How to Perform a Natural Body Scrub

Department and specialty stores are full of natural body scrubs that promise to reveal new skin and leave you with a feeling of well-being. For a fraction of the cost of these designer products, however, you can can create and perform your own natural body scrub at home with ingredients you may already have in the house. 

Materials

• Oil- coconut oil, almond oil or safflower oil


• Coarse scrub- sea salt, Turbinado sugar or brown sugar


• Essential oil in your desired scent (optional)


• Container for mixing- Make sure it has a lid if you are not going to use this right away.


• Measuring cup


• Spoon


• Bathtub


• Towel


• Extra Towel or non slip shower mat


• Gentle moisturizer

Procedure

1. Mix 1/2 cup salt or sugar and 1/2 cup oil in the container. You can use more or less depending on how much scrub you need. The idea is to mix equal amounts of salt and oil.


2. Add 5 drops of essential oil if desired.


3. Mix the ingredients with a spoon.


4. Run a warm bath, and soak your entire body for about 10 minutes. This will soften the dead cells on the skin's surface, so you can easily scrub them away. 


5. Let the water out of the tub. Place the shower mat or extra towel in the bottom of the bathtub. This will help prevent you from slipping on the oil.


6. Pat your skin dry with a towel. Do not rub the skin, as this may irritate it.


7. Sit on the edge of the tub or on a shower bench, and pick up some of the scrub mixture on your finger tips.


8. Rub the mixture over your your skin in gentle circles, starting with your feet. Do not press or rub vigorously, which will irritate the skin. Work up over your legs, picking up more scrub as needed. When you reach your trunk, rinse your feet and carefully dry them. 


9. Stand up, and continue scrubbing your trunk and arms. Avoid your face, throat and other delicate areas, especially if you are performing a salt scrub.


10. Rinse the scrub off in a lukewarm shower. Hot or cold water may irritate freshly exfoliated skin, so you should avoid using anything but water that is slightly warmer than body temperature.


11. Use the towel to pat your skin dry.


12. Apply the gentle moisturizer to your clean, fresh skin.