SUGAR SCRUBS

I first tried making sugar scrubs one Christmas as an economical way to give a fun and useful gift to some friends. I tried lots of different combinations, tested them myself and got feedback from friends. I came up with a favorite basic recipe and then vary the essential oils for fragrance and health benefits -- here are some of my favorite combinations -- have fun experimenting with your own.

SUGAR-HONEY SCRUB

Can mix up in bulk and then divide to add varying essential oils

2 cups granulated sugar (I like a slighty coarse grind)

2 teaspoons liquid glycerin

4 teaspoon honey

Suggested essential oils combinations per 2 cups basic sugar scrub:

- 6 drops sweet orange / 10 drops peppermint
               I call this Florida Christmas

- 16 drops peppermint
               cooling for tired feet, also relieves headache

- 8 drops lavender / 6 drops rosemary
               tones skin
- 6 drops tea tree / 6 drops rosemary / 5 drops sage  
               relieves congestion

- 5 drops ylang-ylang / 5 drops sage / 5 drops peppermint

               really smells good
- 6 drops sage / 8 drops bergamot
               Bergamot should be bergaptene-free
               Bergaptine can cause photo-sensitivity 

Stir well to mix essential oils and store in an airtight container. Stir before each use. This keeps for a long time -- honey acts as a preservative. Easiest to use in the shower or bath. Apply small amounts to moistened skin and scrub gently. Especially take care not to irritate face or get in eyes. It's beneficial to leave scrub on skin for a few minutes then rinse with warm water. Cane sugar produces glycolic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin.

Olive or other oil added to the mix makes a nice moisturizing scrub, but the oil leaves a slippery residue in tub or shower that is potentially dangerous if not cleaned up right away. That's why I forgo that luxury.