Tag Archives: essential-oils

Photo by: Christie Merrill

When was the last time your skin felt smooth and silky? If you have super sensitivities like me it may of been awhile. In the past I bought very expensive products that worked wonderfully but that’s not possible on a disability income.

Now it’s even more important to have skin treatments that work without irritation and cost, not to mention how important it is to feel good and relaxed. Living well means more than nutrition,  it  means an environment that is healthy, relaxing and comfortable. That includes being comfortable in our own skins.

If you have dry skin, oily, or any in between. this recipe will exfoliate and moisturize. I use extra virgin olive oil, as it will not clog pores. Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of plain granulated sugar. You might use a couple of drops of a skin soothing essential oil such as lavender, or chamomile  but only if you have used them before or tested them on your skin for sensitivities. All that is really needed is olive oil and sugar mixed well and remixed often as the sugar will quickly settle to the bottom.

Do not wet your skin before using the scrub, the sugar will dissolve in water but not in the oil. I start with my face and use it as any other facial scrub but then leave it on while I scrub any other places that need it. Sit on the side of the tub before showering for a body scrub and the excess will fall away into the tub so clean up isn’t  needed.

If you have an itchy dry scalp, work the sugar scrub into your scalp with your fingertips. Even without using a lot of hair products, we tend to forget to treat our scalp. When the skin on the arm or face is dry, it’s easily recognized that products  such as soap or moisturizer are making matters worse but somehow that reasoning escapes us when it comes to the scalp.

I have fine, limp hair  but using sugar scrub on my scalp not only helps with the scalp but my hair has more body. People with oily skin tend to not recognize the need for moisturizing either, thinking that adding any oil whatsoever will add to the problem. Actually, using products that dry the skin will cause it to produce more oil not less. In fact, using a non-irritating moisturizer, causes a decrease of oiliness over time.

After using the sugar scrub, shower as usual but remember any place the scrub is used will feel different. Take care not to over wash, especially if the scalp is scrubbed. The scalp and hair will feel soft as never before and could feel different, and it would be easy to think there is oil remaining. Do not wash more than usual.

After getting out of the shower, pat dry and only use my  Essential Oil Damaged Skin Lotion lightly on the roughest dry areas such as callouses on heels or dry knees or elbows. Or there may be no callouses left to use the lotion on. Use the sugar scrub every couple of weeks, do not use it more than once a week except on a callous that is difficult to get rid of. It is a scrub after all and only needs using for exfoliating. Any more often could be irritating.

Now have comfy pajamas standing by, make a nice hot cup of tea or whatever helps relax and then go to sleep on fresh clean sheets.

Sweet dreams, pun intended.