Scrubs

No, not the hit Medi-Drama. I speak of body scrubs, exfoliative and moisturizing and yummy-smelling. Quite possibly the greatest invention since scented lotion. I am not the biggest fan of baths, in which these solutions are the most effective, but sometimes I will brave the awkward positioning necessary to sit in a hard tub and stare at a wall with no mental stimulation for 15-20 minutes (some days that's a bit of a stretch even) in order to obtain supreme exfoliation and hydration. The idea of a loofah sponge is disgusting to me (there's still dead skin on it after you rinse it out, and it just sits there and decays until the next time you use it. GECK!) so I just use scrubs whenever I can. Since we're running with the home made theme, I'll feature the ones we made from household products first.

First, some ingredients:

Salt: Great for coarse scrubs, post-shave disinfecting to prevent the Red Bumpies of Death, and also for detoxing of skin and muscles. Sea salt can be used, but epsom salts are better for all the above purposes and won't sting quite as much. Best for use on the body only, as it is too coarse for the thinner skin of the face and doesn't feel awesome in the eyes, nose, or any open acne spots.

Sugar: About the only healthy use for white bleached cane sugar, sugar scrubs are best for sensitive, dry, or easily abraded skin. Make sure it's rinsed off thoroughly after use, though, as bacteria just LOVE sugar and any spots that stay damp (between toes, under arms, etc) is a storehouse for infection.

Olive Oil: One of nature's best oils, second in my book only to coconut oil, olive oil is thick and moisturiing and feels great in a warm bath.* It's also relatively cheap (store brand works just as well as the high-end stuff) easy to obtain, and mixes well with any scent.

Coconut Oil: This oil is divided into two classes: Regular coconut oil and Monoi, which has long been credited for the beautiful skin and hair seen on Polynesian women. Chemically the most similar thing the natural world has to offer to our own natural sebum, it is a fantastic replacement oil for people who experience dry skin as a medication side effect or health condition. A four-ounce bottle of Monoi costs about ten dollars. My favorite brand can be found at http://www.monoi.com/ It sinks in fast, never leaves greasy residue, and smells unbelievable without being perfumey. One of the most popular scents is Tiare, which is Tahitian Jasmine and pairs beautifully with vanilla.

Coffee: Good for the body, good for the soul, coffee helps tone the skin and break up cellulite while detoxing pores and, of course, exfoliating.

Baking soda: Scientists have found that cancers of all kinds thrive in an acidic environment, which many toxins, preservatives, chemicals, and pesticides create in our bodies. I don't know if baking soda combats this in any way by using it topically on the face, but it's a nice soft scrub to use that is non-drying, cheap, easy to use and requires very little brain power. Use it straight or with a regular non-scrubbing cleanser to buff away dead skin, which, as we all know, is the devil.

Now, as for recipes: As a warning, I was taught to cook by my mother, who was taught by her mother, who was taught by my gran-gran. Women in our family do not use measuring cups. All measurements here are approximate and should be tweaked and adjusted to taste.

Erin's Down-Home salt or sugar scrub: One of the easiest and most luxurious products to make, all that is necessary is two parts dry to one part wet. The oil should just cover the salt or sugar. Make sure it is mixed well. I would recommend a good essential oil for fragrance. A few drops will go a long way here. Don't be surprised if you feel a little greasy when you get out of the tub. Just keep rubbing and you'll be a little ball of velvet by morning.

Corrie's Coffee Scrub: Coffee grounds, vanilla, cinamon, sugar, and just enough olive oil to wet everything down, this concoction was stuffed in a pretty jar and given to the roomies by Corrie for Single's Recognition Day, AKA Valentine's day. The initial smell of coffee is overwhelming when you first set out to use it, but after you scrub and wash the grounds away, there is only a rich, spicy vanilla scent left behind. And no, it doesn't stain.

Baking soda scrub: Mix equal parts baking soda (don't use the box you've been storing in your fridge for months. It's gonna stink. Fork out the two bucks to get a new box to keep under your sink) and your favorite cleanser, making a paste. Wet the skin with warm water beforehand. Do not use more than two or three times a week, as over-exfoliation will cause irritation, breakouts, and premature aging.

Bath and Bodyworks: Their basic salt scrubs are pretty nearly perfect, fairly affordable, and smell amazing, but if you have any perfume sensitivities, stay away. The fragrance in this stuff is pretty heavy.


And there you have it! Next: Leave-on masks! Or something.

Happy Polishing!
Erin


*Word to the wise: Keep a bottle of dish soap handy in the bathroom. Oily tub+bare feet+gravity=Hospital trip x OW2.