On a scale of one to heavenly, few things measure up to the sheer satisfaction of a good exfoliating scrub. Whether on the face or further south, an effective exfoliator massaged in to dry skin (damp skin if you’re particularly sensitive), will remove dead surface cells and boost blood circulation, giving skin a smoother texture and a firmer, more radiant appearance-instantly.
When it comes to store-bought scrubs, the options are endless; but you rarely find one that can be used on both face and body. Being a skincare obsessive that’s chronically short for time led me to find an all-in-one treatment that I can use from top to toe and that I can whip up in my kitchen in less than five minutes.
The finer grains in my honey coconut scrub mean that it’s gentle enough to use on delicate faces but it’s equally as effective when it comes to sloughing away dead skin on more resilient thighs and bums. As well as being anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, honey is a natural emollient making it the perfect solution for parched skin. Coconut oil is another wonder ingredient that hydrates and conditions from beneath the surface and keeps other skin nasties at bay (find 10 incredible coconut oil recipes here). Add a squeeze of fresh lemon for a skin brightening boost of antioxidants and you’ve got yourself an uber luxurious (not to mention delicious) DIY spa treatment.
The Magic Formula:
4 tablespoons of fine caster sugar
2 tablespoon of cold-pressed organic coconut oil (Vita Coco is exceptional)
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Mix the ingredients thoroughly; adjust the quantities according to how much you need. It’s best to make a fresh batch each time you use it as it doesn’t keep well. Apply the scrub to your face, neck and chest, gently massaging in circular motions. Leave it on as you move down to exfoliate your body. Starting at your feet, use the same circular motions to scrub the skin, moving upwards towards the chest, focusing on stubborn, cellulite-prone areas. Leave on the skin for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.
Do you make your own scrubs? Which are your favourite recipes?
