My skin has a tendency to really dry out often. It's due to the dry air here, I think. Exfoliating scrubs and intense moisturizing are a regular must of mine, lest I want my skin looking dull. But you know, what? Beauty products are a little (or a lot) too expensive for my liking. And 9 times out of 10, I can't use store-bought stuff anyway thanks to my sensitive skin. It really reacts poorly to all those harsh chemicals. I've heard it said that you shouldn't put anything on your skin that you would be uncomfortable eating. Because, in truth, what you put on your skin is going to be absorbed by your body. So I make nearly everything I put on my skin at home; my skin is all the better for it.
Body scrubs are no exception. I love salt scrubs because, well, they are so simple to make. Also, they always leave me wonderfully smooth. Have you ever used a store-bought exfoliating scrub that ends up just drying you out even more? This recipe won't; I promise! It is a great moisturizer, too. I've experimented a lot with different salt scrubs, throwing in a variety of ingredients from my kitchen. This is my favorite concoction yet. It rubs on great, washes of clean, and leaves you feeling smoother and moisturized. The scent is very light and just a little sweet. Just how I like it.
For this Cinnamon Honey Salt Scrub you will need:
1/2 cup coarse
kosher salt or
sea salt or a mixture of the two
1/4 cup
almond oil
1/8 cup
olive oil
2 to 3 tablespoons
honey
1 tablespoon
ground cinnamon
First, choose your container. I like to use old glass jars (this one once contained pesto I think), they store well in a bathroom draw and I can just pull it out when I need to. I don't keep glass jars in the shower all the time out of fear of knocking it hard enough in the tub and shattering the glass. You can use a plastic container, if that suits you better. Combine the salt and oil in your container. Oil doesn't really like mixing with anything, so really get it stirred around well. After that, measure out and add the honey and cinnamon, stirring well to combine thoroughly. If it is a little too oily, add some more salt until desired consistency is reached.
That's it! I told you it was super easy. Of course, there a tons of different combinations you can do to make a great salt scrub. You can also add some essential oils, for a more scented scrub. But this is a combination I am really loving. Mostly because of how great it is for my skin.
Olive oil is so great at moisturizing. The Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians even used it as an anti-aging remedy, thanks to it's rich supply of Vitamin E that can restore skin's elasticity. It also contains Vitamin A and other antioxidants which allow it to work as a cleanser, moisturizer, and skin protector.
Almond oil is also rich in Vitamins E, as well as Vitamin B, healthy fats, proteins, minerals, and dietary fiber. People who suffer from eczema and psoriasis can use the oil to help reduce inflammation, redness, and itching. You can even rub some almond oil under your eyes to get rid of dark circles and reduce puffiness.
Honey is really wonderful for all skin types, even very sensitive skin like mine. It is an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent, which helps defeat acne. Honey is also full of antioxidants and will remove impurities and helps detoxify your skin. Not to mention it will also naturally clean skin while also moisturizing, leaving it real soft.
Cinnamon is another one that is great for the treatment of acne, as well as eczema. Cinnamon can be slightly irritating when applied to skin, though, but combined with the oil I have experienced no irritation. However, I wouldn't use a salt scrub more than once or twice a week.
No matter what combination you choose, keep in mind that a little separation is natural and most likely going to happen. Just give it a quick stir before using it.
You can even make this into cute little gifts. Or just cute for yourself; I'm all about that. To use, just apply to dry or slightly damp skin. Give it a good rub and scrub, and then simply rinse off with water. Your skin may get a little pink or red, but don't let that scare you. The redness should go away quickly, as will all those impurities and dead skin cells. And all that good oil will instantly make your skin feel so wonderfully moisturized. I've been using this a lot lately, thanks to the
terrible sunburn (I got on
this trip) that is now peeling like a meanie. Oh boy, has it helped so much.
Do you make your own salt scrubs or beauty products? What has been your favorite creation?
