Let's Talk Sugar Scrubs!

So a few weeks ago, we released our sugar scrub! Personally, I am a big fan of having a good quality scrub on hand, especially during the winter months (though I've been known to use it during the summer as well since smooth skin takes makeup application so much easier!). I try to use a scrub about once or twice a week to keep me flake-free.

I've been testing scrubs for several months, and finally settled on a soap base that's extra packed with moisturizing shea and mango butters, as well as a healthy dose of coconut oil. At its core is a whipped soap developed by us, which allows our scrub to rinse clean away while leaving behind just the right level of moisture for freshly-scrubbed skin. Just check out the first three ingredients: sugar, shea butter and mango butter!

Being an emulsified scrub, this will not leave your tub greasy and it will rinse away with minimal effort. I like to dampen my skin, scrub away (concentrating on flakier areas), and then I like to let it sit for a couple minutes to let all the goodness inside have a chance to soak in before I rinse away. Love!

Want to use a DIY scrub? I'm happy to tell you about one I've been using for years - and the bonus is that you probably have everything you need in your pantry!

For quite awhile, I've been a fan of using olive oil/sugar blends with different essential oils and dried herbs on my skin. This recipe has no preservatives, so it's in small measures in order to allow you to use it quickly. If you make a larger batch, try to avoid introducing water to this scrub as it may grow ickies that you definitely don't want on your skin! Use a clean, dry spoon to scoop up what you need before you even turn on the water. :-)

3 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon carrier oil*
1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (can use ground dried botanicals like lavender buds, calendula petals, chamomile buds, citrus peel, nettle leaf, comfrey, basil, sage, mint flakes, whatever your fancy!)
2-3 drops essential oil (I love lavender, clary sage, geranium, palmarosa and patchouli for the skin!)

Mix them all together in a small bowl. It should be a grainy, almost moldable mixture. Apply to damp skin gently - there's a lot of sugar here, and it can take off quite a bit of skin if you're not careful! Because this is not an emulsified scrub, I don't recommend using in a bath tub as it can leave a slick surface behind. After you let it sit for a minute or two (again, let the goodness seep in!), you'll need to rinse your skin repeatedly (generally until water stops beading on the surface) to remove enough of the oil. It's a wonderfully moisturizing scrub; I've never had to use any type of lotion afterward.

*Some carrier oils to look for are grapeseed, sweet almond, olive, rapeseed (canola), and hemp seed oils. You could also mix your own carrier oils together, which can be an art in and of itself!

Happy scrubbing!