DIY Exfoliating Sugar Scrubs–The Perfect Way to Pamper Yourself At Home
If there has ever been a time for DIY at-home pampering, it’s now. Life’s demands are pretty heavy at the best of times, but during a pandemic, new stresses are added. It is easy to forget ourselves in the daily chaos–which is why sneaking in time for yourself is vital–now more than ever!
A little self-care TLC is essential to nurturing your mind, body and soul, not to mention, keeping your sanity and recharging your batteries. These DIY exfoliating sugar scrubs are easy at-home recipes that use all-natural ingredients (possibly already on your kitchen cabinets), so you know exactly what you are absorbing into your skin. Plus, the added essentials oils smell so yummy you won’t want to get out of the bath tub or shower. Try out one (or all) of the homemade sugar scrub recipes below to make your skin feel extra soft and smooth, and smell great.
Why Exfoliate?
Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells about every 30 days to make room for new cells. Sometimes, dead cells don’t shed completely, which can result in dry, flaky patches and clogged pores. Exfoliating helps prevent this by uncovering smooth, fresh skin.
Exfoliating increases blood circulation, prevents ingrown hairs, helps your skin look brighter, and even enhances the absorption of your skin care products. When you exfoliate regularly, it can help unclog pores, resulting in fewer breakouts. Plus, long-term exfoliation can increase collagen production, which is key to having glowing and vibrant skin. Collagen protein also promotes skin elasticity, thus minimizing the appearance of fine lines and related sagging. (source)
Don’t these benefits sound amazing?
Sugar is Great (For Your Skin)!
Not only is sugar a great natural exfoliant for your skin, but it is also a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into your skin. This means, exfoliating with sugar will help hydrate and keep the moisture within your skin.
Sugar is also a natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that encourages cell turnover to generate younger-looking skin. Glycolic acid is typically used to treat sun-damaged and aging skin. However, please keep in mind that AHAs exfoliate the top layer of skin. If you are going out during daylight hours always follow with a sunscreen to avoid damaging newly exfoliated skin. (source)
Whereas a high-sugar diet won’t do your skin (or health) any favors, adding sugar into your topical skincare routine can get you a pretty sweet (pun-intended) glow.
Why Make Your Own Sugar Scrub?
These homemade sugar scrub recipes are excellent exfoliators and incredible smelling, and they are easy and inexpensive to make yourself. Made of all-natural ingredients that are actually pronounceable, the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen cabinets. Sugar scrubs leave your skin feeling velvety soft and smooth at a fraction of the store-bought scrubs.
For an added bonus, try creating your own custom-scented scrub with your favorite carrier oils, types of sugar, and essential oil blends! Now, that’s a lot to love about making your own DIY sugar scrub!
Types of Sugar
When choosing a sugar, consider the following characteristics of each. Trying mixing and matching different types in your sugar scrubs.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is the finest and least abrasive. Softer than granulated sugar, it can be used on the face and more sensitive skin. Fine sugars are ideal to restore a healthy glow to your skin.
White (Granulated) Sugar
Granulated sugar is a bit coarser than brown sugar. Coarse sugar is best used on your body instead of the delicate skin on your face.
Raw (Turbinado) Sugar
Raw sugar, or turbinado sugar, is very coarse, and best used on the body. The large grains are great for exfoliating dry, flaky skin.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is the finest and least abrasive. Softer than granulated sugar, it can be used on the face and more sensitive skin. Fine sugars are ideal to restore a healthy glow to your skin.
White (Granulated) Sugar
Granulated sugar is a bit coarser than brown sugar. Coarse sugar is best used on your body instead of the delicate skin on your face.
Raw (Turbinado) Sugar
Raw sugar, or turbinado sugar, is very coarse, and best used on the body. The large grains are great for exfoliating dry, flaky skin.
Do you have a favorite type of sugar? Share in the comments below.
Time to Get Rid of That Dry, Flaky Skin!
When making your sugar scrub, use a sugar to carrier oil ratio of 2:1. Some carrier oils to try include olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil and almond oil (What’s your favorite carrier oil? Leave a comment below.). Using the base recipe of 1 cup of sugar to 1/2 cup of carrier oil below, you should try experimenting with different sugars, and carrier oils to find a combination that you feel best fits your skin type. If you want to create a custom-scented scrub, add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil(s).
Making your sugar scrub, is easy as 1, 2, 3.
- Place all of the ingredients listed into a bowl.
- Stir until combined.
- Scoop the scrub into a jar with a lid. (I like these.)
It’s ready to use!*
*Please remember:
1. Your homemade sugar scrub contains no preservatives, so they will NOT last as long as a store-bought product.
2. Oils are slippery. Be cautious, use a bath mat and wash the bath tub or shower floor to get rid of oil when finished.
3. Always perform a small patch test if you aren’t sure how your skin will react to a product.
4. Do not use a sugar scrub if you have a sunburn, have had surgery, are using a skin lightener, have had a chemical peel, or have an open wound.
Now, let’s get to making your scrub, and getting soft, fresh, amazing-smelling skin!
The Recipes
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Spearmint and Eucalyptus Stress-relieving Sugar Body Scrub
Relax and destress yourself in the shower with this amazingly scented sugar scrub. The eucalyptus essential oil helps clear the mind, while the spearmint essential oil soothes and uplifts the spirit.
Yield: 1 – 8oz jar (I like these)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup White sugar
- 1/2 cup Coconut oil (melted)
- 5 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops Spearmint essential oil
- 1/4 tsp Spirulina powder (colorant) (optional)
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a bowl.
- Stir until combined.
- Scoop mixture into a jar with a lid.
To Use:
Massage scrub into damp skin using a circular scrubbing motion. Rinse off completely, then apply moisturizer. Use 1-2 times per week.
Bergamot and Lime Sugar Body Scrub
A citrus scented sugar body scrub that will leave you feeling fresh and invigorated.
Yield: 1 – 8oz jar (I like these)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Coconut oil (melted)
- 1 cup White sugar
- 5 drops Lime essential oil
- 5 drops Bergamot essential oil
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a bowl.
- Stir until combined.
- Scoop mixture into a jar with a lid.
To Use:
Massage scrub into damp skin using a circular scrubbing motion. Rinse off completely, then apply moisturizer. Use 1-2 times per week.
Ginger and Lemongrass Invigorating Sugar Body Scrub
This lemongrass and ginger sugar scrub is a perfect morning pick-me-up. It’s invigorating scent will wake you up and get you energized to start your day.
Yield: 1 – 8oz jar (I like these)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup White sugar
- 1/2 cup Carrier oil (Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado oil, or other favorite carrier oil)
- 3 drops Lemongrass essential oil
- 1 drop Ginger essential oil
- 1/2 tsp Vitamin E oil (optional)
- 1/4 tsp Ground turmeric* (optional)
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a bowl.
- Stir until combined.
- Scoop mixture into a jar with a lid.
To Use:
Massage scrub into damp skin using a circular scrubbing motion. Rinse off completely, then apply moisturizer. Use 1-2 times per week.
Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub
This yummy scented scrub gently exfoliates leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth and smelling liked fresh baked goods.
Yield: 1 – 8oz jar (I like these)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup Coconut oil
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil
- 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon (optional)
- 5 drops Sweet orange essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a bowl.
- Stir until combined.
- Scoop mixture into a jar with a lid.
To Use:
Massage scrub into damp skin using a circular scrubbing motion. Rinse off completely, then apply moisturizer. Use 1-2 times per week.
Did you try one of these recipes?
Take a photo, and tag @thedropologist on Instagram. We’d love to see and hear about your creations!
