scrubs
Two minutes to smooth skin
Always patch test on a small area (side of face or neck) to check for allergic reactions!
Scrubs play a very important role in keeping your skin smooth and clear. The purpose of a scrub is to remove all the dead skin away so that it does not clog your pores (which results in blackheads). It also allows moisturisers to be easily absorbed into the skin.
The scrub recipes below have been specifically chosen, as they are fantastic scrubs and are simple to make. The sugar scrub is a favourite! The coffee scrub is more gentle and good if you have sensitive skin.
Be sure to use brown cane sugar, as it has finer granules and is gentler on the skin.
Remember to never press too hard on your face
In the hot weather store the scrubs in the refrigerator, in a glass jar.
How to use scrubs
Before you use a scrub, cleanse your face (see Cleanser page).
To use the scrub, put a teaspoon full of the scrub in your hand and add a little water. Rub together with the tips of your fingers and apply to your face.
Gently massage into face (avoiding the eye area) using small circular movements, without pressing, for 1 minute.
Rinse with warm water, dry your face with a towel and apply a good moisturiser. If you do not have access to a moisturiser, you can apply either Grapeseed oil or Rosehip oil to your skin instead – but not too much, only a few drops.
Scrubs should be used at least once a week, but 2 times can be more beneficial – depending on your skin.
Brown sugar scrub
Ingredients
If you are allergic to bee stings – you may have a reaction to the honey, so patch test first.
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon honey
1 Tablespon coconut oil (melted in microwave)
1 teaspoon (approximately) lemon juice
Put the brown sugar in a small bowl or cup. Add the lemon juice, honey and melted coconut oil. Mix with a spoon, until combined.
If it is too runny, add more sugar and if it is too thick then add a few more drops of lemon juice.
This recipe makes enough scrub to last a month, depending on how often you use it, and fills a 60ml jar.
Coffee scrub
Ingredients
The coffee used in this scrub is used ground coffee, which you may have at home or you will be able to go to your local coffee shop and ask them for some of their used coffee grounds – which they will be happy to give you for free.
Once you get it home let it dry out in an oven tray and then you can put it in the oven, at 125 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes, stirring 3 or 4 times. Let it cool completely before making the scrub.
3 Tablespoons re-roasted coffee grounds (as above)
1 1/5 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons Grapeseed oil
Mix the sugar with the coffee and add the grapeseed oil. Mix thoroughly. If it is too runny, add more brown sugar or coffee grounds, until it is the consistency of a paste.
This recipe makes approximately 60ml and will keep for up to a month.
For boys this is a really great scrub to use prior to shaving, as it leaves the skin lubricated.
Moisturisers
If you do not have a moisturiser, and cannot get access to one, you can always use a little rosehip oil or grapeseed oil and gently apply to the face.
Rosehip oil can be used on any skin type and has anti-inflammatory properties. This is available from chemists.
Grapeseed oil has astringent qualities (making the skin feel tighter) and is particularly good for oily/acne skin. It is also a great lubricant for shaving. This is available from supermarkets.