A body scrub is should be part of your self care arsenal and in this article, here is how to make a body Scrub. One of the ways to treat your skin to a spa-like experience, exfoliate dead skin cells, and leave your skin feeling silky smooth is with the use of a body scrub. They can be bought in stores but many are pricey. You can simply make your own DIY body scrub at home using items that you may already have in your kitchen.
Here is how to make one just in the comfort of your home and improve your skin care routines.
- Step 1: Choose your exfoliant
The first step in creating a DIY body scrub is to choose your exfoliant. You can use a variety of ingredients as an exfoliant, including sugar, salt, coffee grounds, oatmeal, or baking soda. Sugar is a gentle exfoliant and works well for sensitive skin. Salt, on the other hand, is a coarser exfoliant and is best for rough skin. - Step 2: Choose your carrier oil
The next step is to choose your carrier oil. Carrier oils are used to moisturize your skin and help spread the exfoliant evenly. Some popular carrier oils include coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. Coconut oil is a great choice if you want a moisturizing scrub, while olive oil is a good option if you have dry skin. - Step 3: Add essential oils (optional)
If you want to add a fragrance to your body scrub, you can add essential oils. Essential oils also have therapeutic benefits and can help you relax. Some popular essential oils include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon. You can also mix and match essential oils to create your own unique fragrance. - Step 4: Mix the ingredients
Once you have chosen your exfoliant, carrier oil, and essential oils, it’s time to mix everything together. In a bowl, mix the exfoliant and carrier oil in a 2:1 ratio. For example, if you use 1 cup of exfoliant, use 1/2 cup of carrier oil. If you’re using essential oils, add a few drops to the mixture and stir well. - Step 5: Store the body scrub
Transfer the body scrub to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and store it in a cool, dry place. You can use the body scrub right away, or let it sit for a few days to allow the essential oils to infuse the mixture.
How to use it
- Rinse your skin in warm water.
Put a small amount of body scrub in your hand.
Gently rub it on your skin in small circular motions, using your hand or an exfoliating glove.
Scrub your skin gently for no longer than 30 seconds.
Rinse your skin liberally with lukewarm water.
Wash your skin using your regular cleanser. (You can also do this before.)
Shave, if desired.
Pat your skin dry.
Apply a moisturizer.
Body scrubs temporarily disrupt your skin barrier and can dry out skin
Benefits of body scrubs
- 1. Smooth skin
An exfoliating body scrub works to clear away dry and dead skin cells, leaving skin refreshed, brightened and oh so soft and smooth. Just as you would on your face, why not give your body some pampering too? Look for ingredients known for their skin smoothing benefits, like sugar scrubs for body exfoliation or other natural sources of glycolic acid. Body scrubs with sugar are great for gentle exfoliation without the irritation. - 2. moisturizer booster
Most beauty experts agree that applying body lotion or a dry body oil after exfoliation accelerates the effects of moisturizing. The hydrating and moisturizing boost happens because the exfoliating body scrub removes dull and dead skin cells from your body, which allows the skin to absorb lotions more readily and fluently. - 3. razor bump skin relief
Knowing how to use body scrubs before and after shaving can be a great way to calm and clear those frustrating razor bumps. Exfoliating with a body scrub, like our lavender body scrub, can actually prevent that stinging feel that so often plagues us after shaving! The skin clearing benefits don’t end here- body scrubs also work to clear out rugged calluses, help the appearance of dark spots, and even tame those devilish ingrown hairs post-shave or post-wax by pushing them up & out versus allowing them to curl under hardened skin. - 4. long-lasting fragrance
Beyond just the skin clearing benefits, the appeal of the body scrub experience has a lot to do with indulging in nice scenting fragrances. A longer-lasting fragrance, especially if derived from natural oils, will help soothe and relax your body, and your mind as well. - 5. decompress & destress
Healthy skin has both external and internal effects. Exfoliating your body’s biggest organ will surely leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Experiment with different exfoliants, carrier oils, and essential oils to find the perfect combination for your skin type.
Use a finer exfoliant, such as sugar or oatmeal, for your face and a coarser exfoliant, such as salt, for your body.
Add vitamin E oil to your body scrub for extra moisturizing benefits.
Make sure to store your body scrub in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Use a small spoon or spatula to scoop out the body scrub to prevent bacteria from getting into the container.
If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before using the body scrub all over your body.