With the cold weather finally behind us, the only reminder I have of the winter that was is the dull dry skin on my face, body and worst of all my hands and feet.
Scrubs not only help remove the build up of dry skin, they stimulate blood flow, and make you feel incredibly fresh and clean. The downside is that store bought scrubs often contain problematic ingredients like microplastics, or chemicals that cause havoc to my sensitive skin. Organic products are awfully expensive, and no matter what, there is always too much packaging, which drives me up the wall. Making my own scrub means I have complete control over the ingredients, it will always smell amazing, and I can 100% guarantee that there is no animal testing involved.
There are 3 elements to a scrub: the exfoliant, which removes the dead skin, a moisturiser, to replace the oils removed from the skin when washing, and your choice of additive, such as essential oils, flowers, or even food items, to make the experience more special and enjoyable.
With the exfoliant, it's important to make sure that the texture is fine and not too coarse - you want to be scrubbed but not scratched. I like using fine salts or sugars as a scrub, but have also experimented with ground oats, wheat germ and coffee grounds. The moisturiser element can be as simple as sorbolene, coconut oil, or ripe avocado. If your skin is oily or you are making a facial scrub, you can use natural yogurt, honey or egg white instead.
Here are some of my favourite scrub recipes, all tried and tested! I haven't included quantities, as you can adjust easily for the consistency you prefer. I recommend only making as much as you need right away, as without preservatives, they do not have a long shelf life.
Baby Soft Face Scrub
Castor sugar
Ripe avocado
Mix together until a paste is formed, massage onto the face in a circular motion and rinse well. Castor sugar is finer than regular sugar, which can be a little sharp to use on your face.
Soothing Body Scrub
Rolled oats, lightly ground in a food processor
Coconut oil
Rose oil, 3-5 drops
Great all over the body - you can change the scent to suit your preference, or try crushed dried or fresh rose petals or lavender tips. Please be careful when using, as any oil will make your shower very slippery!
Super Fresh Foot Scrub
Epsom salts
Olive oil
Peppermint oil, 5 drops
I use this while sitting on the edge of the tub. It's like a breath mint for your feet, cool and refreshing, perfect for getting your feet summer ready.
Vanilla Latte Hand Massage
Coffee grounds
Sorbolene
Vanilla essence, half a teaspoon
You really will smell like a vanilla latte after this incredible hand scrub.
Kissable Lip Scrub
Brown sugar
Coconut oil
Honey
You only need a teaspoon of each ingredient to make enough to last a long time. Store it in the fridge and use it daily for smooth kissable lips. Rub it on and eat it off - it's delicious!
