DIY sugar body scrub recipes and tips for proper exfoliation procedures
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Homemade sugar body scrub recipes are widely popular and this type of homemade cosmetic product is really easy to prepare. What is sugar scrub? Do you need to use it? Why is it good for your skin? How to use and store it? We shall give you the answers of all these questions and of course, some easy recipes that you can prepare at home.
To begin with – what is sugar scrub? Sugar scrub is a cosmetic product which allows you to exfoliate dead cells from the upper layer of the skin at home. Sugar scrubs are characterized with the presence of large particles in their composition. It is these particles that best stimulate skin cells and, in addition, they contribute to the burning of subcutaneous fat during friction. Another important feature of sugar scrub is that its components quite gently cleanse the skin without damaging or scratching it.After removing these particles, all cells are saturated with oxygen, and after that the skin becomes softer and smoother. Finding a body sugar scrub in the store is not a problem but many women prefer to make one of their own. A homemade body scrub is a cosmetic product which you can make from natural and absolutely safe ingredients. Plain white sugar can be found in almost any kitchen. It is an excellent component for making a sweet body scrub.
What are the benefits of homemade sugar body scrub?
Everyone knows what baby skin feels like – soft, delicate and very smooth. With age, the processes of skin regeneration slow down, elasticity is replaced by sagging and dryness. That is why proper and regular skin care becomes especially important. As we already said, scrub is any cosmetic product containing small abrasive particles and binding nutrient components. There are numerous DIY sugar scrub recipes suitable for every taste and budget. You can use a wide variety of ingredients for deep skin cleansing – aromatic herbs and spices, nutritious fruits and berries, natural oils, etc. The most commonly used exfoliating particles are ground coffee, apricot or grape seeds, salt and sugar.
Unlike salt based exfoliating products a woman will not experience discomfort, since sugar will not cause a characteristic tingling. Cosmetics are not cheap, so you can save a lot by preparing a scrub yourself. Another advantage of using homemade scrub is the natural composition of the exfoliating agent. A woman can choose components that will not harm the health of the skin and will not cause an allergic reaction.
Sugar contains glycolic acid, which protects the skin from toxic substances. It also retains moisture in the body, activates the synthesis of elastin and collagen.
Monosaccharides slightly bronze the skin, giving a light shade of tan and tighten the skin, making small wrinkles less noticeable.
Further to that, a homemade sugar scrub improves blood circulation in tissues, removes dead cells, cleans pores, eliminates dust and greasy shine, promotes saturation of cells with oxygen, etc. The active ingredients moisturize and restore the epidermis and the nourishing components make the skin softer.
Sugar scrub is a unique cosmetic product that allows simultaneous skin cleansing, toning and nutrition. This type of scrub is considered universal, as it is ideal for different types of skin.
Who should not use sugar body scrub – considerations that you need to keep in mind
Exfoliation procedures in some cases can be both beneficial and harmful to the body. You should avoid using body scrubs, including sugar based ones in the following cases:
If your skin is very sensitive. The abrasive particles can damage the skin and even make scratches.
If the skin is irritated after shaving or has open wounds the scrub will only worsen existing problems.
In case you are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the fact that most often scrub recipes contain fairly strong allergens.
In you are prone to allergic reactions. In this case, it is necessary to make a test by applying some of the scrub on the wrist and see the reaction.
In case of severe sunburn. . You need to give the body a couple of weeks to recover.
If you suffer from phlebeurysm. The use of scrubs is possible only if they contain small abrasives and with light rubbing. If the veins are noticeably dilated, specialist advice is required.
How often can you use a homemade body scrub?
It is better not to use a scrub every day otherwise you can harm your skin. Excessive exfoliation can make it dry, sensitive and irritated.
It is safe to carry out the procedure two to three times a week. But if your skin is dry and sensitive, you can only do this once a week. If you have a skin disease, talk to a dermatologist about how and how many times you are allowed to use a scrub.
How to use homemade sugar scrub properly?
In order to get the maximum benefit from your homemade scrub, you should follow some simple rules. It is important to know how to use this product. As we mentioned above, it is not recommended using products containing abrasive particles every day.
First you need to steam the body well and thoroughly cleanse the skin from dirt and dust. You can use any mild cleanser. When the pores open you can make a short massage. This will activate blood circulation. You can apply the scrub with gloves and rub it in a circular motion.
Exfoliation is done from the feet up the legs, from the palms to the shoulders, rubbing the stomach in a circle, but be careful with delicate chest skin. Do not apply a scrub on the neck, armpits and inner thighs.
Leave the scrub on the body for five to fifteen minutes. Then you need to take a warm shower and rinse it.
Apply a moisturizer or lotion on the skin.
For oily skin, exfoliation is recommended twice a week, for all other skin types – once a week.
How to make your own sugar body scrub?
Before choosing the best recipes, you need to understand the basics of making a body scrub.
You should choose fine sugar for sensitive skin and for normal or oily skin – medium ground sugar.
Additional components in this cosmetic product can be oils, honey, cereals, clay, coffee, salt, shower gel, water, kefir, sour cream, fruits and berries, spices and herbs, and even vegetables. Natural oils and creams provide nutrients and hydrate the skin.
In all cases, first mix the dry components, and then add liquid ingredients. Mix everything well and at the end, you can add essential oils.
The scrub can be stored in a beautiful jar.
How to store homemade sugar scrub?
Homemade scrubs do not have a long shelf life. Therefore, you should not prepare large quantities and store them for a long time. It is better to experiment with the ingredients and try to use freshly prepared scrubs.
If there is no water in your homemade scrub, then you can store it for about a month. Oil-based scrubs are sometimes frozen in cubes, so the oil will gradually heat up and soak into the skin.
It is better not to store scrub containing fresh fruits and vegetables, but to prepare a new batch each time.
Easy homemade sugar body scrub recipes to try at home
It is important to know that homemade body scrubs are for use only on your body, not on your face. The skin on your face is more sensitive than the skin on your whole body.
DIY Coffee scrub recipe
Coffee is a popular ingredient for many body scrubs. Ground coffee has a gentle effect on the skin and does not injure it, while effectively removing dead cells from the surface.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coffee grounds
- 2 tbsp. hot water
- 1 tbsp. melted coconut oil
Directions:
Add coffee grounds and hot water into a bowl. Mix thoroughly with a spoon.
Add coconut oil and mix.
If necessary, add more ground coffee or oil to get the right consistency.
When you are satisfied with the consistency, transfer the mixture into a container.
Green tea sugar scrub
Ingredients:
- 2 bags of green tea
- 1/2 cup of hot water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
Directions:
Add tea sachets to hot water. Let the tea steep until it cools.
While the tea is cooling, mix brown sugar and coconut oil to a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Once the tea has cooled, add it to the sugar mixture. It is important that the tea is cold so that the sugar does not dissolve.
If the mixture is too dry, add more coconut oil. If too soggy, add more brown sugar.
When you reach the desired consistency, transfer your scrub into a container.
Grapefruit and mint body scrub
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup white sugar
- Zest of 1 grapefruit
- 1 tbsp grapefruit juice
- 10 drops peppermint oil
- 25 drops grapefruit oil
- ¼ tsp beet juice (optional for color)
Directions:
Mix coconut oil and sugar in a bowl.
Add grapefruit zest and juice. Stir to combine.
Add essential oils and a few drops of beet juice.
Mix well and transfer your scrub into a container.
Add tea sachets to hot water. Let the tea steep until it cools.
Peach sugar scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 4 drops peach essential oil
- 3 drops champagne flavoring
- 3-4 drops Vitamin E
- 1-2 drops food coloring, optional
Directions:
In a medium mixing bowl, add the sugar and coconut oil. Stir until well combined.
Add the peach and champagne flavors as well as food coloring, if using. Mix well to distribute the color evenly.
Add the Vitamin E oil and mix well.
Transfer to an airtight container and store up to 3 months.
Rose Petal Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried rose petals
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2/3 cup coconut oil
- 6-8 drops of essential oil, optional lavender, vanilla, lemon or other of your choice
Directions:
Pulse the petals in a food processor until they become tiny flakes.
Add coconut oil and essential oil.
Mix well and then spoon into a storage container.
Lilac sugar body scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lilac sugar
- 1/2 cup organic coconut oil
- zest of one organic lime or lemon
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Directions:
Mix sugar and coconut oil in a bowl.
Add lemon/lime zest and juice.
Mix and spoon into a jar.
Homemade Lavender Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- Purple food coloring, optional
- Dried lavender flowers or buds
- 15 drops Lavender essential oil
Directions:
Mix the sugar and coconut oil in a large bowl.
Add dried lavender flowers, essential oil and food coloring, if using.
Mix well and transfer your sugar scrub into a container.