It seems like the release of pumpkin spice lattes have signaled the start of fall. In my area, summer is still in full force. With temps still pushing 90 degrees, I can not bring myself to drink a steaming hot pumpkin anything! However, I am ready for a change. It’s time to slough off some dry damaged summer skin and get it ready for the cooler weather.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or turbinado sugar)
- 1/2 organic coconut oil (buy it here)
- 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil (buy it here)
Skin Benefits of Sugar & Cinnamon:
I know what your are thinking, sugar? Sugar is terrible for your teeth and health, why the heck would I put it on my skin? The fact is, sugar is a natural humectant. This means that it draws moisture from the environment into the skin. When applied on the skin, it will hydrate and keep moisture within. Also, sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)). AHA penetrates the skin and breaks down the “glue” that bonds skin cells. This in turn encourages cell turnover and making your skin look fresher (younger). Lastly, sugar makes an excellent topical exfoliant. Sugar particles are small and are effective in helping to remove dead surface skin cells and reveal the glowing, healthy-looking skin underneath.
Most of us know the amazing power of coconut oil for the skin, but you probably didn’t know how great cinnamon is for the skin too. Yes, it’s a great smelling spice, but cinnamon’s antiseptic and antifungal properties makes it perfect for treating acne, ringworm, ezcema and other skin infections. Cinnamon helps to stimulate blood vessels and bring blood to the surface of the skin, resulting in plumper looking skin. If you are ready to repair your skin from summer skin damage, whip up this easy scrub.
Step 1
Make sure the coconut oil is at room temperature. This will make mixing much easier. Add 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil to the coconut oil. Mix thoroughly. You can use cinnamon powder if you do not have cinnamon essential oil, but it won’t be as effective. Cinnamon powders vary in strength depending on where they were sourced and how long the spice has been sitting in your cupboards. Essential oils are highly concentrated oils that have the most powerful healing compounds of a plant into a single oil.
Step 2
Add the brown sugar to the coconut oil and cinnamon mixture.
Step 3
Mix thoroughly. You may have small clumps of coconut oil in the mix, but don’t worry, they will melt when you apply it to your skin.
How to Use:
Rub the scrub in your palms to slightly warm it up. Apply it to your face and body in gentle circular motions. Keep the mixture away from your eyes. A note of caution: if you are using this in your shower and tub, your surfaces will become slippery. Take care to wash down the surfaces with soap when you’re done to avoid a potential fall.
Love DIY recipes like this?
Get yourself a copy of the Everyday Roots downloadable guide with 215+ DIY recipes for making your own natural health and beauty products and non-toxic cleaning supplies. Get your copy here.