Everyone needs to indulge a little and get a little pampering every now and then. To me, sugar scrub is one of those little indulgences, especially when the weather is cold and my skin starts to dry out. Many of you may have heard of salt scrub, but this can be irritating and actually burn if you have paper cuts or other little scratches. By using sugar, you will still benefit from the exfoliation without the burn.
The ingredients for sugar scrub are simple: sugar, carrier oil, and fragrance. I use ordinary sugar; although you could go with a coarser sugar (it will be quite expensive, though). The carrier oil will not have much of a scent, or it may have no scent at all. It is the carrier oil that will moisturize your skin, though. I prefer to use a blend of grapeseed, sweet almond, and avocado oils. There are many other carrier oils available; you may find another blend that you prefer. To fragrance my sugar scrub, I usually use essential oils. If you choose to purchase another type of fragrance, be sure that it is lotion and soap safe. Fragrance oils used for candles may irritate your skin and are not safe to add to your sugar scrub. The essential oils I use most often are lavender, grapefruit, eucalyptus, spearmint and peppermint. I usually combine two essential oils – grapefruit and peppermint are a favorite.
Remember to package your sugar scrub in a plastic container. Glass jars, oil, and a bath tub are not a very good combination. If you are unable to find a local supplier with a container you like, there are several online sources. The shipping will be pricey, though. I have shopped at Specialty Bottle online and have gotten good service. I purchase my carrier oils from Bitter Creek Candle Supply Company .
Recipe (makes one 16-ounce container)
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup grapeseed oil
¼ cup avocado oil
¼ cup sweet almond oil
50 drops essential oil
Pour sugar into container. Slowly pour carrier oils over the sugar and mix slightly with a plastic spoon. Add the essential oils last and seal the container.
When using sugar scrub, there are a few guidelines. Apply sugar scrub with your bare hands. The product will get stuck in a loofah or sponge and not be as effective. Use product only from the neck down (the oil can clog pores on your face). Avoid the soles of your feet as the oil can be very slippery and dangerous. Also, use caution when walking in the shower or tub after use because of residual oil. Be sure to rinse tub or shower floor thoroughly with hot water after using.
