Has the winter weather gotten to you? Skin feels a bit flakey, a little dull perhaps?
Try this easy to make natural DIY body scrub recipe and make one to fit your own skin. You’ll feel refreshed and invigorated instantly!
Before we get to the extraordinarily easy recipe, let’s look over some choices for your preparation.
Salt vs. Sugar
Sugar is better if your have very sensitive skin. It usually less abrasive, so it’s better for facial scrubs.
Salt is more abrasive, which is good for the body and it exfoliates more intensely. The minerals found in salt will peel off more layers of dull dried out skin. This is wonderful if you have the type of sturdy skin that tolerates it. If yours is more delicate, stick to sugar, especially if this is a first try.
Epsom Salt vs. Sea Salt
Epsom salt is an inorganic salt comprised of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Sea salt is comprised of iodine, potassium, and magnesium. Magnesium helps keep your bones strong and is required for your nervous and muscular systems. Epsom has more magnesium, so if you want the scrub to be more therapeutic, choose Epsom. If you suffer from a sprain, strain, or other pain, Epsom is the choice for you. If you want to simply scrub off those dead layers, try the sea salt. Important note- sea salt will leave your feeling drier, so make sure to moisturize afterwards. Something as simple as a little olive oil will make a huge difference afterwards.
Baking Soda – Sodium Bicarbonate is a natural mineral that really has thousands of purposes. If your want some more exfoliation, try adding about ½ cup to this recipe. If it’s your first try and/or you have sensitive skin, you may want to build up this or simply avoid adding altogether. It can be a great additional tool in removing unneeded dead skin cells, but only if your skin will tolerate it.
Three must-try, easy to use, and impossible to go wrong herbs:
Lavender– It helps with hair loss, body pain, and poor circulation. Its scent is said to be therapeutic and can alleviate symptoms of depression. Using this delicate yet powerful herb will impart an overall sense of well-being.
Mint– This antioxidant herb is great for overall health and for preventing fungal growth. It is helpful in alleviating headaches and reducing skin inflammations.
Rosemary– This fragrant herb helps with pains and sores by promoting healing. It can be of benefit for thinning hair and overall circulation issues.
Essential Oil vs. Natural Whole Herbs
Many recipes call for the oil rather than the herb itself. It’s a matter of preference, and either can be used. The oil can be irritating if you have sensitive skin. Working with the natural herb will give you more control over the intensity. If you muddle longer the result will be stronger. Fresh from the garden is always best, but carefully chosen from a store can work almost as well!
3-Ingredient Natural Body Scrub
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup herbs (optional- add 1/2 cup baking soda)
2 cups salt or sugar
Muddle the oil and herbs then add salt or sugar. Try this simple mixture. If you like it- stick to it. If you want to try something new- experiment by combining, layering the herbs and either using both salt and sugar or using different types. The mixture can be stored for up to a month, understand that the longer it’s stored the more pungent the herbs will be. The length of time stored may also affect the constitution of your salt or sugar.
Next time you feel a little tired or run down take a quick shower or bath using your own homemade natural body scrub! Your skin will glow as the fragrant herbs invigorate your senses. You’ll look and feel refreshed and re-charged.
Also by Alex: How to Use Natural Compresses for Beauty and Health
Related DIY Body Care: Lavender Coconut Soap Recipe
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Photo: Alex Kudukis
