sugar scrubs: your winter-time skin's bff

my finished sugar scrub -- simple and effective!

Sugar scrubs should be everyone's BFF during the winter!  

When you take off your favorite black leggings or sweater do you find those white flecks all over the inside of your clothing?  Exfoliating and moisturizing are both keys to taking care of those dead skin cells while conditioning and treating your skin ... and both can be accomplished in one easy step with a great sugar scrub.  

And what a great DIY gift!  A local shop here in my town sells their scrubs for $16.95 for a 4 oz. jar.  I can make a, 8 oz jar for, well, I don't know because I hate math ... but for the cost of a jar, a little sugar, coconut oil, aloe and essential oils -- maybe a $3 at the most?  And easy, too -- no double boiler and no hard-to-find ingredients.

Of course the addition of therapeutic-grade essential oils provides additional support to your body.  Depnding on the oils used can can provide support and comfort to muscles and joints; open and clear your airway; boost your immune system; combat seasonal threats ... amd in general awaken and invigorate your senses!

I've tried at least a half-dozen sugar scrub recipes and finally just came up with my own, based on using ingredients that I know are safe, effective and gentle.  I opt for sugar over salt bacuase if you have an owie, salt can hurt!  Sugar exfoliates just as well, without irritation.  I tried brown sugar and I didn't like the consistency or the overwhelming molasses aroma.  I don't use food coloring, because that's Just. One. More. Thing. To. Buy.  And it can stain.  Plus, I like the pure white of my concoction.  I use just plain old organic coconut oil (I've tried Olive Oil, Almond Oil, FCO, Grapeseed Oil and Vitamin E -- all in various combinations!) because it's so great for your skin -- deeply moisurizing.  I add in aloe vera gel because of its healing and anti-microbial properties. And only the best essential oils (of course!).  Based on the oils you add, this makes a great gift for men and women both.

* Notes on types of sugar:

• Use 100% white sugar for a multi-purpose scrub that can used all over the body, including the face (it's always a good idea to patch-test first on your face)
• As you add a more course sugar, like turbinado, the scrub should only be used on the body – personally, I wouldn’t add more than 10 – maybe 20% turbinado
• For a FOOT scrub, use an even higher percentage of turbinado – 50% or so.  You can experiment!  Peppermint is a nice EO to use in a foot scrub.

* Notes of types of coconut oil:

• For a more neutral base aroma - use refined coconut oil.
• If you like the coconut aroma and/or if it compliments your essential oil additions (lime + ginger smell wonderful in unrefined coconut oil) -- use unrefined virgin coconut oil.
• I recommend using  organic coconut oil.  This can be found in the cooking oil section of your grocery store.

Essential oil variations:

• 6 d Peppermint + 6 d Eucalyptus + 4 d Rosemary 
• 6 d. Lemongrass + 6 d Spearmint 
• 6 d Frankincense + 6 d Wild Orange
• 6 d Peppermint + 6 d Wild Orange
• 6 d Lime + 6 d Ginger
• 4 d each:  Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon
• 3 d each: Bergamot, Lavender, Clove and Wild Orange
• 10 – 12 drops your choice:  Serenity, Balance, Lavender, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Holiday Joy, any of our Emotional Aromatherapy blends (Cheer, Elevation, Motivate, Passion, etc.)
• whatever YOU love!!
• a nice combination for men:  5 d Petitgrain + 4 d White Fir + 2 d Clove 

Choices are endless!

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​Sugar scrub recipe (8 oz. jar)

• 2/3  cup white sugar 
• ¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon organic coconut oil 
• 1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel
• doTERRA essential oils of choice

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​Add all ingredients to your mixing bowl and begin mixing.  The mixture may be lumpy at first.  

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If needed, get in there with your hands (wash first!) and break up the clumps of coconut oil until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.  The mixture will be almost like a grainy playdough consistency.

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Spoon the mixture into an 8 oz. jar.  There are tons of ways to decorate the top.  I chose a simple hand-made tag made from a paper-making punch and a length of twine.

If you want to add instructions, remind your lucky gift recipents to apply in light circular motions to damp skin while in a bath or shower and to exercise caution when stepping out of the tub as it can make surfaces slippery!.  Pat skin dry ... no additional lotion is required!

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Do you want to know what the BEST and SMARTEST way is to start with essential oils?  Here it is ... with me and my awesome team!  We will give you tools to get started, plus on-going support through classes, *private* on-line support groups, team-only emails and more. A trusted, guiding hand is so important when you're just getting started learning how to take control of your health.

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And please, please remember -- One of the most vital things you must know about essential oils is not all essential oils are created equally. Many - if not most - brands should not be ingested as they are not tested for purity.  In fact, most of them are worthless to your health and often synthetic.

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