If you are anything like me, these cold winter months leave my skin unbearably dry and itchy. I’ve struggled for years trying to find a product that would help my skin stay hydrated all day. Finally, I discovered a simple, inexpensive, and effective solution – homemade sugar scrub. It has done wonders for my skin and I no longer feel itchy by mid-afternoon. In addition to the DIY version being cheaper than what you can purchase in stores, there is the added benefit of knowing exactly what ingredients are in the scrub. Many brands found in stores have extra additives to increase shelf life. The DIY sugar scrub will last up to 3 months in an airtight container.
With just three ingredients and a few minutes you can make your own natural sugar scrub. Simply start with a good quality base oil such as sesame, apricot, or sweet almond oil. Add granulated sugar and your favorite essential oil. Once blended, use as a full body scrub in the shower or place by the sink to exfoliate and moisturize hands after washing them. If using the scrub in the shower be sure to use a non-breakable container and wash down the floor of the shower/tub to ensure no one slips and falls.
Below is the recipe for a basic sugar scrub, but you can create any combination of oil, sugar, and essential oil to suit your needs or preferences. Sub out white sugar for brown sugar or add some coffee grounds. If you have a recipe you like, please share it in the comments below. Also, sugar scrubs make wonderful homemade gifts.
DIY Sugar Scrub by Andrea Marz
Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe:
1 cup – Granulated Sugar
½ cup oil – Sesame, Apricot, Almond Oil (or any combination of these)
6-8 drops – Essential Oil, therapeutic grade
Mix all ingredients in a bowl or container until combined. Be sure to store in an airtight container and use a plastic container if using in the shower.
To use: Apply scrub on body or hands, rinse and pat dry. If using in the shower, wash shower/tub floor after using scrub as the oil can be slippery.
Sourcing Ingredients:
You can find sesame oil in the Remedy Room at Continuum Healing and apricot and sweet almond oil in bulk at 68 cents per ounce at Global Infusion. These oils can also be purchased online at many different retailers but I prefer Mountain Rose Herbs. When purchasing essential oils be sure that they are a therapeutic grade, meaning they are safe to use on the body. A few popular brands are Young Living and doTERRA.
Author: Andrea Marz is a licensed Massage Therapist providing Swedish, relaxation, deep tissue and cupping massage as well as raindrop technique and trigger point therapy.