LOVE THY SELF – The How, Why, and Who of Body Scrubs

While we often concentrate on maintaining the skin on our face, the skin on our body should have equal attention. Body scrubs are an excellent way to take care of the beautiful skin we are in – it shows self care, self love, and self preservation!

THE HOW -- Body scrubs are designed to address the skin renewal process and allow for better product absorption for things like tanning agents and moisturizers. Body scrubs are also helpful in detoxification and removal of oil to help for cleaner and clearer skin.

The WHY --- Scrubs often do not get the level of consideration they should. Consider what your skin reacts to and why you enjoy something – do you need a quick glow? Are you looking to repair damaged sunburn skin? Does it smell delicious? Think about how it appeals to you and what you want to accomplish.

The WHO -- Take a look at the breakdown below to see which one works for you (and a DIY recipe!).

SALT, SUGAR, and OTHER SCRUBS

Salt Scrubs – depending on the salts used – are designed for removal and detoxification. They tend to be a bit harsher and are not ideal for sensitive skin. A large and coarse salt is mixed with moisturizing oils to helps slough and detoxify the skin, creating a smoother and fresher surface. They are excellent to use before the shower and for general upkeep. Salt Scrubs are especially nice in the winter as they can help to take off blahs and the most amount of buildup.

There are many types of salts used in a body scrub and each have a specific purpose. You want to go for high mineral content salts and make sure the oils and ingredients you combine with it are aimed at healing and moisture.

Sugar Scrubs - Unlike salt scrubs, sugar ones use a smaller granular to help turn the skin from dull to vibrant. Sugar scrubs are ideal for the summer because of the high amount of moisture they provide from the sugar. They also help to give a beautiful afterglow. They are easier to remove because many times your skin will simply absorb the scrub. They are ideal for more sensitive skin. They work perfect with heavier oils and deliver a perfect afterglow that is excellent for summer beach days!

There are several ways to make a scrub and not all have to be in salt or sugar. A perfect scrub for anyone who enjoys tanning or is about to get a spray tan is one that has minimal to no oil. It is harder to do that with a salt or sugar, so we use alternative products that can be beneficial and stimulating. Coffee grounds are an excellent manual body scrub. The lack of oil means the tan will retain longer and the coffee grounds on their own help to energize the skin. Coffee grounds also help to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite by stimulating the fat cells and causing them to dilate.

FAVORITE SCRUBS

Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Oil Body Polish

https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/collections/body-1/products/coco-rose-body-polish

This popular US organic brand from Seattle offers up their scrub as a beautifying body polish. Utilizing sugar as the polishing agent, it also has repairative rose and coconut in its ingredients. The one thing that sets it apart is the beautiful French pink clay that helps to tighten the skin while scrubbing it.

OleHenriksen Rub n’ Buff Transforming Salt Scrub

This salt scrub truly lives up to its name. It transforms the skin with sea salt, lemongrass essential oil, and sweet almond oil. It is not heavy despite the almond oil and leaves the skin supple and smooth. This is a great one for really rough areas like knees and elbows.

https://www.olehenriksen.com/products/body/rub-n-buff-transforming-salt-scrub/20199.html

DIY RADIANT BODY SCRUB

While you can most certainly buy a scrub in several different brands, this is one of the few beauty products that is very easy to make yourself. Below is my recipe for a glowing salt scrub that is full of anti-aging, toning, and circulating benefits for the body.

Ingredients

· Himalayan Pink Salt - believed to be composed of dried particles from the sea, this salt comes in many sizes and is both anti-bacterial and can help balance your pH.

· Epsom Salt – high in mineral content, Epsom salt helps add much needed magnesium to your skin. Magnesium has shown reduced outbreaks of acne and eczema in some cases.

· ¼ cup organic Jojoba Oil – this nourishing oil is the closest oil to our body’s own hydrolipid film

· ½ cup organic Avocado Oil – this versatile oil has potassium, lecithin, and many other nutrients that can feed and treat the skin

· Tangerine Essential Oil (2-5 drops) – natural antiseptic and mood lifter

· Grapefruit Essential Oil (2-5 drops) -circulation booster and lymphatic stimulant

· Organic Hyaluronic Acid (2-6 pumps) – I like to use Asherwood Organic Hyaluronic Acid but any organic and pure hyaluronic will work.

· Vitamin C Serum (2-4 drops) – use your favorite brand to add in a healthy antioxidant for your skin

Combine equal parts salts and add in rest of ingredients in a glass container with a lid. Flip over and allow the ingredients to blend together for at least 24 hours. When ready, apply small amounts of scrub in a circular motion over all parts of the skin. Avoid sensitive areas. Concentrate on your décolletage, arms, and legs and rougher areas. Immediately follow with a luke warm shower and body oil for a bright skin.

Our bodies deserve the absolute best care. Try taking a few minutes once or twice a week to do something special for yourself. Taking the time to do a body scrub will give you a much needed boost inside and out. Have you ever made a body scrub or have a favorite? If so, please share below!