Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Rough, dry, skin.

I'd love to go to a spa every week for fresh, glowing skin. But this is not practical for my lifestyle or my budget. Here are a few things I use to make my own scrubs at home, for a fraction of the cost and at my own convenience.

For your actual scrubbies, you can use salt, sugar, or even coffee. Regular table salt is nice because it's smaller than sea salt or kosher salt, so you won't have to grind it yourself. However, don't use that after shaving! The salt will sting. Brown sugar is a little more gentle than regular sugar, and I love the way it smells. As far as coffee, it's actually great for your body. Lots of studies show it helps cellulite, and helps restrict blood vessels. If you have sensitive skin, oatmeal is also a great alternative.

Next, you may want to add scent and/or moisturizer. There are so many oils you can add to make your own scent and moisture. These are limitless: lavender, vanilla, orange, cinnamon, rose, etc. I don't like mineral oil, as it can clog pores.

Some natural options you can add are lemon peel (for energy), orange peel (to calm nerves), comfrey (to heal irritations), or shredded ginger (for extra exfoliation). I also like baking soda (for fizziness and to clarify skin) and honey (for extra moisture). Also, don't forget fresh items such as avocado for great moisturization. All of these items have different effects and can be personalized to your individual needs.

Lastly, don't forget to reuse old containers! If you have any handy, it's a great way to store your new scrub. You can also pick some up for around a dollar at any craft store.

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