Body scrubs and face scrubs are usually semi-abrasive, and help to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliation is the process of removal of dead skin cells and dirt from the skin’s surface. It helps to promote skin regeneration. Scrubs also help to absorb moisturizers better, unclog pores and make the skin smooth, with a better texture.
Scrubs can be of different kinds with different ingredients.
Salt scrubs
You can use sea salt, Himalayan salt or Epsom salt. Salts are great exfoliants and help to remove dead cells very well. Salt helps clean the pores, balance oil production and prevent bacteria from affecting the skin. If you are adding salt to your DIY scrubs, add only fine table salt to it as crystals can damage the skin.
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Sugar scrubs
Sugar is a humectant. Humectants are moisturizing agents that draw moisture from the air and to the top layer of the skin and keep it hydrated. This it does in addition to removing dead and dry cells from the skin. Sugar is one of the best naturally available ingredients to exfoliate your skin. Sugar scrubs are very gentle on your skin and help to rejuvenate it. You can use white table sugar or brown sugar which is considered more healthy.
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Rose Scented Salt and Sugar Scrub
- 5 tablespoons fine sugar
- 2 tablespoons Himalayan salt
- Coconut oil or Grapeseed oil as required (approx 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 drops of pink food colouring (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried rose petals
- 1/4 tsp rose essential oil
Mix together the salt and sugar. Start adding the oil a little at a time till the salt and sugar is well coated with the oil. Now add the honey and mix. Food colour is optional. Add the rose essential oil and mix well. Finally add the dried rose petals and mix again. Your rose scented body scrub is ready. It smells divine and can even be used as a lip scrub.
Coffee Scrubs
Coffee has many benefits for the skin. Coffee is said to calm the skin, treat acne and dark circles. It is also anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory. Coffee is a very good ingredient to use in DIY facial scrubs.
You can make a exfoliating body scrub with ground coffee.
Exfoliating Coffee Body Scrub
- 5 tablespoons ground coffee
- 5 tablespoons brown sugar
- Lemon juice as needed
- Rose water 2tsps
Mix the coffee with the brown sugar well. Add the rose water and mix. Now start adding the lemon juice a little at a time until you get the correct consistency. Use this scrub on your body in gentle circular movements, Keep for 10 minutes and then rinse. Don’t forget to use a good moisturizer afterwards.
Purchase a Coffee Body Scrub – Moisturizing and Exfolilating
Red Lentil Body Scrub
Red lentil or Masoor dal as it is called in India has many nutrients needed for the skin. Masoor dal contains Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and B6. It acts as a natural exfoliator, cleanser and a skin brightening agent. It helps to lighten skin pigmentation and scars. It also is a good bleaching agent which helps to remove dark patches from the skin.
Red Lentil and Milk Face Scrub
- 2 tablespoon red lentil powder
- Milk as needed
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
Mix the lentil powder with honey and milk. Scrub your face with this in circular movements and keep for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and moisturize your face. If you have dry skin, you can add a tsp of coconut oil to the scrub.
Rice Flour Scrub
Rice flour exfoliates the skin without making any tears on the skin. It is coarse enough to be a good exfoliator with out being harsh on the skin. More over rice has many benefits for the skin. Rice flour is very effective in a face scrub.
Rice Flour And Honey Face Scrub
- 1 tsp of rice flour
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp milk
Mix all the ingredients well and scrub your face with it for a minute or two. Wash it off and moisturize your skin. Again you can add a tsp of coconut or grapeseed oil to the scrub if you have dry skin.
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Green Gram/Mung Flour Scrub
Green gram flour helps to bring softness to your skin. It is an excellent exfoliator. It remedies uneven skin tone, and makes your skin supple. The vitamin A and vitamin C in mung are very beneficial for the skin. Mung flour scrub helps to remove dead skin and suntan.
Green Gram and Honey Face Scrub
- 1 tablespoon of Mung
- 1 tsp of honey
Grind the mung to get a fine flour. Now add honey to it and mix well. Scrub your face with this paste and then leave for 5-10 minutes. Wash your face with water and pat dry.
These are simple homemade scrubs which are easy to make with natural ingredients and no chemicals. You know what you are applying on your body and can add ingredients that suit your skin type.
Some Do’s and Don’ts while making and using scrubs
- Always wash your face before you use a scrub.
- Always moisturize your face after you use a scrub to keep the skin hydrated, preferably a glycerine fortified one. This helps your skin to retain moisture.
- Do not scrub if you have acne, wounds, scratches or burns.
- Do not use a scrub everyday. For face, use a scrub once a week. You should not scrub your face daily as exfoliating too much may lead to the skin losing all its natural oils.
- Do wear a sunscreen when you go out after you use a scrub.
- Wear a sunscreen after you exfoliate with a scrub, if your are stepping out in the sun.
- It is better to exfoliate at night to minimize exposure.
Do try it and leave your thoughts in the comments section below.