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Facial and body scrubs are used to exfoliate the skin. They remove dead skin cells and help dislodge dirt and grime from clogging the pores. Scrubs also stimulate circulation and encourage cell renewal.

While you can easily purchase scrubs from pharmacies and stores, why not make your own scrub with ingredients available in your kitchen? The scrubs that you make are fresh and full of the nutrients that your skin will benefit from. They are also free of harmful synthetic chemicals such as fragrances and preservatives (more info available here).

The ingredients for making your own scrubs are easily available at modest prices and may even be less expensive than those that you purchase. Here is a list of some ingredients found in the kitchen that are suitable for making scrubs.

Cereals - Oats and oatmeal are common ingredients in scrubs. They soften upon contact with water and gently exfoliate skin. They also keep your skin soft and smooth. Other cereals can such as wheat and oat bran, wheat germ, rye, barley etc can also be used.

Clays - Useful additions to a mask, clays are used for detoxifying the skin and when combined with liquids, clays can help bind the scrub together. More information is available in the masks section.

Fruit and vegetables - Many fruit and vegetables contain enzymes that promote cell renewal and regeneration.

• Apples are soothing to dry skin and contain malic and tartaric acids which gently exfoliate skin cells.
• Avocados are full of natural oil and are rich in vitamins and minerals. The rich flesh is wonderful in scrubs for dry skin.
• Bananas are also suitable for dry skin as they are quite rich. However, as they are not as oily as avocados, they can be used on all skins for moisturising.
• Cucumbers are cooling and toning and are suitable for all skin types. The flesh or juice can be used and they are soothing and anti-inflammatory as well as being hydrating and slightly astringent.
• Papaya flesh contains papain which can dissolve dead skin cells. They are astringent and best used on oily skins.
• Strawberries are slightly astringent and toning and are suitable for use on normal or oily skin.

Liquids - Liquids are used to bind your scrubs together. There are many liquids that can be used such as hydrosols, fruit juices, milk cream and yogurt or spring water. The properties of hydrosols and fruit juices depend on their sources while milk and cream are enriching and useful for normal and dry skin. Yogurt is slightly acidic and astringent and is used on oily skin.

Nuts - Seeds and nuts are also commonly used in scrubs for exfoliation because of their gritty texture. Ground almonds are a good addition to scrubs as they are gentle on the skin and are rich in oil.

Oils, essential - These are sometimes added for a pleasant fragrance and for their therapeutic effects. For scrubs, use only a little amount (1% dilution or less). Please browse through the essential oil properties for more information.

Oils, carrier - An optional addition to scrubs, oils are usually added if the scrubs is to be used on dry skin. Almost any oil can be used, and we recommend using a cold pressed vegetable oil such as almond, apricot kernel, jojoba or olive. Please refer to the oils section for more information.

Making your scrub:

Place all the dry ingredients in a small bowl and mix them well. Add the essential and carrier oils if you are using and mix well again. Slowly add in the liquid to form a paste.

Using your scrub:

Wet skin well with warm water and gently massage the scrub onto your skin in circular movements. Continue massaging until all areas have been covered. Rinse off the scrub with warm water and you're done!

Here are some recipes to get you started. Experiment with different ingredients and feel free to email us if you need help!

Scrub recipes Sea Salt Body Scrub 

A simple body scrub that you can make easily. Leaves skin soft and smooth. Use only on your body and avoid if you have cuts.

• 60g fine sea salt
• 60ml olive, coconut or almond oil
• 30 drops of your favourite essential oil*

Mix all ingredients together and massage onto your skin. Don't wet your skin or the salt will just dissolve. Using circular movements, massage thoroughly before rinsing with warm water. Towel dry and follow with your favourite moisturiser or carrier oils. *Optional ingredients.

Oats & Almonds Scrub 

This fine textured scrub can be used on your face or body and will soften and sooth your skin.

• 60g oatmeal
• 60g ground almonds
• milk, fruit juice or water
• 30 drops of your favourite essential oil*

Mix the dry ingredients together and slowly add in the liquid and essential oils of your choice. Mix well as you are adding the liquid to form a paste. Be careful not to add in too much liquid. Apply onto damp skin and massage well using circular movements. Rinse off with warm water and towel dry. Apply a moisturiser for best results. *Optional ingredients.

Banana Scrub Mask

A luxurious face and body scrub that smells absolutely delicious. Bananas enrich skin while oatmeal softens and moisturises. For normal to dry and sensitive skin.

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 tsp oatmeal
• milk or water

Mix the bananas and the oatmeal together and add enough milk or water to form a creamy paste. Massage over skin and leave for 10 minutes.

Then massage in circular movements and rinse off with warm water. Apply a moisturiser for best results.

Cleopatra's Luxurious Scrub

Ultra rich and enriching, this scrub moisturises and softens your skin while removing dirt and grime.

• 1 tsp dried powdered rose petals
• 1 tsp dried powdered lavender flowers
• 1 tsp oatmeal
• 1 tsp ground almonds
• 1 mashed strawberry
• milk

Mix all ingredients together and add enough milk to form a paste. Apply onto dry skin and leave for 10 minutes. Then massage with circular movements and rinse off with warm water. Note: powdered herbs can be made by grinding or processing dried herbs in your blender or food processor.

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