Warming Brown Sugar Body Scrub for Glowing Skin

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But why bother to make sugar scrub?

If you ever wondered how to make your skin feel soft and relaxed then you are on the right path. That is what sugar scrub is all about.

What is a body sugar scrub?

Homemade body scrubs are typically made of sugar or salt that are suspended in an oil base. Their role is to mechanically remove dead skin cells and clean the pores thus lifting away dirt and excess oil. This warming sugar scrub also stimulates circulation.

When used regularly, sugar scrubs allow for better penetration of moisturizers that are more effective.

Which type of sugar to use?

When it comes to sugar scrubs there are 4 types of sugar you can choose depending on your skin type and size of granules. Less abrasive brown sugar with the smallest granules is suitable for sensitive skin.

Turbinaro sugar on the other hand is the least processed with the most minerals and large granules and suitable for normal skin types. I encourage you to try several types to see what works best for you.

For our project I used brown sugar which is an accessible ingredient that does a great job of exfoliating your skin.

The sugar granules might make your skin feel sticky, so be sure to rinse thoroughly after you’ve exfoliated.

The main ingredient that supports cell turnover and generates younger cells is glycolic acid (alpha hydroxy acid = AHA). White processed sugar however is highly processed and contains much less glycolic acid than its unrefined raw counterparts.

brown sugar scrub benefits

• Sugar scrub smoothes and exfoliates your skin. Another way to exfoliate is to use these exfoliating sugar scrub bars with roses that at the same time moisturize and nourish the skin.
• Brighten tired and dull-looking skin and promote healthy and flawless skin
• Fight skin aging naturally
• by removing the top tanned layer. The sugar scrub gently removes unwanted tanning to reveal new skin cells underneath.
• Increase blood circulation that might help reduce cellulitis if combined with exercise and the right diet. (1)
• Might help to reduce signs of stretch marks and improve skin texture
• Might prevent ingrown hair - this sugar scrub softens the skin and allows the dirt and oil that is already in the pores to lose. That is effective in the prevention of strawberry legs that appear often after shaving.

Why not use salt?

Sugar’s granules have round shapes and are therefore less abrasive than salt crystals that are clearly cubic. Thus sugar crystals are gentle exfoliants that are suitable for all skin types.

I prefer to use salt in bath bombs.

The second important ingredients in sugar scrubs are oils.

Which oils to use for sugar scrub?

There are many types of oils in the market that differ in terms of their penetration, texture and nutritious value. Therefore suitable for various types of skin. The most popular oils that are used in sugar scrubs are olive oil, coconut oil, apricot oil or sweet almond oil. Here is a list, if you want to deep dive into their properties.

We have been using extra virgin olive oil that penetrates deeply into your skin and is a well known “humectant” which means that it penetrates moisture into the skin. It is, therefore, suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

Pine needle oil

I like to infuse carrier oil with herbs to enhance their properties. This time I used pine needles and other warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves and ginger to bring warming properties into the sugar scrub. Warming sugar scrub increases blood circulation for plumper, smoother skin.

Moreover, pine shoots are powerful antioxidants that can help reverse damaged skin and premature aging and their Astringent properties help to reduce pore size.

Warming spices

Cinnamon stimulates blood vessels and boosts collagen production that makes the skin firm and gives it a more youthful appearance.

Ginger clears blemishes and reduces signs of aging. It also tones the skin and increases the blood circulation.

Clove is a great soothing agent with antioxidant properties that reduces scars and promotes healing.

This divine warming body scrub is so easy to make too.

homemade body scrub ingredients

a carrier oil in our case extra virgin olive oil infused with pine needles, cinnamon, cloves and ginger

Brown sugar

Vitamin E - optional

A few drops of essential oil of your choice - optional

brown sugar scrub recipe

First step

Combine brown sugar and pine needle oil in a mixing bowl.

Second step

Mix thoroughly. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or more oil if needed.

Third step

add few drops of vitamin E oil

Fourth step

If desired, add one or two drops of your favorite essential oil, and stir it into the mixture.

Fifth step

When you’re satisfied with the consistency apply twice a week on your body

How to use sugar scrub

in shower

Wash yourself first to remove dirt and sweat and to make your skin wet.

Gently rub the sugar body scrub into your skin with your fingertips to remove dead skin cells. I do it in circular motions; starting at your feet and moving upwards towards the heart to enhance circulation.

Make sure to rinse this homemade sugar scrub bar thoroughly, otherwise, your skin will be sticky.

Rinse off your skin

Apply a moisturizing lotion or body butter to help lock in moisture.

in a bath

Soak in the tub first, at least 20 minutes. Once your skin is soft, it makes it easier for the skin to exfoliate.

What is the shelf life? Do you use anything to help preserve it?This brown sugar body scrub doesn’t contain any water, there is no need to use any preservatives. However I recommend making it in small batches and using it within one month.

Can I use salt instead of sugar?Salt is more abrasive and not suitable for sensitive skin. If your skin is normal or oily you can use salt instead.

Are sugar scrubs good for your face?Even though the brown sugar crystals are fine they are harsh for facial skin. They can create small tears in the skin that can lead to damage, irritation, redness or dryness of the face. So I would avoid using it on the face.

Yield: 1 cup (128 g)

WARMING BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB

This homemade brown sugar scrub is formulated especially for sensitive skin. In addition to brown sugar, it’s loaded with pine needle oil and warm herbs and spices to remove debris and improve blood circulation.

Active Time

15 minutes

Total Time

15 minutes

Difficulty

Easy

MATERIALS

• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons of pine needle oil
• ½ teaspoon Vitamin E oil
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil (optional)

TOOLS

• glass bowl
• food digital kitchen scale

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine brown sugar and pine needle oil in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly.
3. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or more oil if needed.
4. add few drops of vitamin E oil
5. If desired, add one or two drops of your favorite essential oil, and stir it into the mixture.
6. When you’re satisfied with the consistency apply twice a week to your body

NOTES

If you decide to add essential oils do not consume this homemade sugar scrub. Search first if they are ingestible, especially if you are pregnant.