If there is one thing I have come to know about Cape Town, it’s the seasons. Sometimes we will have Summer in Winter and Spring in Autumn and if we are REALLY lucky we will get all 4 seasons in one day!
Which is the exact reason I thought it was fitting to write up a post on my 3 homemade body scrubs for when my skin isn’t feeling so hot no matter what season it is that day!
Although it is admittedly a tedious task, exfoliating is an essential part of any skin care routine, whether it be for the face or the body. It’s so important to stimulate circulation through your skin and get the blood flowing.
I do sometimes use body scrubs bought from a supermarket or a beauty store, the one thing I love about making my own is that there is full control over what goes into the scrubs and onto my skin. It can be tailored to your skin type, It’s a cost-effective hobby and also reduces the amount of chemical build up onto your skin which is a bonus!
In my previous skincare post (Prepping for a special event) I mentioned that I enjoy using my homemade body scrub to exfoliate my skin when it’s feeling a bit poor or when I want my skin to look and feel extra good for an event. Here are some of the easy body scrubs I make:
Soothing peppermint scrub:
1 Cup | Granulated sugar/Brown Sugar
4 Spoons | Refined coconut oil
10 Drops | Peppermint oil
Refreshing lemon scrub:
2 Cups | Granulated sugar/Brown Sugar
¼ Cup | Almond oil
10 Drops | Lemon oil
Once all your ingredients are out, mix your oil and sugar until you get the desired consistency that you are looking for then add the essential oil drops.
Once you are happy with the consistency and all the ingredients are combined well, store it in a cute little jar or container and use for your feet or body.
I absolutely love these scrubs (not only because they smells like peppermint chocolate and sweets) but also for getting rid of those dead skin cells around the elbow, knee and foot area. My skin feels so nourished and moisturized after I use them.
Handy tip: Sugar is not always the best thing for your health and to put inside your body but it can be an amazing exfoliant for your skin.
I would recommend using the peppermint and lemon body scrub in the shower or bath just because once the skin is damp the scrub sticks to the skin more making the whole exfoliating process easier as opposed to dry body brushing then hopping into the shower – also less of a messy situation.
Photographer / Ashley Tapsell
Design & Layout / Jeanna Kenchington
Exfoliating and moisturising hand treatment:
2 Tbsp | Sunflower oil
2 Tbsp | Lemon juice
3 Tbsp | Brown sugar
Mix the ingredients equally and leave on for 10 – 15 minutes then rinse and moisturize with your favorite hand cream. How easy was that?
The only difference between brown and granulated sugar is that brown sugar is a bit softer for use on the skin.
The best part about these homemade scrubs is not only do they benefit your skin but you can also tailor them to your skin type. You can change the essential oils or add something extra, it’s completely up to you. Make it to how you like it! Consider this a base to your creation.
It’s always important to stay cautious of what you are putting on your skin, Remember the skin is the body’s biggest organ that leads into the bloodstream. You wouldnt rub chemicals on your liver so why would you rub it onto your skin? Just some food for thought.
If you make any of your own homemade body scrubs, comment the recipe or tweet me pics. I’d love to see!