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Spring is here so it is time to get out of hibernation mode, slough off our "winter coat" (literally) with this Springtime Sugar Body Scrub, and get ready for the outdoors again.

I like to use sugar body scrubs as part of my morning routine. Most mornings I like to wake up and shower even if I am just going to workout because it helps me to feel more energized. The sugar body scrub adds to my “wake up feeling”. Its gentle abrasion removes old dead skin cells and exposes fresh new skin making me feel brand new and ready to start my day. The great thing about a sugar scrub is that it is gentle enough to use several times a week!

Sugar body scrub benefits

Sugar is great for physical exfoliation of the skin.

Physical exfoliation is a process which uses abrasive material (anything from a loofah to different size granules, such as sugar, salt, or nut shells) to physically scrub on your skin manually removing old dead skin cells. Removing dead skin cells ensures open pores, reduced appearance of wrinkles, and brightens your complexion by removing the dead cells that keep your skin looking dull.

Sugar is a natural humectant

A humectant is something that it helps the skin to maintain moisture by retaining water molecules. Most lotions have some type of humectant but not all are natural. Some synthetic humectants can actually cause dryness in the under layers of skin making your skin appear duller after continued usage.

Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid

Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, or an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), which helps break apart old dead skin cells. It makes your skin appear brighter and healthier by removing the helping to remove the old dead skin cells that are leaving your skin so dull.

Using Essential Oils

Essential Oil Benefits

Lavender

Lavender is the go-to essential oil for de-stressing and relaxation. It has been shown to have great benefits when it comes to relieving anxiety.

Lavender has antibacterial properties which can help with the treatment of acne. Lavender will get in to your pores kill the bacteria present, as well as, prevent bacteria from growing. This can help minimize future acne outbreaks and treat current acne.

The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender make it a great addition to your skin care routine. It can reduce redness, puffiness, reduce acne scarring, and soothe the damage from sunburn.

Rosemary

Rosemary has both antimicrobial and antiseptic properties which are both great for treating acne, eczema, and dermatitis.

Rosemary has also been shown to improve elasticity and hydration of your skin. Combining rosemary with coconut oil may help reduce stretch marks!

Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Rosemary can be used topically to help alleviate joint and muscle pain.

Although not skin care related, rosemary has been used for centuries to help with memory and mental clarity. With 2 of my 3 children still in diapers I can use all the help I can get when it comes to keeping my thoughts focused and clear!

Lemon

Lemon has antimicrobial properties which help reduce, treat, and prevent acne.

Lemon is also known for its anti-aging properties due to the anti-oxidant power of Vitamin C and citric acid (which lemon is full of). Anti-oxidants fight the effects of free radicals, which have been shown to speed up the aging process, on you skin.

Lemon may cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to the sun). Avoid using lemon if you will be in direct sunlight all day (i.e. going to the beach for the day)

DIY Sugar Body Scrub Recipe

Ingredients

1/3 cup refined (aka unscented) coconut oil
1 cup sugar
10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
Color (a couple drops of food coloring or colorant for use in bath and body bases. I bought a 3 pack of primary colors and make whatever color I need)

Instructions

Melt coconut oil to just barely liquid (allow to cool some if too hot or it melts some of the sugar losing some of its abrasive property)
Combine Coconut oil and sugar
Mix thoroughly
Allow to cool completely (heat destroys the therapeutic properties of essential oils)
Add Essential Oils
Add a color (optional)
Mix thoroughly
Store in the container of your choice
Add a label (optional)

Sugar Body Scrub Uses

Body scrub

I use a body scrub 3-4 times a week when I shower. You can use the scrub before you wash or after, it is all personal preference. If you use it before you wash you will wash away most of the coconut oil so you will not have as much of the moisturizing benefits, but you have still removed old skin cells leaving your skin brighter and more capable of absorbing your after-shower moisturizer.

If you use the sugar body scrub after you wash, there is no need to moisturize post shower. Your skin will absorb the coconut oil from the scrub leaving your skin so soft a happy.

Hand scrub

Leaving a jar by the sink is great for washing stubborn smells and yuck, from cooking, kids, or whatever other grubby things we do, off your hands. Because our hands are pretty tough you can use a scrub more often on them.

Gifts

Sugar body scrubs make amazing gifts. They are fast, easy, and inexpensive to make, making them the perfect gift to give. Put your scrub in a nice jar, add a label, and you have a personal hand-made gift. You can download some printable labels here:

Springtime sugar scrub label

Quick Tips

Store your sugar body scrub in an airtight container to avoid it drying out. Your jar does not have to be super fancy, but because you can reuse it you may want to find a decorative jar for aesthetics only. Because I have small children I stick to plastic.
Avoid getting a lot of water in your scrub as this will allow bacteria to grow. Although, if you use your scrub as fast as I do, this will not be an issue.
Your scrub should stay good for a couple weeks on the counter or over a month in the refrigerator (if I am being honest, I still use some that I have leftover from Christmas gifts and have no issues, but err on the side of caution)
You can use refined or unrefined coconut oil. They work the same, but I prefer refined, or unscented, because it minimizes the amount of essential oils I need to use to get the scent I want. Unrefined coconut oil has a very strong coconut odor.

If you like the sugar body scrub, try it with my energizing body wash to start your day in an uplifting way. Get away from the unknown chemicals and additives that store bought products contain and get back to more natural ingredients. Take back control of what you put in AND on your body!