Exotic Body And Facial Scrubs

January 28, 2005

From Juli Kight, About.com

Body scrubs have been traditionally used in Eastern spas for deep cleansing and detoxifying the skin leaving it extremely clean and unclogged, refreshed and glowing. They remove build ups of dead skin cells, cosmetic residues and toxins, leaving the skin primed for absorbing nutrients and benefits of your favorite oil or lotion blend.

Body scrubs can be expensive. Why not make your own? Not only is making your own less expensive, they are highly customizable to your personal needs and desires and can be as simple or as exotic as you like. How To Use Scrubs should be used weekly. Everyday use can irritate and damage the skin.The scrub should be applied to the skin gently, not scrubbed or rubbed in. You will get gentle exfoliation just by applying it, the ingredients do the major part of the work.Scrubs should be applied to damp skin which has been gently washed.

They can also be applied and removed after a sauna and prior to massage. Facial Scrubs - Scrubs are traditionally used on the body. If you make a facial scrub, use very finely ground exfoliating ingredients and apply them very gently.

Body Scrub Ingredients -

You can formulate your scrub any way you like, there are no set recipes and the ingredients are numerous and variable.

Ingredients Exfoliates - These should be well ground. Large sharp pieces can tear and scratch the skins surface even though you can't see them. Sea Salts - The most common ingredient. Various sea salts are recommended for their abilities to cleanse, balance moisture and replenish as well and benefiting many skin conditions such as psoriasis, itching and scaling. Epsom Salts - Although less exotic than sea salts, Epsom salt makes and excellent scrub base due to their magnesium content and effect on muscles. Sugar - Any granulated cane sugar can be used (table, brown sugar, turbinado, etc.). Contains naturally occurring glycolic acid (part of the alpha hydroxy acid family).

Tends to dissolve more than salts and has a gentler exfoliating action. Smells absolutely wonderful and might even taste good depending on how you formulate it.

Oats - Hypoallergenic, highly absorbent and softening. Oats have a high amino acid balance balance and can also relieve itching and minor irritations. They should be finely ground or you can purchase colloidal oats in packets from Aveeno. If you are going to make a facial scrub, this should be a must. Nuts, hulls and seeds - Nut shells have commonly been used in various scrubs however they can be very hard and sharp. Be careful, it is best to powder these. The most commonly used are Walnut and Almond and sunflower seeds. Coffee - What a great idea for your grounds! They too should be finely ground. Caffeine is being researched for it's effects on cancer. Coffee contains over 300 constituents which act as antioxidants. Green tea - Also full of anti-oxidants. Yogurt or Milk / Cream - Non abrasive exfoliate due to the lactic acid. These would be good for facial scrubs. Other Ingredients Oils - This can be any base oil or butter you choose. Aloe Vera Gel - Can be used as a base instead of oil, butter or water. Soap Flakes (optional) - Added for a "foaming scrub". You may want to experiment with yucca if you want foaming without detergents. Cosmetic grade clay - Helps detoxify the skin. Seaweeds - Helps detoxify and purify the skin. Essential oils (optional) - These can be added for aroma and or therapeutic reasons. Fruit - Various fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids) will loosen dead skin cells and leaves skin very soft. Fresh fruit scrubs should be used right away or kept in the fridge and used the next day. Pumpkin and Carrots - Beta carotene and softening properties. How To Make Body Scrubs - See page 3.

Resources Body Work Online - Body scrub forum discussion.

[link url=http://www.ineedcoffee.com/03/skin/]Caffeine and Skin Cancer - by Tracy Butenko.

Since scrubs are highly customizable, I will just give you the basics and you can take it from there.

The base generally contains: 1 part solid liquid (oil, aloe gel, water) to 2 parts solids (exfoliates, herbs, powders). You can adjust this accordingly. Scrubs should not be too dry or crumbly, just enough to spread on gently and not run off. Essential oil - Many of the recipes I have been reading seem to be quite heavy with essential oils. Remember, less is better when using essential oils. Many recipes average 1 drop per teaspoon of scrub, I would not use any more than that. Combine your dry ingredients, then add your thicker liquids if using them (butters, cream, yogurt, honey). Then add your lighter liquids (water, aloe gel, oil) until you reach your desired consistency. Place in a jar or pretty container and it is ready to use.

Recipes

How To Make Indulging Sugar Scrub

From Juli Kight,Your Guide to Healthy Herbs.Stay up to date!

Forum Post by LINZEE1522. I just created this recipe for sugar scrub. Everyone who tried it loves it! You can use it at the sink or shower, for your hands or as a body exfoiliator.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 20 min.

Here's How:

1. Add dry ingredients and mix well.

2. Add oil and glycerin

3. Mix until wet, and ingredients stick together.

4. If its to crumbly, add a little more glycerin and fragrance.

5. Put in jar or plastic container. Enjoy!

Tips:

I like to add some yummy scented body cream, about 1/4 tsp. I recommend that you apply some lotion after using this it will make you feel even more velvety!

What You Need:

3 T. Raw Sugar 2 T. White Sugar 2 T. Brown Sugar 3 T. Epsom Salt 1 T. Kosher (sea) Salt

How To Make Salt Glow Scrub

A wonderful blend of sea salt and oils to exfoliate and smooth skin.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 15 Min.

Here's How:

1. Mix all ingredients in a jar.

2. Seal jar when not in use.

3. Stir mixture well before applying.

4. Massage in circular motions towards the heart.

5. Leave on for a few minutes then rinse off.

Tips:

Do not use on face. You can also use it with a body shampoo more for exfoliation. Choose base oils such as sweet almond, kukuki nut, hazelnut etc. according to skin type. Choose essential oils appropriate for intended purpose. Do not rub over irritated or broken areas of the skin.

What You Need:

2 c. sea or mineral salt 1 c. vegetable oil/blend 15 drops essen. oil/blend