildtree Smokey Bacon Grapeseed Oil
Mix together and store in airtight container.
The turbinado sugar will produce a coarser scrub so it’s great to smooth those rough hands. Or feet.
KITCHEN LEMON SCRUB
½ Cup granulated sugar
2 T Wildtree Zesy Lemon Grapeseed Oil
Mix together and store in airtight container.
Keep this near your sink to use often, especially if you need to remove any odors on your hands such as garlic, lemon or fish.
If you don’t have Lemon Oil, use the Basic Sugar Scrub and substitute lemon extract for vanilla.
It’s always important to moisturize after using any scrub. Also, it’s not recommended to use these more than 2 – 3 times a week. If you want to wake up with smooth and soft hands or feet, use the scrub right before bed, add a heavier lotion or moisturizer then sleep in gloves and socks. Might not be the sexiest thing to do, but your feet and hands will feel great the next morning. If you are using these on your face, be gentle. Don’t overscrub.
Experiment with your favorite scents and oils. I have also used my Rosemary Olive Oil, Rosemary and Lavendar Essential Oil from Massage Envy, and almond extract .
As in cooking, I recommend using only pure extracts instead of imitation.
If giving as gifts, dig through your stash of craft supplies to decorate the tops and making your label. Don’t have anything, a quick trip to the craft store will do. Even use an old paper bag and tear for a tag.
Let me know what some of your favorite scents are. I’m always looking for new and different ideas.
This is a great recipe, and the simplest one I have seen for making these scrubs! Thank you for sharing because like you I have hideously dry skin and making my own scrubs would be a wonderful solution!
So many things I do is quick and simple, trying to use what I have on hand. I’m also using a great goat milk lotion and hand cream from Beekman Boys.