The holidays can wreak havoc on your skin–too much time inside in overheated dry air, too much celebration with rich food and drink, too much unhealthy stress. And though there are months of winter left to go, there is something you can make right now to give yourself–and your skin–the rejuvenating and relaxing break you need. This lavender sugar scrub is created with items from your pantry, dried lavender from your garden, and essential oils available online and at many grocery, health food, and beauty supply stores.
Ingredients:
1 cup (240 mL) high quality organic olive or coconut oil
½-1 cup (64-128g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) lavender essential oil
Heaping spoonful (or more) of dried lavender (optional, more for color and texture as the essential oil will give the scrub the fragrance it needs)
Makes eight ounces (225g) of sugar scrub. The recipe can be scaled to any amount you prefer.
Steps:
1. Pour the sugar and essential oil in a medium-sized bowl and add oil, mixing, until the scrub reaches the consistency you want (less oil will yield a coarser scrub. You want the scrub to have the feel of wet sand). Next, stir in the dried lavender and mix thoroughly.
2. Spoon the scrub into a storage container with a tight lid. Glass mason jars are wonderful for gifting the scrub, while plastic travel containers work well if you want to take your scrub into the shower. Scrub will last six months on the shelf.
How to use:
With a gentle circular motion, rub the scrub on your face for 30 seconds to a minute then rinse thoroughly. Massage the scrub into your arms or legs or rub it on your hands, again for 30 seconds to a minute. You skin will immediately feel more alive and look more radiant.
Variations:
Use other essential oils–like rose, orange, frankincense, lemon, geranium, or tee tree–alone or in combination to find your favorite combination. (Do remember that not all essential oils are good for your skin, so do your research before going beyond this list). Add dried or fresh herbs for color, texture, and new depth to your scrub’s scent profile. Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme are wonderful choices.
The end of the holidays and the start of a new year is a perfect time to reset your self-care routine, starting with your skin. And this lavender sugar scrub is the ideal place to begin. It’s as easy to put together as it is effective at re-hydrating and refreshing your skin. Be sure to make extra so you can give a jar to the friends when they comment on your new, healthy glow.
Learn how you can dry herbs from your own garden to use in beauty recipes like this one in our article, “Tips for Harvesting and Preserving Herbs”.
