Creating your own personalized body scrub
- Teagan Cloete
- Aug 27, 2023
- 3 min read
A body scrub is often the number one at-home spa essential – and it is one of the easiest items to DIY. Making your own personalized body scrub allows you to tailor it to your unique preferences and skincare needs.
In this guide, we'll take you through the process of creating a customized body scrub, step by step.
1. Choosing a Purpose for Your Scrub
Before you start crafting your scrub, identify your goals. Are you looking to exfoliate, moisturize, invigorate, or relax? Your purpose will help determine the ingredients you'll incorporate. If you're aiming for relaxation, consider using calming herbs and essential oils. For an energizing scrub, opt for invigorating ingredients like citrus oils and herbs. This purpose will guide the rest of your choices.
2. Salt vs. Sugar Scrub
Both salt and sugar are excellent natural exfoliants, but they offer different benefits. Choose based on your skin's sensitivity and your desired level of exfoliation:
Salt Scrub: Salt provides detoxifying elements, and is particularly effective at sloughing off dead skin cells and promoting circulation. The sharp angles of coarse sea salt (not table salt) are particularly beneficial. Salt is also ideal for rough areas like elbows and feet.
Sugar Scrub: Gentle on sensitive skin, sugar scrubs are effective at removing dead cells and promoting a healthy glow. Sugar also doesn’t dry out your skin, and is therefore perfect for regular exfoliation without causing irritation.
3. To Oil or Not to Oil
Including oils in your body scrub formulation adds moisture and nourishment to your skin. However, this step is entirely optional. Here are a few options for carrier oils – choose one that suits your skin type:
Coconut Oil: Great for all skin types, coconut oil moisturizes deeply without clogging pores. It also imparts a subtle tropical scent to your scrub – organic coconut oil, that is.
Jojoba Oil: Suitable for oily or acne-prone skin, jojoba oil closely resembles skin's natural sebum. It helps balance oil production and provides a non-greasy finish.
Olive Oil: A natural antioxidant, olive oil is suitable for dry or mature skin. It offers intense moisturization and helps maintain skin elasticity.
4. Selecting the Right Herbs
Herbs can add fragrance, colour, and even therapeutic properties to your scrub. Choose herbs that align with your purpose. For a quick reference guide:
Invigorating: Rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus
Relaxing: Lavender, lemon balm and holy basil
Moisturizing: Peppermint, chamomile and fennel
Anti-inflammatory: Peppermint, chamomile, and most other herbs
Detox: Witch hazel, chamomile, eucalyptus (even though it is not classified as a herb)
5. Storing Your Scrub
Proper storage ensures your scrub remains effective and safe to use. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture from getting in and spoiling the scrub. Like all things natural; store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. As an added bonus, use a dark container for your scrub – this adds an extra layer of protection. Some plastics will react with oils and may retain the scents of essential oils. Just bear this in mind and check from time to time if you use a plastic container.
Oil generally acts as a preservative and prevents mould, especially if water gets mixed into the scrub. Additionally, consider adding a natural preservative - like vitamin E oil.
6. Extras for Added Luxury
Elevate your scrub by incorporating extra ingredients, such as:
Honey: A natural humectant, honey locks in moisture and soothes the skin. It provides both hydration and gentle exfoliation.
Essential Oils: Add aromatherapy benefits to your scrub. For instance, citrus oils like lemon and orange are uplifting, while lavender oil is calming. Tea tree oil can be included for its antibacterial properties.
Rose Petals: It looks pretty, it makes the experience feel more luxurious, and if you have a rosebush or two in your garden, they are free!
Conclusion:
Crafting your own personalized body scrub is a delightful and rewarding experience. By carefully selecting the scrub's purpose, exfoliate base, oils, herbs, and extra ingredients, you'll have a unique skincare product that caters to your skin's specific needs.
And last but far from least; experimentation is key. Play around with ingredients, ratios and combinations to find the perfect blend that gives your skin that enviable glow.
Happy scrub-making!
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