This isn’t your average body scrub because it doesn’t contain average ingredients. We’re taking your skin care up a notch with this striking scrub that is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, lipids, active enzymes, and amino, nucleic, and fatty acids. The walnut hull powder works to exfoliate while the coconut oil is loaded with vitamin E and other soothing compounds that lock moisture into the skin.
Gram for gram, spirulina is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. It is a blue-green algae that is a complete protein, containing all of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. It is also rich in B-vitamins, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, but how does this benefit your skin? Can you even use it on your skin? Yes, and it may reduce early signs of aging by enhancing collagen production.
How Does Spirulina Benefit The Skin?
According to a 2019 study, spirulina may increase growth factors in dermal fibroblast cells, which are responsible for creating collagen. This explains why seaweed face masks have grown in popularity. Seaweed’s ability to help increase collagen may have a tightening effect, but more studies are necessary on this.
Spirulina is also rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, which researchers attribute to the high presence of antioxidant compounds. These antioxidants fight free radicals, preventing skin damage that contributes to wrinkles and early signs of aging. Phycocyanin is the active ingredient in spirulina, giving it the signature blue-green color. It assists with the activation of cellular antioxidant activity, according to several studies, which eliminates free radicals. Finally, spirulina may also have a brightening effect on the skin, especially when applied topically.
How Does Walnut Hull Powder Exfoliate?
Walnut hull (shell) powder is a physical exfoliant made from the meat or shell of crushed up walnuts. When you rub it into the skin, it works to slough away dead skin cells, allowing new skin cells to emerge. Dead skin cells don’t always leave on their own, so exfoliation is necessary if you want to avoid flaky patches or dryness. Because walnut hull powder can help unclog pores and rid your skin of excess oils, you are less likely to develop acne and red spots. Shrinking your pores and evening out your skin tones will also make pock marks and bumps less noticeable.
Walnut hull powder’s benefits extend beyond the face to the rest of your body. Exfoliants are typically used on facial skin, but they can also be added to body scrubs and lotions. The skin on the face is more sensitive, which calls for smaller granules. Should you want to solely use this scrub on the face, you can purchase walnut hull powder in smaller granules. If you are using it on the body, you can choose from other granule sizes.
DIY Blue-Green Algae Body Scrub
Ingredients:
- 2.5 ounces refined coconut oil
- 1.5 ounces hemp seed oil
- 0.25 ounce xanthan gum powder
- 1.5 ounces walnut hull powder
- 0.2 ounce spirulina powder
- 2 milliliters + 8 drops tea tree oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the coconut oil in a heat-safe glass measuring cup and microwave until melted. You can use a double boiler if you prefer that method.
- Add the hemp seed oil and xanthan gum powder to the melted coconut oil and stir to combine. You can microwave the mixture further if you need to melt more, but only if necessary.
- Pour the walnut hull powder and spirulina into the oil and xanthan gum mixture and mix well. Drop in the optional tea tree oil and stir to combine.
- The mixture should smell very ocean-like, but the tea tree oil should help to cut that salty, sea-like fragrance.
- Transfer the body scrub to a jar, screw on the lid, and place in the fridge so it can set. Remove the scrub from the fridge and give it a quick mix before using.
