Ever heard the word ‘exfoliate’?
Well this just simply means to remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin. As simple as it may sound, if not done properly, it may do more harm than good. Now we have different types of exfoliants, We have the
• Physical exfoliants, for example, sugar or body scrubs
• Chemical exfoliants, for example, Alpha-Hydroxyl Acids (AHAs), Beta-Hydroxyl Acids(BHAs), Poly-Hydroxyl Acids(PHAs)
• Enzyme exfoliants, for example, Bromelain (pineapple enzyme)
• Natural exfoliants, for example, Oatmeal
• Mechanical exfoliants, for example, Micro-needling
But in this post, we’d be focusing on the physical exfoliants, precisely speaking, body scrubs. 5 major DIY scrubs that can be done with simple home ingredients.
When it comes to body DIY scrubs, they are of 2 main types; the sugar scrub and the salt scrub.
Here is a step-by-step guide to custom make a body scrub of your choice
INGREDIENTS
1 CUP OF ANY BASE INGREDIENT OF CHOICE: Sugar, salt, coffee grounds/powder, oatmeal, jojoba pearls, avocado powder etc.
½ CUP OF CARRIER OIL: Coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, Avocado oil, Argan oil etc.
1 TABLESPOON OF EXTRA INGREDIENTS: Honey, Aloe Vera, green tea, citrus Zest, essential oils etc.
With this ingredient list, you can combine and create up to 10 different body scrubs, like for example,
• Sugar + Coconut oil + Aloe Vera
• Salt + Olive oil + Honey
• Oatmeal + Sweet Almond oil + Citrus Zest + Essential oil
• Sugar + Olive oil + Honey + Aloe Vera
• Sugar + Sweet Almond oil + Green tea
• Oatmeal + Olive oil + Citrus Zest
• Avocado powder + Argan oil + Honey
• Jojoba pearls + coconut oil + Aloe Vera + Citrus Zest
• Salt + Olive oil + Citrus Zest + Essential Oil
• Coffee ground + Coconut oil + Honey
You are free to get creative and combine these ingredients to suit your skin type and preference.
PREPARATION
1. Begin by mixing the base ingredient with the carrier oil properly, till it is well combined
2. Add in a tablespoon of the extra ingredients ( it could be more than one) to the mixture
3. Stir well till you get a smooth mixture
4. Store the DIY scrub in an airtight container
DIY BODY SCRUB TIPS
• For dry skin, use more carrier oil in your mixture and add moisturizing ingredients like honey or coconut oil
• For oily skin, use lesser percentage of carrier oil in the mixture
• For sensitive skin, use gentle ingredients like oatmeal and avoid harsh extra ingredients.