Homemade Body Scrub Recipe for Naturally Smooth Skin

Go Green in 2014: Week 15

As the weather warms up, we start to shed our layers of clothes, and in doing so, our rough, dry winter skin is revealed. In preparation for the summer ahead, it's easy to soften and smooth our skin - and we can do it easily with items found in the kitchen.

However, because the skin is the largest organ of the body, it is important to avoid rubbing chemical-laden products on it. The skin readily absorbs chemicals and toxins from store-bought body scrubs into the bloodstream. As we have already learned in the previous weeks, this is not a good thing.

First of all, why  use a scrub?

Although too much scrubbing can be damaging to the skin, occasional gentle exfoliation is a wonderful way to improve circulation and reduce stress. It also sloughs off old skin cells to promote the growth of new ones, and it gives the skin a healthy glow. Plus, it is cheap and easy to make your own at home!

What you will need:

• Sugar (white or brown) or salt (sea, epsom, table)
• Oil (grapeseed, sweet almond, coconut, jojoba, avocado, olive, safflower)
• Essential oil (optional)
• Herbs (optional)

How to make homemade body scrub

1. Place one cup salt or sugar in a bowl. Start adding your chosen oil, a small amount at a time. Use a small spoon to mix the salt or sugar and oil as you go. For my hand and foot scrub, I used table salt and olive oil.
2. Once you have reached your desired consistency, you have the option to add a few drops of your chosen essential oil. I chose to add approximately 10 drops peppermint oil for an invigorating scent.
3. If desired, you can also add a tablespoon of dried herbs. Mix well. I had a few packets of peppermint tea on hand, so I broke open a bag and mixed the contents into my scrub.
4. After everything has been mixed together, spoon the mixture into a container of your choice. I found that a wide-mouth mason jar works well.

That's it! Quick and easy, and it costs very little to make. I keep my jar of scrub in the bathroom, and only place it in the shower when I am planning on using it. If you are using a glass container, be very careful, because glass can get slippery and could be dangerous if it breaks while you are showering.

Note: Body scrubs are perfect to use on your legs before shaving; it will help you get a closer shave for smooth summer legs. After shaving, try my homemade whipped body butter recipe for extra soft skin.

Another note: Body scrubs make great gifts when placed in a mason jar and adorned with a bit of ribbon or a piece of colorful fabric.

If you need recipe ideas, you will find a lot of wonderful scrub recipes and helpful hints in this ebook:

Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy Karen

Most of the scrub recipes are not suitable for use on the face. If you wish to make a face scrub, try using sugar and a small amount of oil or honey.

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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, make your own body scrub to naturally smooth your skin in preparation for the summer ahead.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**