These days we could all use a little pampering. Just like your face, your body needs occasional exfoliation to stay soft and healthy. Body scrubs slough away dead skin cells. The skin is in a constant state of turnover – dead skin rises to the surface and sheds naturally allowing new skin to be revealed underneath. Overtime the process slows which leaves a buildup of dead cells on the skin’s surface. Pollution and other forms of environmental stress also adds to itchy, dull and rough skin.

 Other benefits of using a body scrub include:

• Drawing out impurities and clearing out ski congestion
• Smoothing and softening rough, dry skin
• Removing dead cells from the skins service
• Promoting efficient circulation and skin cell turnover

 It is super easy, and inexpensive to make your own!

You can use either granulated sugar or sea salt to make your scrub. Sugar granules are rounder and less abrasive than salt, making them gentler on the skin. Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid (AHA), which helps break down layers of dead skin and smooths the skin’s surface. Sugar also helps speed up rehydration, keeping skin conditioned and moisturized.

Salt scrubs are grittier and therefore useful in smoothing rougher areas like elbows and feet. Naturally detoxifying, salt can help draw out toxins and relieve congestion promoting healthy skin cell turnover.

Baking soda has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is a great addition to your DIY body scrub. It can help reduce acne breakouts and manage inflammation of the skin. Baking soda is also a natural exfoliant and will help your skin will feel silky smooth.

Pick your oil - get creative! Some of our favourites are, jojoba (easily absorbs into skin), argan (rich source of vitamin E, rich in linoleic and oleic fatty acids), avocado (rich in vitamins A, D, and E and helps moisturize and protect your skin from damaging UV rays), macadamia nut (moisturizing and softening on the skin), or fractionated coconut oil (rich in lauric acid which promotes healthy skin). Try to use organic oils if possible.

Add your essential oils. Mix it up and try a different EO each time you make the body scrub! Try our Midsummers Sage essential oil, a beautiful blend of frankincense, ylang-ylang and clary sage which is incredible for skin and an amazing mood booster! Or try geranium (useful for dermatitis, eczema, acne, congested skin, dermatitis, mature skin, oily skin), carrot seed (contains substantial amounts of vitamins A, C, B1 and B2 and is useful for dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, toning, arthritis), peppermint (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic). Be sure to be selective with your EO’s as not all oils are created equally, many of the ones sold at drug stores contain synthetic materials.

To Make:

• In a bowl or jar, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar or sea salt. You can also substitute brown sugar.
• Use 1/4 cup of carrier oil.
• 15-20 drops of your favourite essential oils.
• For extra skin softness add 1 Tbsp of baking soda for extra soft skin!

Mix up and softly scrub your skin in the shower. Do a cool water rinse.