Exfoliating the skin regularly can remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface and cause acne, dull, dry, and itchy skin. Olive oil contains natural antioxidants that protect the skin from damage and moisturize it. You can mix it with granulated sugar-a natural substance that sloughs off dead skin cells-and make an effective scrub out of powerful ingredients. With sugar, olive oil, and other ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can make a variety of body, face, and lip scrubs.
Ingredients
Sugar and Olive Oil Base Scrub
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) virgin olive oil (unprocessed or added)
- 2 tablespoons (45 grams) natural honey
- 120 grams of organic sugar
Sweet Scrub from Vanilla, Sugar and Olive Oil
- 100 grams brown sugar
- 120 grams of sugar
- 80 ml olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (45 grams) honey
- teaspoon (1 ml) vanilla extract
- teaspoon (2.5 ml) vitamin E oil
Facial Scrub from Sugar, Olive Oil, and Strawberries
- 120 grams of sugar
- 60 ml olive oil
- 2-3 strawberries, chopped
Lip Scrub from Brown Sugar and Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon (12 grams) brown sugar
- tablespoon (8 ml) olive oil
Step
Method 1 of 4: Making a Basic Scrub from Sugar and Olive Oil
Step 1. Mix olive oil and honey
Pour 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of virgin olive oil into a plastic or glass jar with a lid. Add 2 tablespoons of natural honey and mix the two ingredients until evenly distributed.
Organic honey makes for the most natural body scrub, but if that's not available, you can use regular honey
Step 2. Add sugar
After the olive oil and honey are mixed, add 120 grams of organic sugar. Mix all the ingredients to form a thick thick paste.
- You can replace organic sugar with regular granulated sugar.
- If you want a coarser texture, you can add more sugar.
- For a smoother scrub, reduce the amount of sugar.
Step 3. Massage the scrub on the skin
When ready to use, take a small amount of the scrub from the jar with your finger. Rub it on the skin in circular motions for about 60 seconds to slough off dead skin cells.
For very dry areas of skin (eg elbows and feet), apply the scrub for longer than 1 minute
Step 4. Rinse the treated body part with water
After using the scrub, rinse the skin with warm water. Pat a clean towel against the skin to dry it.
The olive oil in the scrub helps moisturize the skin, but if your skin is very dry, continue the treatment with a lotion or cream to make your skin more moisturized
Method 2 of 4: Making a Sweet Scrub from Vanilla, Sugar and Olive Oil
Step 1. Mix olive oil, honey, vanilla extract and vitamin E oil
Pour 80 ml of olive oil, 2 tablespoons (45 grams) of honey, teaspoon (1 ml) of vanilla extract, and teaspoon (2.5 ml) of vitamin E oil into a small bowl. Use a spoon to mix all the ingredients until evenly distributed.
If you want a different scent, you can replace the vanilla extract with the essential oil of your choice. Essential oils of lemon, lime (grapefruit), and lavender can be a good choice
Step 2. Add sugar
After all the liquid ingredients are mixed, add 100 grams of brown sugar and 120 grams of granulated sugar. Mix all the ingredients to form a thick thick paste.
You can use brown sugar or just granulated sugar, depending on what you have in your kitchen
Step 3. Apply the scrub on the skin in a circular motion
Once ready to use, massage the scrub on the skin. Apply the scrub in circular motions and don't rub the scrub too hard to avoid irritation.
You can use this scrub on your face and body. However, make sure you avoid the area around the eyes
Step 4. Rinse the skin with water
After the scrub is massaged into the skin, rinse the skin with warm water. Splash cold water on the skin to close the pores, and pat dry the skin with a clean towel.
Apply body cream or facial moisturizer after using your scrub to hold moisture in your skin
Method 3 of 4: Making a Facial Scrub from Sugar, Olive Oil, and Strawberries
Step 1. Mix sugar and olive oil
Put 120 grams of sugar and 60 ml of olive oil in a small bowl. Use a spoon to mix all the ingredients until smooth.
This recipe calls for sugar and olive oil in a 2:1 ratio. Adjust the dose to make more or less of the scrub
Step 2. Add the chopped strawberries and toss with the sugar mixture
After the sugar and olive oil are mixed, add 2-3 finely chopped strawberries. Use a spoon or fork to mix the strawberries with the sugar and oil mixture.
- Do not stir the fruit with the sugar mixture for too long to prevent the sugar granules from dissolving.
- Strawberries help brighten and even out skin tone.
Step 3. Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator
Once all the ingredients are mixed, transfer the scrub to a jar or other container with a lid. Store the scrub in the refrigerator. The scrub will stay fresh and can be used for up to two weeks.
Step 4. Massage the scrub on dry skin
To use it, apply the scrub on a dry face with clean fingers. Rub the scrub on the skin in a circular motion to slough off dead skin cells.
Remember not to rub the scrub too vigorously. Facial skin is more vulnerable and easily irritated if you rub the scrub too tightly
Step 5. Rinse your face with water and pat dry with a clean towel
After the scrub is finished, rinse your face with warm water. Use a clean towel to dry your face, and apply serum, moisturizer, and/or other facial care product as usual.
You can use this scrub once or twice a week to get brighter and clearer skin
Method 4 of 4: Making a Lip Scrub from Brown Sugar and Olive Oil
Step 1. Mix brown sugar and olive oil
Place 1 tablespoon (13 grams) of brown sugar and tablespoon (8 ml) of olive oil in a small bowl or plate. Stir the two ingredients until evenly mixed.
You can adjust the amount of olive oil. Add enough so that the granules stick together. If you prefer a more coarse scrub, add less than 8 ml of oil
Step 2. Apply the scrub on the lips
After the two ingredients are mixed, use your fingers to apply the scrub on your lips. Massage for about 30-60 seconds to remove dead skin cells.
You can use this scrub once a week. If your lips are very dry and chapped in cold weather, you can use the scrub twice a week
Step 3. Clean the lips using a damp washcloth
After the scrub is massaged, wet a washcloth with warm water. After that, wipe the lips until all the scrub is lifted.
Make sure you continue your treatment with a lip balm to soften and moisturize your lips
Tips
- If you don't have it in your kitchen, you can replace the sugar with fine sea salt.
- Periodic exfoliation is good for your skin, but don't use a scrub more than 1-2 times a week. If done too often, the skin can become irritated.
