How to Make Body Scrubs

A popular gift on birthday or holiday wish lists is a spa treatment. Body scrubs are very relaxing, and they leave your skin both feeling soft and looking healthy. Spas are expensive, however, so a practical solution is a home spa treatment. Whether you make it for yourself or for loved ones, a homemade scrub can be just as effective as a spa scrub, but you control the ingredients and the cost.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small bottle with stopper
• Essential oils (such as lavender, citronella or vanilla)
• Foaming wash
• Glycerine
• Mixing bowl
• Fuller's earth
• Exfoliant (such as rock salt, sugar, uncooked oatmeal or another granulated substance)
• Jojoba oil
• Almond oil
• Metal spoon

Mix your ingredients

1. Mix in the small bottle 6-8 drops of each of your essential oils, foaming wash and glycerine. Cap and shake to mix, then set aside. The essential oils -- such as lavender, citronella or vanilla -- not only smell good, but some have health benefits. Use two or three oils that blend well and create a pleasing aroma.

2. Mix in the mixing bowl 5 tsp. of fuller's earth and 5 tsp. of your exfoliant. If you choose two exfoliants, like brown sugar and oatmeal, use an amount totaling 5 tsp. of exfoliant.

3. Add to the bowl 5 tsp. of jojoba oil and 5 tsp. of almond oil. Any oils can be used here, but jojoba has strong moisturizing and shelf-life qualities while almond oil has vitamin E, boosts the immune system and aids in reducing inflammation from walking or running.

4. Add the bottled glycerine/essential oil/foaming wash mixture and stir with a metal spon. The blend should reach a runny paste consistency that can be applied easily to the body.

5. Pour the scrub mixture back into the bottle or other container suitable for use as a gift. Close the container tightly.

Tips & Warnings

• Fuller's Earth is used to help draw out impurities from the skin and to help the scrub adhere to the body and form a mask. It can be omitted if you cannot find it, just replace with a third fine-grain exfoliant like brown sugar or coffee grounds.
• If the scrub is a gift, include instructions to use the scrub. Here is a sample of such instructions:
• First, wash and dry the area to be scrubbed.
• Over a towel, apply the scrub, massaging with your fingers. Pay special attention to any rough areas of skin.
• If possible, wrap the scrubbed area in a plastic bag and towel to trap heat, then allow the scrub to sit for several minutes.
• Remove the towel and push the plastic down, removing as much of the scrub as you can. Use a warm washcloth or warm water to rinse.
• Use a pumice stone or exfoliating glove on any remaining rough spots.
• Moisturize your body after drying off.
• Do not do foot scrubs or foot massages if you are diabetic or have high blood pressure unless your condition is under control. Home foot spas should not be used by diabetic persons.

References

• The Illustrated Guide to Masage and Aromatherapy; Catherine Stuart, Editor; 2008