Body scrubs are great products for exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. Unfortunately, commercial scrubs can not only be expensive, but often contain unnecessary and potentially dangerous ingredients. Fortunately, you can also make excellent scrubs at home, the ingredients for the basic recipe are probably already in your pantry: sugar and oil. This article will not only teach you how to make a sugar-based scrub, but it will also explain how to choose the right ingredients to personalize it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Ingredients
Step 1. Decide how and where you will use the scrub
The areas on which you apply the product will determine the type of ingredients you will use. There are body scrubs for areas where the skin is particularly tough and callused, such as elbows and heels, and scrubs for more delicate areas such as the lips.
- Use a scrub containing an abrasive exfoliating element, such as sugar, for very stubborn areas. If you use such a product, then you will need to moisturize your skin by applying a lotion or body butter.
- Use a scrub containing a moisturizing exfoliant, such as sugar, for the rest of your body.
- If you want to use the scrub on the face or lips, avoid the abrasive exfoliant. Use essential oils and dyes in moderation to prevent irritation.
Step 2. Choose the exfoliant
You will need to use 2 parts of exfoliant and 1 part of carrier oil. There are several types of exfoliants you can put in your scrub, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks.
- Epsom salts are great for detoxifying and moisturizing the skin. They are not very abrasive and can be used for the rest of the body.
- Ground coffee helps tighten blood vessels and can help make varicose veins disappear for a while. In addition, it gives the skin shine.
- Oats are delicate and moisturizing. In addition, it helps the skin to be softer.
- Salt is more aggressive and abrasive than other exfoliants, making it perfect for stubborn and more callused areas like elbows, knees and heels. Sea salt is perfect for detoxifying the skin and unclogging pores.
- Sugar is the most common exfoliant in body scrubs. It is gentler than other exfoliants, such as salt, and is great for rehydrating the skin. You can use white or brown sugar.
Step 3. Choose the carrier oil (also called base oil)
You will use 1 part of oil and 2 part of exfoliant. There are many types of oil that you can use, the important thing is that it is intended for use in the kitchen. Each will have different characteristics, such as scent and texture, and some help relieve skin problems, such as dryness.
- Avocado oil is rich, thick and moisturizing. It is very good for dry and sensitive skin.
- Coconut oil is thick, refined and moisturizing. You will need to melt it first in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave.
- Grapeseed oil has a sweet and delicate scent. It is also more liquid than other oils. It is not absorbed as easily as sunflower oil and leaves a thin film on the skin.
- Macadamia oil is thick and moisturizing, perfect for dry skin.
- Olive oil is the most common carrier oil. It is easy to find and suitable for all skin types.
- Sesame seed oil has medium density and is easily absorbed. It is good for all skin types.
- Rapeseed oil has medium density and is quickly absorbed. It is great for dry and sensitive skin.
- Sunflower oil is more liquid than others. It is good for all skin types, which absorb it quickly.
- Sweet almond oil smells of walnut and has a sweet scent. It has medium density but is easily and quickly absorbed by the skin.
Step 4. You can also replace the carrier oil
If you don't want to use an oil, you can replace it with something else. Or you can mix the base oil with another liquid ingredient. For instance:
- Honey can be a substitute for oil or used together with it. It is a great cleanser and moisturizer. It is also used for lip scrubs.
- Milk softens and moisturizes the skin. It will allow you to create a more liquid scrub. You can add it to the oil or use it instead. If you add milk to the scrub, you need to consume it within a few days.
- Yogurt is perfect for moisturizing and brightening the skin. Like honey, it can replace oil or be used with it. If you use yogurt for scrub, you will need to consume it within a few days.
Step 5. Decide if and which essential oils to add to the scrub
Essential oils not only make it fragrant, but can also be useful for solving some skin problems, such as acne or excessive dryness. Some essential oils are also used in aromatherapy and can help you improve mood.
- The essential oils of lavender, rose and sandalwood are calming and relaxing.
- The essential oils of grapefruit and lemon are energizing.
- Peppermint essential oil and peppermint oil have cooling properties and are great for callused areas such as heels.
- Bergamot essential oil is good for all skin types. It is also a valuable aid against acne and eczema.
- Lavender essential oil not only smells good and helps relax the senses, but is excellent for dry and mature skin.
- Rosemary essential oil has a fresh and woody scent. It is good for all skin types, including mature ones. In addition, it helps oily and acne-prone skin.
- Sandalwood oil is good for all skin types, including sensitive ones. Helps rehydrate the driest ones.
- Tea tree oil is perfect for all skin types, especially for oily ones and is an aid against acne.
- Ylang ylang essential oil is excellent for oily skin. It is also a home remedy for acne. Try using it in a face scrub.
Step 6. Decide what other beneficial effects you want your scrub to have
Do you just want it to exfoliate your skin or do you want it to have other properties as well?
- Activated charcoal is great for facial scrubs. You can mix it with other exfoliants, like sugar, or use it in place of one of them. It is great for purifying the skin and for eliminating blackheads.
- Baking soda is also perfect for facial scrubs and is often used as a home remedy for acne. It is used as an exfoliant or in addition to others.
- Cocoa and shea butter make the scrub nourishing and moisturizing. You will need to melt them in the microwave before adding them to the product.
- You can also add herbal infusions to the scrub. There are many types of herbal teas that help solve various skin problems. Chamomile and green tea are suitable for all skin types. Peppermint, sage, and thyme are great for oily skin, while calendula, lavender, and rose benefit dry skin.
- Lemon and grapefruit juice give freshness and brightness. In addition, they add a good scent to the scrub.
Step 7. Decide whether to give your product a particular look
You can leave it natural, as it is, or add dyes or glitter.
- Mica powder, available from soap stores, will make your scrub sparkle.
- Soap dyes will give it a pop of color. You can find them in liquid, solid or poor form.
- You can also use food coloring.
- The fruit will also give color to the scrub and, in addition, will add a fragrance. Crush some berries or lemon squeeze to get the juice and add it to the product. If you use these fresh ingredients, you will need to consume the scrub within a few days.
- Avoid using glitter or dyes if you are making a lip product. Instead, add cocoa butter or lip balm.
Part 2 of 3: Mix the Ingredients
Step 1. Put the exfoliant of your choice in a bowl
You can start with 240ml of exfoliant or use 2 parts exfoliant and 1 part carrier oil.
Step 2. Add the carrier oil
Start with 60-120ml of oil. The less oil you use, the more abrasive the scrub will be; the more oil you put, the more moisturizing the scrub will be. You can also use 1 part oil and 2 parts exfoliant.
- Alternatively, replace the oil with honey, milk or yogurt.
- If the carrier oil you have chosen is particularly thick, such as coconut oil, you will need to melt it in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave.
Step 3. Mix the ingredients
Use a large wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients. The exfoliant will not dissolve completely, which is exactly the desired result. The final consistency of the scrub should be grainy. If you want the product to be more abrasive, add more exfoliant. If you want it to be softer and more delicate, then add more oil.
At this point, put the scrub in a jar, or continue adding the other ingredients
Step 4. Combine essential oils
If you want to add them to the scrub, now is the time to do it. The ideal amount is between 5 and 10 drops. If you are preparing a minimal amount of scrub, so you use little exfoliator and little oil, you will also need to decrease the amount of essential oils.
Step 5. Add other ingredients if necessary
If you have decided to put other elements in the scrub, such as honey, fruit juices or dyes, do so now.
- If you use solid dyes or food dyes, start with a few drops. Don't overdo it, or you risk dyeing your skin. The color should be discreet and pale.
- If you're using powdered dyes or mica powder, start by adding a pinch or two. As with liquids, don't overdo it or you'll risk staining your skin.
- If you use other ingredients, such as butter, herbal teas, honey, juice, and yogurt, start with a spoon and continue adding little by little until you reach the desired consistency. If you're doing little scrub, start with a smaller amount, like a teaspoon.
- If the scrub becomes too liquid and begins to lose its grainy texture, the exfoliating elements are probably settling to the bottom. Give it a nice stir. If this is not needed, it is because you have added too many additives. To remedy this, you'll need to add more exfoliant.
Step 6. Stir the scrub again
When you have added all the ingredients, including essential oils, additives and dyes, mix the product to combine all the elements.
Step 7. Put the scrub in a container
Once all the ingredients are mixed, transfer the scrub to a container and store it in the fridge. Use the container you prefer, the important thing is that it has a lid. The best are those that screw or lock with a safety.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Scrub
Step 1. Store the scrub in the refrigerator
Since it is homemade, it does not contain the preservatives that are usually found in commercial products. Keep the container tightly closed and refrigerated when you are not using the product.
Step 2. Use the scrub while taking a bath or shower
Rub it on your skin when you wash. Make sure you rinse yourself well.
If you use a lip scrub, rub it on the desired area and then rinse it off
Step 3. Don't use the scrub every day
At most, once or twice a week. If you use it too often, you could over-exfoliate your skin and irritate it.
Step 4. You could make some scrubs to give as gifts
A homemade scrub can be a perfect customizable gift for birthdays, bridesmaids, Mother's Day and other occasions. Put the scrub in a glass jar and give it away. You can also customize the packaging:
- Design and print a colored label. You can attach it to the jar or lid.
- Paint the lid of the jar a color that matches that of the scrub.
- With blackboard effect paint, paint a piece of the jar and then use chalk to write a message on the label thus created when the paint is dry.
- Wrap some string or ribbon around the jar.
Step 5. You could also sell your scrubs
Homemade cosmetics are very popular, so you could start a small business by starting to sell them. You could open an online store or sell your products during food and wine fairs and markets.
If you sell your products online, don't prepare them in advance. Body scrubs are perishable and you would risk selling a product that has already expired or will expire before the customer can use it
Advice
- Prepare a stock of scrubs so you can sell them to markets or give them away.
- Make sure you rinse your body well or your skin will remain sticky. If any scrub residue remains, wipe it off with soap.
- Decorate the containers to give a personalized touch.
Warnings
- If you are allergic to nuts, do not use nut-based oils or butter.
- Don't eat the scrub. Even if you only use edible ingredients, such as honey and sugar, don't eat it.
- Use essential oils in moderation as they may cause allergies. If you think you may be allergic to an essential oil, dilute it with a little base oil, such as olive oil, and spread a little bit of it on the inside of the elbow. If the skin does not get irritated in the next 24 hours, then it is likely that you are not allergic to that oil.
