Exfoliation can be a remarkable way to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. Exfoliating with the use of a body scrub is quite popular. Instead of relying on store-bought varieties, you can prepare your own body scrubs with the use of ingredients that you have stored in your pantry.
Let us look at the benefits of do-it-yourself (DIY), homemade body scrubs and ways to prepare and use them.
Benefits of Body Scrubs
Exfoliation with the use of body scrubs can impart a brighter look to your skin because it successfully removes the topmost layer of dead skin cells. It can also stimulate collagen production, which helps your skin stay radiant and firm. Another benefit of skin exfoliation via body scrubs is that it can help in improving the efficacy of topical treatments. Moreover, massaging your skin with a body scrub is a wonderful way to feel calmer and relax, especially if you are stressed out.
How to Use Body Scrubs?
It is best not to use a body scrub every day. Over-exfoliation can leave your skin feeling sensitive, dry, and irritated. That said, it is quite safe to exfoliate 2-3 times every week. The easiest way to use a body scrub is while taking a bath or a shower. You need to massage the scrub gently into your skin in circular motions and then rinse it off completely with warm water.
Things Needed to Prepare a DIY Body Scrub
You may need the following items to prepare and store a body scrub.
- Spoons
- Bowl for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A carrier or base oil
- Sealed containers
- A few drops of essential oils
Now, let’s look at the most popular DIY body scrubs that are both easy to prepare and highly beneficial.
Coffee Scrub
There is some scientific evidence to prove that caffeine may help in diminishing the appearance of cellulite. In addition, the tiny granules of coffee are gentle on the skin, while still being highly effective at the removal of dead cells from the surface of the skin.
Ingredients:
- Coffee grounds (1/2 cup)
- Hot water (2 tablespoons)
- Warm coconut oil (1 tablespoon)
Instructions:
- Add coffee grounds to hot water in a mixing bowl. Mix in a thorough manner using a spoon.
- Add coconut oil. If the need arises, add more coffee grounds or more oil to obtain the right consistency.
- Spoon the mixture into a sturdy container.
Also explore 20 amazing health benefits of black coffee
Brown Sugar Scrub
Brown sugar is easily accessible and inexpensive. Moreover, it does an excellent job at exfoliating your skin because it is gentle. The granules of sugar may make your skin feel a tad sticky; so, ensure that you have rinsed your skin thoroughly post exfoliation.
Ingredients:
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup)
- Half a cup of an oil of your choice (such as almond, olive, jojoba, coconut, or grapeseed)
- Essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the oil of your choice and brown sugar.
- Mix thoroughly. Make sure the consistency is right by adjusting the quantity of sugar or oil.
- If you want, you may add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil.
- You can then spoon the mixture into a container.
Read about the benefits of brown sugar versus white sugar
Sea Salt Scrub
Salt is antibacterial in nature, which makes it quite helpful for certain skin conditions. Salt is also a preservative; hence, it will naturally preserve itself.
You must use ground sea salt rather than coarse sea salt because the latter can be too harsh for your skin. Moreover, because of its abrasive properties, sea salt scrubs should be used with caution, especially if you have any cuts on your skin.
Ingredients:
- Sea salt (1/2 cup)
- Oil of your choice (1/2 cup)
- Essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine oil and sea salt.
- Mix thoroughly. If the need arises, add more oil or salt to achieve the desired consistency.
- You may add a couple of drops of essential oil to impart fragrance to the scrub.
- The last step involves spooning it into a container.
If you liked this, also read about 12 health benefits of rock salt
Green Tea Sugar Scrub
Replete with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can benefit your skin in numerous ways. For instance, cosmetics containing green tea can reduce damage done to the skin by the rays of the sun.
Ingredients:
- Green tea (2 teabags)
- Hot water (1/2 cup)
- Brown sugar (1 cup)
- Melted coconut oil (1/4 cup)
Instructions:
- Add the tea bags to hot water. Let the tea continue to steep until it cools.
- Now, add brown sugar to a bowl.
- Add coconut oil and mix thoroughly with the sugar.
- After the tea has cooled, combine it with the sugar mix. Ensure that the tea is cool so that the sugar does not dissolve.
- Adjust the quantity of coconut oil or brown sugar, based on the consistency.
- After you have achieved the desired consistency, spoon the scrub into a container.
Want to explore more, read this article on 10 incredible health benefits of green tea
Honey Sugar Scrubs
Honey is known to be antibacterial in nature. Moreover, it possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, honey can help in repairing skin tissue and offering protection from UV rays. Honey can be easily combined with oil as well as granules to make a nourishing body scrub.
Ingredients:
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup)
- Melted coconut oil (1/4 cup)
- Honey (2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar with honey and coconut oil.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly, and if the mixture is too crumbly, add more coconut oil.
- After achieving the desired consistency, spoon the scrub into a container.
On a Final Note:
DIY, homemade body scrubs are easy and quick to prepare and much more affordable in comparison with store-bought ones. These homemade, natural body scrubs are highly effective in cleansing, softening, and nourishing your skin. When exfoliating your skin, always be gentle, and take precautions if your skin is too dry or sensitive.
