Super easy sugar scrub

Summer always feels like the time to get your body in to shape, and I'm not just talking about hitting the gym.  If, like me, you love to top up your suntan at every chance you get, especially with this amazing heatwave we are currently experiencing, then a body scrub to exfoliate those dead skin cells is a must!

Making a Sugar Scrub couldn't be easier.   You only need 3 ingredients, and a recycled jam jar to store it in.  You can also change your carrier oil and essential oils each time you make it, for endless variety. 

You will need

• 4 x tablespoons of Granulated sugar - white or brown (note brown sugar may give your scrub a darker appearance)
• 4 x teaspoons of Carrier oil - you can try olive, coconut or almond oil
• 15-20 drops of Essential oil 
• A jar with a lid - old jam jar, or small mason jar

You can vary the amount of sugar and oil quantities in the same ratio depending on how much sugar scrub you want to make.  I used coconut oil which I found in the Caribbean food section in my local Spar, and white granulated sugar.

Which Essential Oils to Use?

I wanted a scrub that was good for sensitive skin so I looked into which Essential Oils would be best and decided on Rose Geranium Essential Oil.  Geranium Essential Oil is thought to promote beautiful, radiant skin, and to benefit sensitive skin conditions such as acne and eczema.  It seems to be suitable for most skin types also (dry, oily or normal).

Its worth researching which Essential Oils are best for you but here are a few suggestions to get your started:

Normal Skin - Rose, Lavender, Geranium

Dry Skin - Frankincense, Lavender, Cedarwood

Oily Skin - Tea tree, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang

Aging Skin - Carrot Seed, Rose, Geranium

Please Note;

You need to exercise a little more caution with Citrus essential oils, as they can cause photosensitivity. If you apply them to skin that will be exposed to the sun it can make your skin more sensitive to burning and irritation, so its best to leave at least 12 hours before sun exposure.

I buy most of my Oils from Enaissance as they have a really great variety to choose from.  They also stock a range of carrier oils which you could also use to make your scrub.

Making your scrub

Place all your ingredients in a bowl and mix together, and then transfer to your storage jar.  And you're done.  See what I mean? Easiest DIY ever.

Why use a Sugar Scrub?

Sugar is a great natural exfoliant.  It is generally gentler and more hydrating than salt which can be a little drying.  

I love the smell of my scrub, and find the coconut oil so moisturising.  It makes my skin feel totally exfoliated and nourished.  And the best part...it literally cost pennies, compared to the expensive scrubs in the shops, and will make you smell good enough to eat!

Please Note; Although it may be tempting, please do not eat your scrub. It may smell delicious, and it may be full of tasty sugar...but essential oils are not for human consumption.

Enjoy!