Let me start by saying I am a huge supporter of seasonal complete body (at-home DIY) spa treatments to revamp and rejuvenate your skin and prepare for the upcoming weather.
My number one summer treatment is a simple, homemade salt or sugar scrub. Warm weather equates to showing more and wearing less, but some of us just aren’t ready to reveal our rough, dull, and dry skin. I’ve got the perfect recipe to shed your winter shell and show off smooth, soft, and glowing skin ALL SUMMER…. oh and for less than $15!
This scrub is as easy as making PB&J.
Ingredients:
1 lb bag of granulated sugar OR salt OR raw sugar
1 25oz bottle of extra virgin olive oil
5 drops of an essential oil of your choice (*optional)
If you were wondering why this recipe calls for such large potions, it’s so this scrub can last you all summer long!
If you’re looking to make a smaller, one time batch of the stuff, you can cut the portions down to as small as a tablespoon of each ingredient (that’s what I did when snapping the pics!). The only directions for making this scrub is two parts sugar to one part oil. So, if you have 2 cups of sugar, combine with 1 cup EVOO, and so on. I like to use the huge bags and store my scrub in an airtight mason jar so I can do a once a week scrub to keep my skin healthy and smooth.
The reason for having options for either sugar, salt or brown sugar depends on how exfoliating you would like the scrub to be compared to the level of sensitivity of your skin. Standard sugar is a good base because it is a great exfoliator and doesn’t irritate most skin types. For rougher, tougher skin that needs a heavy duty scrub, opt for coarse salt (think sea salt). Do not use salt if you have easily irritated skin or while you have sunburn (ouch!). Swap regular sugar for brown sugar when you’d like a softer texture or you have sensitive skin. Brown sugar is the least abrasive of the three, but still offers great exfoliating benefits (plus I love the smell).
Lastly, the oils! This can be any essential oil you so desire. Lavender, with proven calming and relaxation effects, is an all-star across all levels and price ranges of beauty products. For a summer scrub, I am going to add a few drops of peppermint oil and some lemon zest. The cooling effects of the peppermint combined with the freshness of lemons is the perfect remedy for those hot, muggy summer days. Aaaahmazing.
Quick Tip: Don’t feel like buying an essential oil? Substitute a teaspoon of vanilla extract (which you probably already have from all those cookies you made this winter). You’ll get the same yummy scent, without spending a penny more!
Honestly, what’s not to love about silky smooth, healthy skin? Try out this DIY recipe (which only takes a total of 2 minutes!) and you’ll be so amazed you may never buy a scrub again!
Want a small batch? Use 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, 5 drops peppermint oil. That’s how I made it in pictures seen here. I even added some virgin coconut oil that I had for extra texture and an island scent!
Feel free to be as creative as you want with this recipe, we’d love to hear what you come up with for your own summer scrub!
Comment and share your own concoctions below!
Xx, Mackenzie
