This is a really wonderful recipe for the skin and I find it so much effective than most commercial scrubs. It literally takes  a second to make and is also budget friendly too!

1 Part Skin Friendly Oil (see suggestions below)

1 Part Finely Ground Sugar

A few drops essential oil (optional)

Mix oil, sugar and essential oil (if using) together until combined. Apply to dampened skin then rinse off. Most of the oil will stay on your skin but please be careful in the shower as sometimes the oil can make it very slippery.

Store in an airtight jar for up to several weeks (Keep it away from ants as they LOVE this)

As this is so quick to make I usually just make enough for each time I need it though rather than making a big batch to keep.

My favourite oils to use: Extra Virgin Olive, Coconut, Sweet Almond, Avacado, Jojoba,

Extra Virgin Olive is usually what I’ll use as it is not only the most economical and easy to source, but also really nourishing to dry skin and high in wonderful vitamins (such as vitamin E). I find olive oil a little heavier than some of the other oils so for me it’s best to use on the driest ares on skin such as the feet, hands, knees and elbows. Just be warned some olive oils can have a strong olive smell, sometimes quite fruity, sometimes more peppery, if that bothers you you might prefer some of the other oils (or using Light Olive Oil). Whatever oil you use will stay on and moisturise your skin after you’ve washed the scrub off. A lot of recipes use less oil than I do but I find the scrub too dry otherwise.

My favourite sugars: Any fine grain sugars such as light or dark brown sugar (powdered), demerara sugar or castor sugar

The sugar grains not only mechanically exfoliate dead skin cells but also contain glycolic acid, an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that further helps dissolve and break down these cells. Sugar is also hydrating as it draws in moisture from the environment rather than taking it from the skin (like salt does). Although eating refined sugar isn’t the best thing for your skin or body, I don’t believe there is any benefit to using healthier unrefined sugars (such as evaporated cane sugar, date sugar, molasses sugar) for this than standard white or brown sugars, so don’t waste those here.

My favourite essential oils: Orange, lemon, lime, peppermint, lavender, grapefruit

I am only starting to learn about essential oils so I don’t have too much information about them yet. Just be warned that essential oils can be quite potent and certain ones quite irritating to the skin. Everyone is different, I know peppermint can be really irritating to a lot of people whereas I find it quite soothing. I hear that there are certain oils that are dangerous when pregnant too so just make sure to do your research. Essential oils can be rather expensive but I’m finding they are much more affordable to buy direct from online soap/cosmetic/candle supply wholesalers. I actually prefer to make most of my cosmetics without fragrance or essential oils so they don’t interfere with my perfume.