Can you purchase sugar scrubs in the store? Absolutely, but they will most likely contain ingredients that aren’t beneficial for the skin. There’s no need to spend a fortune on store bought sugar scrubs when you can easily make your own with all natural ingredients for a fraction of the price.
Sugar scrubs are used to exfoliate dry skin and to replenish those drier areas with moisture and nourishing essential oils. The coarseness of the sugar works to gently but efficiently remove dead skin cells, while the oils and lemon juice in this recipe help to moisturize, kill harmful bacteria, and encourage the production of new, healthy skin cells.
Coconut Oil
We don’t know how many times we have praised and written about the benefits of coconut oil for the skin, and this won’t be the last! Coconut oil is truly the ultimate moisturizer, but it is best to use organic, cold-pressed coconut oil for optimum benefits. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil help your skin retain moisture, which keeps it looking silky smooth and youthful.
Lemon Essential Oil
Extracted from the peels of fresh lemons, lemon essential oil can be diluted and applied on the skin. Several tests have shown that lemon essential oil may fight harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus, making it great for cleaning small wounds. The antioxidants in the oil may help to reduce acne inflammation and improve or brighten skin tone.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, providing nutritional benefits when ingested. It’s not just for consumption, though, because its benefits can improve hair and skin health. The moisturizing properties of olive oil help to soften skin, while the antibacterial properties may help to control skin bacteria. Most importantly, olive oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, all of which are fat soluble vitamins that help hydrate the skin.
Ingredients For Scrub:
- The zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup cold-pressed coconut oil, melted
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Zest and juice the lemon into a medium mixing bowl and mix in the sugar, olive oil, melted coconut oil, and lemon essential oil.
- Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Pour the sugar scrub in an airtight jar and store in a cool dry place. Massage about a tablespoon of the mixture on the area of dry skin a couple times a week.
