As
the largest organ of the body, our skin serves some important
functions. It protects us from the environment. It regulates our body
temperature. Our skin also allows us to feel things. The look and feel
of our skin speaks volumes about our overall health. Diet, exercise, and
lifestyles are all revealed by the appearance of our skin. In addition
to eating right and living well to care for our skin, keeping skin
properly hydrated can do wonders for it's appearance.Socrates,
the father of modern medicine, used hydration therapy as a “water cure”
for many illnesses. Keeping the skin and body hydrated is an important
part of any beauty routine. For these reasons, it is only natural that
homemade spa treatments, made from natural ingredients, be part of any
organic beauty care routine. Homemade salt scrubs and sugar scrubs are
just a few natural elements that can be used in organic and natural skin
care recipes.
Homemade Salt Scrub Recipe
Salt is readily
available in most kitchens. It contains astringent and antiseptic
properties when used on the skin in beauty and cosmetic recipes. Salt
also works well for sloughing dead skin cells from the skin and scalp.
It can be used to make your own salt scrubs at home. They have been used
throughout time to beautify skin by sloughing off dead skin cells. The
oil in this homemade salt scrub recipe will lubricate the skin at the
same time. It also stimulates blood flow to the surface of the skin.
2 cups salt
1 cup olive, coconut, or avocado oil
Mix
the salt and oil together. A few drops of essential oil can be added to
enhance the smell of the salt scrub. After a bath or shower, massage
with the salt scrub beginning with the feet and working upward. Do not
use the scrub anywhere that skin is sensitive. After the entire body is
covered, rinse off with warm water. Any unused salt scrub should be
stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe
A
sugar scrub is made using exactly the same proportions as those above
in the homemade salt scrub recipe. Two cups of sugar and 1 cup oil are
oil combined to make a skin scrub paste. A few drops of essential oil
can be added for scent. Lavender essential oil is always a skin care
favorite. Small amounts of vitamin C, lemon juice, or aloe vera gel, can
be added to help further nourish the skin. The sugar scrub is not as
abrasive as the salt scrub and can be used with the same benefits. Sugar
scrubs slough off dead skin cells, while improving circulation. The oil
used in the scrub hydrates and moisturizes the skin.