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10 DIY Body Scrubs and their benefits
All under 5 ingredients!
Welcome to a new month! February will be full of posts about Winter Fashion & Beauty! This first post is a beauty/self-care idea that will keep your skin healthy through this rough winter. Body scrubs are something I have been practicing for several years on clients in Spa settings as well as my own Massage Therapy business. I also apply a body scrub to myself at least once a week, especially in the Winter! Depending on what ingredients are involved, body scrubs have several benefits. They may benefit your skin by exfoliating and polishing off dead skin cells, evening out/correcting skin tone, moisturize the skin, and possibly leave it with a healthy glow.
When you get a scrub at a Spa, you are usually put through a longer treatment that allows the scrub to really sink in. Did you know you can also give yourself a decent body scrub at home with a much simpler process? You can make your own DIY body scrubs that you can wash right off. DIY body scrubs are super easy to make, and you can get creative as you want! I compiled a list of a few favorites that are quick and require less than 5 ingredients. Typically, scubs consists of an exfoliant, a liquid, and add-ins for scents and more benefits. I usually like to add in essential oils. You can learn more about those in this post.
Salt vs Sugar
I usually use salt or sugar as the exfoliant. What is the difference? Sugar granules are usually smaller and wash off or dissolve easier. They are better for sensitive skin. Salt can be more abrasive and therefore better for dryer areas, and usually leave the skin “glowing.” I have been trying to use more sugarless/sugar-free products and organic products (as you can read more about in this post.) An Aldi near me had a good deal on organic sugar, and a local grocery store had sea salt that was cut smaller (so less abrasive on my sensitive skin.) Side note: I have also heard of other ingredients being used as the main exfoliant including epsom salts, oatmeal, coffee grounds, rice, and baking soda.
10 DIY Body Scrubs
Each scrub recipe makes 1-2 cups. They also make great homemade gifts! I found cute little plastic cups with lids to give out single use amounts to massage clients. See below post for other recommendations for storing.
Type of scrub |
Exfoliant |
Liquid |
Oil or scent |
Other ingredients |
Honey Salt Scrub |
Sea Salt 1 cup |
Olive oil ½ cup |
Optional essential oil |
Honey 1/3 cup |
Peppermint Salt Scrub |
Sea Salt ¼ cup |
Coconut oil ¼ cup |
Peppermint Essential Oil 4-6 drops |
Optional tsp Almond or grapeseed oil |
Lavender Salt Scrub |
Sea Salt ¼ cup |
Coconut oil ¼ cup |
Lavender Essential Oil 4-6 drops |
Optional tsp Almond or grapeseed oil |
Green Tea Sugar Scrub |
Granulated Sugar 1 cup |
Grapeseed oil 1/8 cup (or olive oil) |
Brewed Green Tea 1/8 cup |
1 bag green tea |
Coffee Sugar Scrub |
Granulated Sugar 1 cup |
Coconut oil ½ cup |
Grinded Coffee grounds 1 cup |
|
Vanilla Sugar Scrub |
Granulated Sugar 1 cup |
Coconut oil ¼ cup |
Vanilla Extract 1/2 tsp |
|
Sea Salt Scrub |
Sea Salt 1 cup |
Coconut oil ½ cup |
5-10 drops any essential oil |
|
Banana Coconut Sugar Scrub |
Granulated Sugar 1 cup |
Coconut oil 1/2 cup |
1 Ripe mashed banana |
Coconut butter ¼ cup |
Chocolate Sugar Scrub |
Granulated Sugar 1 cup |
Coconut oil 1/8 cup |
Cocoa powder ¼ cup |
|
Pumpkin Spice Salt Scrub |
Sea Salt 1 cup |
Pumpkin Puree ½ cup |
Pumpkin Pie Spice 1 tsp |
Honey Salt Scrub
This scrub is great for both exfoliating and moisturizing. Honey is a super healthy ingredient in itself. Heat this scrub up and it feels really good! Be sure when making it to add the sea salt and olive oil together first before adding the honey or it might have trouble mixing. You can also add a few drops of essential oil for more benefits.
Peppermint Salt Scrub
Peppermint is wonderful for just about anything! Makes a great Christmas scent too if you are making this for Christmas gifts. Add a teaspoon of almond of grapeseed oil for extra moisture.
Lavender Salt Scrub
Basically the same is the peppermint salt scrub, but with lavender essential oil. Lavender is one of my favorites because this has many benefits as well. It is extra relaxing, and great for soothing any skin issues.
Green Tea Sugar Scrub
This makes for a milder scented scrub. Green tea is said to increase fat burning, improve brain function, and provide the body with antioxidants. Directions: Brew the green tea first and allow it to cool while you get everything else together. Mix everything together and dump the contents of the tea bag in with it.
Coffee Sugar Scrub
This one might be good to gift the men! This is the easiest coffee scrub recipe I found. Coffee grounds make a good exfoliant, and are said to reduce cellulite!
Vanilla Sugar Scrub
This is a great, basic sugar scrub recipe. Start here, and than add in whatever you would like. I recommend peppermint oil to turn this into a candy cane scent! Vanilla is a pleasing aroma to pretty much anyone.
Sea Salt Scrub
Basic Sea Salt scrub recipe. Add in essential oil of choice, or other add-in. Easy to customize! May leave your skin smooth and glowing!
Banana Coconut Sugar Scrub
A more summertime scent with even more benefits thanks to the banana! Bananas are high in Vitamins B6 and C as well as antioxidants. The sugar removes old skin cells while the coconut butter and coconut oil work as moisturizers. If you want to add more moisturizers to your scrubs try coconut or shea butters.
Chocolate Sugar Scrub
For Chocolate lovers! Who does not love chocolate? Only 3 ingredients makes the perfect gift for anyone, or special treat for yourself!
Pumpkin Spice Salt Scrub
A great Fall scent! Pumpkin is high in vitamins A and C, and can soften skin while boosting collagen production.
I hope you try at least one of these easy DIY body scrubs! Please leave me a comment on how you made out!
Thanks for reading!
Jillian
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Tags: body care, body scrub, body scrubs, healthy, healthy living, sea salt scrub, selfcare, sugar scrub
Ooh, I love the little chart of how to make each one and that you listed the different beneficial uses for each scrub. Super helpful! I have sensitive skin, too, so knowing that tidbit of info about salt vs sugar in the first paragraph is much appreciated.
Thanks! Depending on what brand of ingredients you use and how thick you like your scrub, some of the measurements might need to be tweaked.
I love your chart! I had no idea the different exfoliants had such different benefits — that is so interesting. I cannot wait to come back after I gather up some ingredients and make a scrub for myself. My dry winter skin is craving a bit of a fresh start about now. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing — such a great post!
Your welcome! Enjoy!