Sugar is one of the best natural beauty ingredients to exfoliate your skin. Sugar scrubs are mild and help remove dead skin.
Plant-based skin care products are good for you, the environment and your pocket book. In a recent Michigan State University Extension article, “Natural plant based lip balm: DIY!” I explored a natural plant-based lip balm. After receiving a fabulous sugar scrub for Christmas, I thought I would do some research into the benefits of sugar and oil for my winter-parched skin.
Natural skin care products are all the rage – a Google search for homemade sugar scrub brought 473,000 hits at my fingertips within three seconds. With a quick Pinterest search, dozens of sugar scrub variations became available almost instantly too. With so many recipes and variations, here is some information about why sugar and oil are not only good for baking, but good for your skin too.
Sugar is one of the best natural beauty ingredients to exfoliate your skin. Sugar scrubs are mild and help remove dead skin. They also help rejuvenate the skin by cleaning all the dirt from the skin pores. With all the dead skin and dirt removed, the new skin is more radiant and you have a healthier glow. Sugar has a natural anti-aging effect on the skin. It does not allow toxins to attack your skin cells, so it helps to slow down the aging process.
Regular granulated sugar, brown sugar or organic sugar all work well. Brown sugar is the finest and least abrasive, regular granulated is next and works just fine, and organic sugar is the coarsest. Pick the one you like or mix and match until you find your favorite combination. As for the oil to mix with the sugar, coconut oil seems to be the most popular for cooking and for topical skin and hair care.
In some parts of the world, people think coconut oil protects their skin from harmful rays. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that have strong disinfectant and antimicrobial properties. As a result, when you apply coconut oil to your skin with open wounds they heal faster and can prevent microbial infections.
There is plenty of vitamin E in coconut oil, which is essential for healthy skin. Vitamin E repairs wear and tear and protects the skin from cracking. It can also help premature aging. The protein in coconuts and coconut oils also helps keep skin healthy by contributing to cellular health and tissue repair. Coconut oil is also good for several skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. Also, one of the best attribute is it does not become rancid.
A very easy sugar scrub is 1 cup sugar mixed with ½ cup coconut oil. You can add citric zest from lemons, limes, oranges or grapefruit if you like, or add a splash of vanilla. Essential oils are also a great option.
Experiment and have fun. Gift the scrubs and use them for yourself. You deserve a little pampering after braving one of the coldest Michigan winters recorded!
Did you find this article useful?
FAQs
DIY Facial Sugar Scrub
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, Alternative: Grapeseed Oil.
- ¼-1/2 cup brown sugar or white sugar. Brown sugar will be more gentle while white sugar tends to be more exfoliating.
- 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Essential oil of your choice! ( Young Living or Doterra recommended)
Sugar is one of the best natural beauty ingredients to exfoliate your skin. Sugar scrubs are mild and help remove dead skin. They also help rejuvenate the skin by cleaning all the dirt from the skin pores. With all the dead skin and dirt removed, the new skin is more radiant and you have a healthier glow.
How to make sugar scrub with 2 ingredients? ›
Place sugar into a bowl. Add in 1/3 cup of oil and stir until well blended. If the sugar scrub seems too dry for your liking add more oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you get the consistency you like. Remember, this is personal preference so don't worry about “messing up.” You won't, I promise.
What can I mix with sugar to exfoliate? ›
To begin, you'll mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Next, apply directly to your face in a gentle circular motion making sure to feel the exfoliation on your skin. Once you've covered your face, remove the scrub with lukewarm water and voilà, clean smooth skin! For best results, repeat twice a week!
Is it better to scrub your face with sugar or salt? ›
If you have sensitive or dry skin, you may find sugar scrubs are better because they feel gentler on your skin and are less likely to cause irritation. However, if you want a way to detox and exfoliate, you may find that salt scrubs work better for you.
What is the best homemade exfoliator? ›
There are many ways to exfoliate skin naturally. Coffee grounds, sugar, finely ground sea salt, cinnamon and oats are some of the best ingredients to use in a homemade exfoliating scrub, Roff says. She is a big fan of sugar face scrubs, as they can brighten dull skin and fight signs of aging.
How do you make a cleansing sugar scrub? ›
Making your own sugar scrub
The most basic sugar scrub recipe uses one-half cup sugar and a small amount of oil (olive, corn, peanut or safflower) to moisten the sugar and create a paste-like consistency. Cane, white or brown sugar can be used equally, but brown sugar tends to add a light, warm smell of molasses.
How long does a homemade sugar scrub last? ›
As long as you save your homemade body scrub in a well sealed container so no moisture or other environmental components can get in, then it can last up to six months.
What do you put on after sugar scrub? ›
Moisturise your skin while your skin is slightly damp, to ensure it works into the skin properly. Body scrubs temporarily disrupt your skin barrier and can dry out your skin, which is why it's important to moisturise after and restore your skin's natural moisture levels.
Can I use sugar scrub on my face every day? ›
Daily exfoliating can dry out the skin, so only use your sugar scrub 2-3 times per week.
This lemon and sugar scrub will help you maintain a silky and smooth skin. Lemon tightens pores and evens out the skin tone and the sugar removes dead skin cells, cleaning the pores. We invite you to try it out since it is easy and an effective way to treat your skin.
What sugar scrub is best for face? ›
The Tula Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub is our top pick for the best face scrub.
How to make homemade scrub for face? ›
To make this homemade face scrub for glowing skin, mix two cups of fuller's earth with one spoon of fresh aloe vera gel. You may also add essential oils and rose water to boost the effect. Mix well to create a fine paste and massage it into your face and neck. Scrub for 5 minutes before washing it off with cold water.
