DIY Body Scrub Recipes for Dry Skin

Last updated on February 1st, 2023 at 09:22 pm

By Amanda Gomez, L.E.

Most of us are under quarantine right now, but now more than ever it is important to still practice self-care rituals to help us feel and look healthy. Self care means different things to different people, and we hope that this DIY body scrub will give you an opportunity to take a bit of time to focus on yourself and your well-being. 

The skin on our bodies, just like the skin on our faces, needs exfoliation. Exfoliating dead skin cells before applying lotions, moisturizers or oils to your body will allow for better product absorption – resulting in soft, moisturized skin. Get your creativity flowing (and your skin soft and glowing!) by creating a nice scrub at home with this simple recipe that calls for ingredients that you probably already have.

There are 3 parts to this scrub: an exfoliator/ base, a carrier and an aroma.

• Exfoliator/Base: this is the gritty component that will allow you to slough off dead skin and allow for better absorption of the carrier and aroma. 

• Carrier: either oil or water to combine ingredients. 

• Aroma: essential oils, spices, teas or herbs are great choices. Avoid fragrance oils that are synthetic. *If you are sensitive to fragrances you may of course leave this portion out.

**Always use caution when using essential oils; not all are appropriate to be placed onto the skin in large quantities (especially without a carrier) and can even make the skin sensitive to light and susceptible to burns – and for your safety, please don’t consume essential oils.

Now for the fun part, picking your ingredients! Cocktail your ingredients to your liking. The following are just some suggestions to get you started.

Exfoliators/Bases

• Brown or granulated sugar –  ideal for delicate or sensitive skin because sugar dissolves easily, preventing overly harsh exfoliation (but in case you’re looking for one, here’s a good salt scrub). Sugar helps skin retain moisture and keep it hydrated. Sugar is also a natural source of glycolic acid which penetrates the top, superficial layer of skin where it breaks down the bonds that hold skin cells together to exfoliate and promote the regeneration of new skin cells.

• Oatmeal (use with water instead of oil) – gentle, healing and emollient. Softens & hydrates, used in many personal care products to ease dryness and itchiness; has skin-conditioning, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.

Carriers

• Olive oil – contains vitamins A, D & E; is antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

• Grapeseed oil – absorbs quickly without feeling heavy, has a sweet odor, is high in vitamins C & E.

• Coconut oil (do not use on your face, it can be too heavy and cause breakouts) – moisturizes skin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aromas

• Honey – antioxidant, antimicrobial, rejuvenating for dull skin, helps retain moisture.

• Lavender essential oil – calming, stress relieving, antibacterial, anti-fungal, reduces redness.

• Rose essential oil – uplifting, ideal for dry/mature skin, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal – also has wound-healing properties.

• Cinnamon – anti-fungal, antiseptic, antibacterial, improves texture & tone; stimulates the flow of blood, nutrients and oxygen to the surface of the skin and increases circulation.

Recipe

• 1 cup of exfoliator/base

• ⅓ cup oil or water

Suggested measurements for aromas:

• 2-3 teaspoons honey

• 1 teaspoon spices

• 2-3 drops essential oils

Massage into damp skin in shower and rinse. Can be repeated 2x a week.

Exfoliating and moisturizing go hand in hand. For best results follow up with body lotion and apply to damp skin (I personally prefer oil). I can’t wait to hear your feedback!

Tag us on your social media so we can see what you mixed up in your kitchens!

IG: @Skincare_By_Adriana