Homemade Sugar Scrub

This weather, huh? It is cah-razy for March. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, but it is a little weird.

However, the warmness has me pawing through my pants and jeans for skirts and capris and leaving my coats in the closet. And with that, my winter-white appendages (okay, fish-belly white) are feeling the sunshine for the first time since winter’s hibernation.

Necessary step?

Exfoliation.

And for that exfoliation?

Sugar scrub.

Always one to make things myself, I did a little research and put together my own blend. I knew I wanted to use Cuties, as in Cutie clementines, for the scent. Not only is the citrus smell invigorating and refreshing, it’s a natural element and I already had them in my home.

To make the sugar scrub, I used raw sugar, the organic turbinado kind, almond oil, vegetable glycerin and Cutie clementines. First, a little information about the ingredients.

Raw sugar – The raw sugar I used is a kind I had on hand for use in baking recipes. The particle size is large, very hard and can be abrasive if scrubbed vigorously. If this isn’t what you are looking for, choose a sugar particle size you are more comfortable with. The white sugar used in baking works, too, although you might have to adjust the other ingredient amounts.

Almond oil – This is another product I have in my home. It’s a natural product and is a great moisturizer for skin of all ages. During the winter, I sometimes add oil in the bathwater to keep my babes’ skin from drying out. If you don’t want to use almond oil, use any natural oil you choose.

Vegetable glycerin – I did purchase this for this scrub-making project and I purchased it at a natural foods store. In my reading, some used it, some didn’t. For one batch, I didn’t use it and for one, I did. Both scrubs work.

The vegetable glycerin is another skin moisturizer but it also works as an emulsifier, keeping the scrub ingredients mixed together. If you don’t use it, it’s not a big deal. You will just have to mix things up again before use. If you do forgo the vegetable glycerin, add in the equal amount of oil to replace it.

The Cuties – After peeling a large number of clementines for my children and me to consume, I found myself refreshed by their left-over scent on my hands and so I thought they would be perfect for my scrub. It’s not an overwhelming scent but that’s the way I prefer it. Just a hint. I added the rind in for color as well as extra scent.

You can use essential oils for your scent instead.

Homemade Sugar Scrub

1.5 cups organic raw turbinado sugar
2+ Tbsp almond oil
1.5+ Tbsp vegetable glycerin
2 Tbsp clementine juice
1-2 clementine rind zested/chopped

Toss everything together and mix well.

**The amounts very across the board. I liked this balance but maybe you will want more or less of something. Make it to your preference.

For storage, because it is a natural, organic scrub, it should be stored in the refrigerator. This pretty glass jar was just used for the pictures. In real life, I divided the scrub between four small plastic containers: three are stored in the fridge while one is in the shower.

To use, scoop out a small amount of scrub and rub on body, paying special attention to elbows, knees and ankles.

The sugar will scrub the winter crust away and the oil will make your skin soft and smooth. The Cuties will refresh you.

Bring on the sunshine.

Take care.

PS.

Remember tomorrow is the start to my short but sweet Spring Fling series – spring inspiration in lots of forms. Get ready for it, spring is here. :)