We Did This For You – Get Smooth Radiant Skin With Our DIY Summer Body Scrub
Achieve Smooth, Radiant Skin with This DIY Summer Body Scrub
Your skin is the protective barrier between your body and the outside world. Every day, it comes into contact with harmful chemicals, pathogens and UV rays. It also serves the essential function of regulating your body temperature. Your skin helps keep you cool by excreting sweat in warmer weather. Taking care of your skin is an essential self-care practice, particularly in the summer months. If you’ve been taking your skin for granted, there’s no better time to give it some TLC with a cooling summer scrub.
While you may crave that summer glow, this season certainly poses a unique set of challenges for your skin. Too much sun exposure can damage sensitive skin and lead to dangerous sunburn. The skin is also kicked into overdrive in the summer months as it works tirelessly to keep you cool by releasing sweat through the pores of the skin. Without proper care, these sweat ducts can become blocked or clogged. In this scenario, the skin will be unable to excrete sweat efficiently, and you may experience breakouts, bacterial infections, and even heat stroke if your body is unable to regulate temperature.
With all of the obstacles facing your skin this summer, this scrub will exfoliate and revitalize your skin so you feel cool and refreshed. This DIY body scrub can be made in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Most likely, you already have them in your kitchen cupboard. It is always a good rule of thumb when making homemade skin products to look to your kitchen first. Everything you put on your skin is absorbed into the bloodstream. The skin is like a gateway to the rest of your body, so chose wisely what you put on it and avoid chemically based products.
In Ayurveda, coconut oil is one of the most highly revered ingredients to cool the body in summer and pacify Pitta dosha. It is light, easily absorbed by the skin, and cooling in energy. The coconut sugar will gently cleanse away dead skin and unblock pores so your skin can perform at its best. The scrubbing action will also stimulate circulation to the skin and help reduce lymphatic stagnation. Plus, your skin will be left feeling incredibly smooth and supple. If you find yourself getting irritated and “hot-headed” in summer, the refreshing burst of peppermint in this recipe will keep you calm, cool, and collected.
To use this body scrub, take 1-2 tbsps to start and gently scrub the whole body, except the face, in small circular motions. Do this standing in your shower or bathtub to eliminate the need to clean up after. Any sugary residue will simply melt away once the warm water is turned on! After a few minutes of gently scrubbing the skin, rinse your whole body down to remove the sugar. If there is some coconut oil left on your body, pat yourself dry with a towel and your skin will absorb the rest. This extra film of oil is wonderful for skin that tends to get dry or dehydrated in the summer months, as is daily self-massage (abhyanga). However, make sure the oil is all removed and you are wearing SPF before heading out in the sun.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
- Gently melt the coconut oil in a pot
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes
- Add the sugar and peppermint extract
- Combine to make a thick paste
- Spoon into an airtight container
- Add a few mint leaves to keep it smelling fresh
This scrub is suitable to use 1-2 times per week during the summer months. For anyone with sensitive skin, ensure you do not have a reaction to any of the ingredients before applying to the whole body. Be careful not to scrub too hard, just use the amount of pressure that feels comfortable for you. Do not use if you are currently experiencing any skin inflammation, irritation or sunburn. If you like this recipe, why not revamp your whole summer skin care routine with this DIY Non-Toxic Bug Balm and DIY Natural Deodorant too!
To learn more ways to care for your body throughout each season, follow the link below and download our free Anti-Aging Skin Care Regimen!
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE REGIMEN HERE
In health,
Rebecca
