I have to share this one. This is one of those items I have been making for years and started making it for friends, too. Completely stopped buying scrubs because this works so well (and when you calculate the cost, a small batch of this stuff costs about $2). Try it once and you’ll understand. Seriously, this does everything commercial body scrub does, but is more natural and way cheaper. You get that beading effect from the water in the shower, it leaves your skin really soft, and it lasts a very long time. Plus, you know what you are putting on your skin.
What you need:
This depends on how rough you want it to be. If you want a gentle scrub, get some Epsom salts.
What you need:
This depends on how rough you want it to be. If you want a gentle scrub, get some Epsom salts.
Epsom salts will still give you a nice scrub, but it won’t be as harsh on your skin. This is great for people with sensitive skin.
If you want it a little rougher, like I do, get some dead sea salt. You can buy tubs of it at craft stores in the same isle you would get soap making materials. You can get the oils you need in the same isle.
If you want it a little rougher, like I do, get some dead sea salt. You can buy tubs of it at craft stores in the same isle you would get soap making materials. You can get the oils you need in the same isle.
You’ll need something like a mortar and pestle to break the salt down, and I won’t lie to you… this is tedious and not the easiest thing to do. But very worth it. Just be prepared to be tired if you are making large batches. I haven’t tried to break it down any other way, only because the mortar and pestle gives you a little more control over how small the bits end up being.
Other items you need:
Other items you need:
Make sure when you get the oils that they are approved for soap making. Not all oils are. Some essential oils are alright for this, too, but make sure before using it. Be aware some oils, if not approved for soap making, can actually burn.
OK, so first off, if you are using the dead sea salt, make sure you have it crushed down to the desired size. No need to crush down Epsom salt if you are using that.
Put the salt in a shower safe container. I use the small disposable containers you can get at Walmart or grocery stores.
OK, so first off, if you are using the dead sea salt, make sure you have it crushed down to the desired size. No need to crush down Epsom salt if you are using that.
Put the salt in a shower safe container. I use the small disposable containers you can get at Walmart or grocery stores.
Make sure it has a good lid, and make sure it is something like plastic. Don’t use glass. You don’t want broken glass all over your bathtub should it fall. You can, of course, use containers left over from store bought scrubs, just make sure to remove the label and clean them out really, really well.
Add a few teaspoons of the olive oil. Mix the oil into the salt with each teaspoon until you get it to the consistency you want. Remember, you don’t want it to be too greasy or it will cut the effects of the scrub and leave you feeling too greasy. Not enough, and you end up tearing up your skin. The olive oil will help sooth your skin and assist with dryness; it should leave you feeling soft and comfortable when you are done. If you feel greasy, cut down on the amount of olive oil you use in your next batch.
Add whatever oil or combination of oils you wish for your desired scent. I prefer floral smells, but especially around Christmas I’ll add some kind of peppermint or cinnamon to leave myself with a festive smell. Two or three drops of the oil should do it and keep you from having an overpowering scent (of course, that count changes if the container you choose is much larger than the one pictured. I tend to make small batches).
Mix it up real well, and it is ready to use. Make sure you remix it with your finger before each use to blend any separation that has occurred between uses.
Use this mix once or twice a week in the shower to keep your skin feeling extra soft. It is fine to leave in the shower, and should last a long time.
This makes a great homemade gift, as well. Just use a prettier plastic container for presentation. If it is for yourself, go ahead and use the cheaper container to save cash.
Add a few teaspoons of the olive oil. Mix the oil into the salt with each teaspoon until you get it to the consistency you want. Remember, you don’t want it to be too greasy or it will cut the effects of the scrub and leave you feeling too greasy. Not enough, and you end up tearing up your skin. The olive oil will help sooth your skin and assist with dryness; it should leave you feeling soft and comfortable when you are done. If you feel greasy, cut down on the amount of olive oil you use in your next batch.
Add whatever oil or combination of oils you wish for your desired scent. I prefer floral smells, but especially around Christmas I’ll add some kind of peppermint or cinnamon to leave myself with a festive smell. Two or three drops of the oil should do it and keep you from having an overpowering scent (of course, that count changes if the container you choose is much larger than the one pictured. I tend to make small batches).
Mix it up real well, and it is ready to use. Make sure you remix it with your finger before each use to blend any separation that has occurred between uses.
Use this mix once or twice a week in the shower to keep your skin feeling extra soft. It is fine to leave in the shower, and should last a long time.
This makes a great homemade gift, as well. Just use a prettier plastic container for presentation. If it is for yourself, go ahead and use the cheaper container to save cash.