I am obsessed with DIY scrubs. Why? They are the cheapest and safest way to rub your skin problems away! Just wander around your kitchen, and you will find all the ingredients you need to take care of your skin. The two most common ingredients that you will find lying in your kitchen cabinet are coconut oil and sugar. When combined, coconut oil and sugar can moisturize and exfoliate your skin and keep it baby soft. How? Scroll down to find out!
Benefits of Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub
Coconut oil and sugar are good for exfoliating not only your face but also the rest of your body. However, if you have oily and acne-prone skin, avoid using coconut oil on your face. It can block your skin pores and aggravate your acne or cause breakouts.
Now, let’s focus on why you should consider this simple and amazing scrub for your skin care needs.
1. It Keeps Your Skin Hydrated
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer. It is an excellent emollient and extremely beneficial in preventing dry, flaky skin and conditions such as atopic dermatitis (1). Sugar, on the other hand, is a humectant that draws moisture from the environment and keeps your skin hydrated.
2. Coconut Oil Can Kill Harmful Bacteria
Coconut oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can prevent many skin issues caused by bacteria (1).
3. It Is An Effective Exfoliant
Coconut oil and sugar scrub can gently get rid of dead skin cells. Compared to salt, sugar granules are less abrasive. Therefore, they clear out the dirt, stimulate skin cell growth, and remove all traces of makeup from your skin.
4. Coconut Oil Has Antioxidant Properties
Virgin coconut oil contains antioxidants (2). These antioxidants protect your skin from environmental damage and free radicals. They also prevent oxidative stress, which, in turn, prevents cellular breakdown. This reduces the chances of premature aging and keeps your skin youthful and healthy.
5. Sugar Prevents Ingrown Hair
As mentioned earlier, the coconut oil and sugar scrub can be used on any area of your body. This can be your secret weapon to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hair. Using the scrub on the affected area (where you get the most ingrown hairs) at least thrice a week can prevent the hair from curling up inside your skin.
Who knew that two simple ingredients like coconut and sugar could have these many benefits, right? Let’s check how you can make a simple DIY coconut oil and sugar scrub at home.
DIY Coconut Oil And Sugar Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ cup virgin coconut oil
- 1 cup sugar (white or brown, preferably organic and granulated)
Optional ingredients
- 10 drops lemon essential oil (you may use lavender, vanilla, sweet orange, tea tree, or any other essential oil of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon lemon (you can also use any other citrus fruit zest, such as orange or grapefruit)
Method
- Put the solidified coconut oil in a microwave-proof glass bowl.
- Microwave it for 45 seconds or until the oil has completely melted.
- Transfer the oil to another glass bowl, add sugar, and mix.
- Now, add the essential oil(s) and citrus zest (optional). Combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass or half pint jar.
Remember, this scrub is preservative-free, so it will not stay fresh for long. Make it in small batches that you can use up within a week or two. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. You can use this scrub to massage your face, hands, and other body parts. Here is how you can do that.
How To Use Coconut Oil And Sugar Scrub
On Your Face
Note: Don’t add citrus essential oil if you are using the scrub on your face. Citrus essential oil does not suit everyone and may cause a reaction on your skin. Reduce its quantity if you still want to use it.
- Take a small quantity of the scrub in your hands.
- Apply it all over your face, except the delicate area around your eyes.
- Massage for 30-60 seconds in a circular motion.
- Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry.
On Your Hands
- Take a bit of the scrub in your hands.
- Rub it between your palms and spread it all over your hands.
- Massage your hands and fingernails for a minute.
- Rinse your hands and pat them dry.
On Your Legs And Feet
- Soak your legs and feet for a few minutes in warm water to soften the skin.
- Sit in a comfortable position on the edge of your bathtub or on a small stool.
- Take some scrub in your hands.
- Massage it all over your legs. Focus on the areas between your toes and the dry patches. Don’t use it on the soles of your feet. If you do it apply it to your soles, wash them thoroughly with a mild cleanser before standing up to avoid slipping.
- Rinse your legs and pat them dry.
Note: Be careful while using it on your legs in the bath to avoid any accidents.
You can notice immediate results after using this amazing scrub, so you can wash it off within a minute. The best thing about this DIY scrub is that you can add ingredients such as vitamin E oil, cinnamon powder, and oatmeal to customize it for your specific skin needs. So, don’t waste time and pamper your skin with this super simple scrub. Tell us about your experience with it in the comments section below!
References
- “In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin..” ScienceDirect
- “Antioxidant capacity..” Taylor & Francis Online
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