Body pampering and scrubs are the best at-home treats I love to give myself year-round, especially during the holidays and during the dry winter months. What I love, too, is that I can make enough for myself to enjoy and they make AWESOME gifts for my girlfriends. These are gifts that will be treasured AND used, I guarantee. You will be thought of and thanked every time they step in the shower! Give yourself the gift of glowing, body-licious, beautiful skin and let the oils also either calm or give you a mood boost. I’ve also put together a few of my favorite recipes for you to try.
Which to use, Salt or Sugar?
As many of you know, both are great exfoliators (the removal of dead skin cells to allow the skin underneath to become more hydrated and rejuvenated) promoting rapid skin cell turnover. They work wonders in cleansing our pores of dirt and toxins, leaving our skin looking and feeling glowing.
Salts can make wonderful foot scrubs, or are healthy for soaking in the tub!
Salts (I always recommend organic as a healthier option)
What I’ve learned is that salt scrubs are “sharper” and a bit more abrasive. They work wonders at smoothing my heels and elbows-the really rough areas. I never use them on my face. I indulged with a full body salt scrub at a spa onetime and have to be honest-it was painful. Most salt scrubs use sea salts of some type, which as you know can be coarser. The minerals in these salts have wonderful detoxifying agents: calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. I find them best while soaking in the tub. You may have seen some of these: Dead Sea Salts from Israel, Himalayan and even Epsom salts.
Sugar (I always recommend organic as a healthier option)
There are several types of sugar, but try to choose organic and fine, for gentle scrubs.
These are much gentler due to the roundness of the granules, thus not “cutting” into the skin. Sugar also dissolves quickly and easily in warm to hot water. They are less drying. And when using natural sugars you do get the nutritious benefits of sugar cane. It is also loaded with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron; along with a complete profile of essential amino-acids that help burn fat and build muscle. Sugar sizes also come in various sizes-fine, medium and course. I usually choose fine when making scrubs.
Two more Pluses for Sugar
• The glycolic acid content of sugar helps protect skin against harmful toxins
• Conditions and moisturizes skin
Note: never use either a salt of sugar scrub on your face. Too rough!
Because I tend to prefer sugar scrubs, here are three of my favorites, easiest to make, and those best for gifting to my friends! You might even make one of each and give them a set!
Easy Sugar Scrub Recipes Using Coconut Oil!
I love the way coconut oil feels on my skin! There are lots of oils out there to use, but I like coconut so here you go. I always look for an organic brand. Boost your circulation and skin tone with these Body-Licious Sugar Scrubs!! Double or triple recipes for gifts!
This scrub is both moisturizing and calming!
Whipped Coconut Oil Scrub-For Calm
1/2 cup coconut oil, in solid form
3/4 – 1 cup cane sugar
10 drops lavender essential oil
Whip coconut oil in a standing mixer on medium speed for 10 minutes, then stir in sugar and essential oils. Pop in a cute little jar and add a tag for a gift! (shelf life approx. 6 months)
Chocolate Coconut Sugar Scrub
This scrub is just the ultimate in pampering, but don’t eat it!
1 cup loosely packed organic brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil in solid form
1/3 cup almond oil
2 Tablespoons unsweetened organic cocoa powder
a few drops of coconut extract
Add all ingredients together in a large bowl and mix until combined. Sometimes mixing with the back of a spoon until the coconut oil all breaks down is easier than a blender. Put into a cute little jar and add a tag for a gift! (shelf-life approx. 6 months)
Citrus Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub-For Mood Boosting
I love citrus scrubs first thing in the morning for waking up!
1/2 cup organic coconut oil, in solid form
3/4 cup granulated cane sugar
10 drops organic lemon or orange essential oil (You may decrease or increase drops based on preference)
Combine all ingredients whipping in a mixer or by hand. Pop into a little jar and add a tag for a gift! (shelf life approx. 6 months)
Remember to pamper yourself this holiday season. There’s nothing like feeling soft and silky as you either start or end your day. Maybe you do BOTH! Your skin and spirit will thank you. I don’t know any woman who doesn’t enjoy pampering and believe me when I tell you that your friends WILL thank you and WILL use these gifts. You’re sharing love and a few minutes of your time. A dear friend of mine gave me a jar of homemade scented body butter last year and it was gone by the end of January!
Be well and pampered friends!
Sources:
Brittany-EatingBirdFood.com
Suki Kramer-Happi-April 2013
Jessica Mercant –How Sweet It Is
New Leaf Wellness
Raw Cane Juices
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