We made it to May! After hiding under layers of clothes for months, I finally feel confident bringing out some shorts and sandals-with the sweaters and pants close by of course.
Bringing out the warm weather clothing means exposing the skin I’ve been neglecting all winter. There are tons of products out there that could deal with the dry, flaky skin I’m sporting, but I have found that you can easily make your own. Using a few simple ingredients, some of which you can find in your own kitchen, you can safely and inexpensively exfoliate and moisturize your skin from head to toe. Hello springtime glow!
Sugar Scrub
**Please note that the oil in the scrub could leave your tub slippery-exercise caution if you use in the shower or bath. I like to use this on my lips, and I also keep a jar near the kitchen sink for my hands.
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup sweet almond oil (Olive oil or jojoba oil would also work well)
* 15-20 drops Essential oil, optional
*Clean container or jar
1. Add 1 cup of sugar to bowl. Add in the oil, add slowly to reach desired consistency. If desired, mix in essential oils.
2. Transfer scrub to containers and enjoy!
There are endless scent combinations to use. Here are a few of my favorite scents:
* Lemon (perfect for near kitchen sink)
*Grapefruit
*Sweet Orange
*Peppermint
*Lavender
(Un)Petroleum Jelly
*1/4 cup beeswax pastilles (I buy mine from Amazon)
*1/2 cup olive oil
*1/2 cup coconut oil
*Clean container or jar
1. Place beeswax, olive oil and coconut oil in glass measuring cup. Place cup in pan of water, taking care not to get water in the cup, and melt over low heat.
2. Once ingredients are melted pour into jars. Let sit for 30 minutes to harden.
Use as you would petroleum jelly. My whole family uses this on lips, hands, and feet. Works wonders on cuticles! A little goes a long way.
3-Ingredient Natural Lotion (Adapted from Rawmazing)
*1/2 cup raw shea butter (I have purchased from Amazon and Willy St. Co-op)
*1/4 cup coconut oil
*1/4 cup olive oil (You could use sweet almond oil instead)
*Essential oils, optional
*Clean container or jar
- Place all ingredients in a glass measuring cup and set into a pan of water. (Or use any double-boiler method that works for you. Just make sure no water gets into the oil.)
- When oils are melted, add in essential oils if using. Place mixture in freezer until partially solidified, about 20-30 minutes.
- Place mixture into stand mixer and whip. It will resemble homemade whipped cream to start and then settle into a thick lotion.
Use as you would any body lotion, but remember to use sparingly. This will melt and be a bit greasy on the skin to start, as you continue to rub your skin will absorb the lotion and will not remain greasy.
Invigorating Foot Cream
*1/2 cup olive oil
*1 tablespoon beeswax pastilles
*Essential oils. I used:
*20 drops Eucalyptus oil
*20 drops Peppermint oil
*10 drops Rosemary oil
1. Place olive oil and beeswax in glass measuring cup. Place measuring cup in pan. Add enough water to the pan so it goes halfway up measuring cup. Take care not to get any water into the measuring cup.
2. Bring water to a simmer and stir olive oil and beeswax just until beeswax is melted. Can also be done in a double boiler.
3. Once beeswax is melted, remove from heat and stir in essential oils. Pour into jars and allow to harden. I use small glass jelly jars for mine.
I like this best when used at night under a pair of socks. Feet are ready for sandals by morning!
