DIY Homemade Hand Scrub

I love to experiment by using natural products or making scrubs, face masks and things out of products I already have around the house.  I came across this how to make a sugar scrub (Do-it-yourself ) for your hands and thought I would share it with you.

By: Debra SteilenHomemade Brown Sugar Body ScrubMake this fragrant exfoliator in your kitchen and add it to your beauty routine for extra-soft skin.

Ingredients 250 mL (1 cup) light or dark brown sugar
125 mL (1/2 cup) coconut oil*
5 mL (1 tsp) Vitamin E (available online or at vitamin stores)
5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla extract or essential oil such as lemon or lavender (optional)

*Tip: Substitute 125 mL (1/2 cup) of extra virgin olive oil or sweetened almond oil.

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients (except brown sugar) in a mixing bowl and stir
2. Add one cup of brown sugar and mix well with a wire whisk or hand mixer (be sure to break up any lumps as you stir)
3. Stop when the mixture resembles moist sand; if the mixture feels too dry, add more oil a few drops at a time, and if it feels too oily, add more brown sugar until the mixture reaches the desired consistency
4. Rub a small amount into your skin using circular motions
5. Once the sugar is rubbed in, rinse your hands and follow with a treatment of yourfavourite lotion

Sugar Scrub Tips

• Store the brown sugar in an airtight container for up to three months.
• Note that contents will settle, so mix the scrub before using.
• Sugar scrubs are not usually recommended for the face.
• Leave on the skin for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing under warm water, and then pat dry.
• Apply skin lotion for an extra dose of indulgence.

Tip: Be careful when using this body scrub when bathing; the oils may make the bathtub or shower floor a little slippery.

Sugar Scrubs Make Cute, Inexpensive GiftsFor a vintage look Mom or Grandma will love, store the scrub in a clean Mason jar with a galvanized steel lid. Wrap thick twine around the neck, and tie it into a shoestring-type bow.

Looking for a shower gift in the bride’s wedding colours? Package the scrub in a clear glass jar with a stainless-steel lid. Wrap the desired colour of taffeta ribbon around the lid and tie it in a bow. Tuck a small silk flower between the ribbon and the jar for added charm.

Need a trendy gift for your best friend? Package the scrub in a clean canning jar. Wrap colourful Washi tape around the canning-jar lid. Create a colour-coordinated label on your computer and attach it to the front of the jar with crafts glue.

Want to delight a new mom? Package the scrub in a clean baby-food jar.

Instructions

1. Decorate the lid with a scrap of pink, blue or gender-neutral fabric cut into a circle 5 centimetres (2 inches) larger than the jar lid
2. Use a dab of glue to attach the circle to the lid
3. Gather the excess fabric around the neck of the jar, and secure with a pretty coordinating ribbon tied in a bow

Tip: Don’t forget to include a small tag listing the ingredients and instructions for using the scrub.