Honey scrub is an ideal product for moisturizing lips and eliminating dead cells. Making it at home is fun, not to mention that you can customize it exactly to your needs. Remember that the lip area is very sensitive, so do not do this treatment more than 1 or 2 times a week.
Ingrediants
- 15 g of honey
- 5 ml of olive oil (or another natural oil)
- 15 g of sugar (extra fine / granulated or muscovado is recommended)
Optional
- 5 g of shea butter or 5 ml of coconut oil
- 0.5 ml of vanilla extract
- 2 drops of essential oil (read the instructions to find out more)
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparation
Step 1. Heat a spoonful of honey in the microwave
Measure 15 g. Let it heat up in the microwave for about 20 seconds - the honey should be almost completely liquid. This way, mixing it with sugar becomes quick and easy.
Step 2. Pour in some natural oil
Add 5ml of oil for a smooth scrub and further moisturize your lips. Olive, jojoba, and sweet almond oils are all viable options that keep the exfoliator light.
Step 3. Add a spoonful of sugar
It incorporates 15 g of sugar, an exfoliating agent that eliminates dead cells. Many prefer muscovado sugar, which can be slightly softer than granulated sugar. For sensitive or irritated lips, use extra-fine (granulated) sugar instead, which contains particularly small and delicate grains.
- Lips don't actually have more than that many dead cells. In general, it is enough to exfoliate them lightly, especially if the surrounding skin is cracked, but often what really matters is to moisturize them. This scrub does both.
- If all the sugar dissolves, just add a little more until you get a slightly grainy mixture.
Step 4. Massage the mixture into your lips
Dip a clean finger or cotton swab into the scrub, making sure to pick up a few grains of sugar. Gently massage it into your lips for about 10 seconds. Some sugar may dissolve, while other specks will remain on the lips.
Step 5. Leave it on for two minutes
Exfoliation shouldn't last more than a few seconds, but this scrub can also moisturize lips, soothe cracks and wounds.
Step 6. Rinse with warm water, but you can also decide to lick it
Don't be ashamed: it has an inviting scent! Once eliminated, mirror yourself to see the result. If it has done its homework, the lips will look fresher and will be smoother to the touch.
If you want to keep them hydrated for a long time, apply a homemade lip balm after rinsing
Step 7. Save the rest of the scrub
Packing an old eyeshadow or lip balm that you've finished will do just fine, although you should sterilize it to prevent germs from proliferating. Depending on the freshness of the oil, the product usually lasts about 1 or 2 weeks in the refrigerator, after which it becomes moldy or rancid.
- If the honey crystallizes, simply place the container in a shallow bowl that you have filled with hot tap water. Wait for it to melt.
- Honey is a natural preservative, so it's safer than many other homemade scrubs. When diluted, it is much less effective, so remember that the scrub won't last long because it also contains an oil.
Part 2 of 2: Variants
Step 1. Adjust the proportions of the ingredients
This recipe has many variations. The choice depends solely on personal needs. If this scrub doesn't suit you, try the following tweaks:
- If your lips are particularly dry, add another 10ml of oil.
- If your lips are sore or chapped, add more honey to make the scrub feel soft against the skin.
- If your lips are still chapped after exfoliation, try applying a balm first. You can also add more sugar to the scrub, but this can have an adverse effect, as it risks cracking and damaging the skin.
Step 2. For more hydration, switch to a more full-bodied oil
Shea butter and coconut oil contain beneficial fats that make both skin and lips soft and supple. Beat the product to make it smoother, then add 5ml to the scrub, or replace the oil completely.
- If these products are too greasy for your taste, try jojoba oil or another light oil that is especially moisturizing.
- Petroleum jelly is not ideal for such a scrub, as the lips will not absorb it. It is best used for a lip balm, as it retains hydration and prevents water from evaporating.
Step 3. Flavor the scrub with vanilla extract
Is it possible to make a sugar and honey scrub even more delicious? Here is the answer: add 0.5 ml of vanilla or other extract, the important thing is that it is food.
These extracts contain alcohol, which can dry out the lips
Step 4. Carefully add essential oils
These products perfume the scrub and in some cases are good, but many can burn the lips or even cause intoxication if swallowed. Before adding an essential oil to your exfoliant or lip balm, ask a doctor or an experienced herbalist for advice. If you find a safe option, use no more than 2 or 3 drops (or 1-2 drops per 15ml of scrub).
- Essential oils of lavender, sweet orange, and green mandarin are usually safe on the lips.
- Essential oils of peppermint, spearmint, field mint, and tea tree are often chosen, but should never be used by children. In addition, excessive use can also dry out the lips.
- Synthetic aroma oils are non-natural alternatives that are generally safe for the lips.
Advice
A dark, non-transparent container can increase the life of the lip scrub
Warnings
- Most citrus-containing scrubs (including lemon, bergamot, and grapefruit) can irritate the skin and cause photosensitivity. Lips are particularly vulnerable.
- The larger the sugar grains, the more likely they will crack and cause lip pain. Raw sugar is particularly aggressive, but white and muscovado sugar can also be painful for those with sensitive skin and lips.
