Last week we had a little chapped lips issue going on here. We were applying lip balm all day it seemed and still several of us had dry chapped lips. Poor Esther, she didn’t really understand why we kept telling her to stop licking her lips, they were dry after all. But really, licking dry lips only makes them worse.
What we needed to do was get the dry flakes off so the lip balm could work. So, I whipped up a little lip scrub for us to use and it occurred to me that even though we use homemade scrubs and lotions quite a bit around here, I’ve only mentioned it in passing once. Today I thought I’d share with you the very basics of scrubs and a few ideas on making them yourself.
There are some things in life that you really need a recipe for, like cake, but other things where a process or method will do just fine. Scrubs fit into the later category.
To make a scrub you need only two or three things, something gritty, something smooth and creamy and possibly a scent.
The gritty product is what is going to do the exfoliation. I only use salt and sugar for my grit and either one will work just fine. Now, both salt and sugar have various coarseness to them. A good rule of thumb is, the more delicate the skin, the finer the grit needs to be. So for lip scrub I use a very fine salt or sugar but for a body scrub I use regular sugar.
The smooth and creamy product is to help the grit move around and to moisturize while the exfoliation is going on. There are so many things you could use for this but my favorite is glycerin, with sweet almond oil being my second choice.
Lastly, you can chose to scent your scrubs. I usually don’t but it won’t hurt anything if you do. The scrub is going to be washed off after just a moment or two, so you won’t be getting much of the medicinal benefits by using essential oils in the scrub. So, if you chose to use essential oils there is no need to use more than a few drops.
Over the years I’ve used a lot of different brands of essential oils. I’m now in the process of just using Rocky Mountain Oils. They have quality oils and make each batches GC/MS test results available, they also practice environmental sustainability in harvesting, packaging, and recycling. These are things that are important to me.
Usually a ration of 3 parts salt or sugar to 2 parts glycerin or oil will be a good starting place. If the scrub is too thick add a little more glycerin or oil, if it’s too thin add a little more salt or sugar.
Here’s the thing about exfoliating, you need to put on a moisturizer immediately. You’ve just exposed your more delicate skin and you need to protect it. I make variations of salves and body butter to use.
If you want to learn more about self-care and botanical skin care, I highly recommend this course from The Herbal Academy.
Homemade Scrubs and Lotions
Homemade scrubs and lotions are great entry level projects for botanical skin care. This list is some of our family's favorite body scrubs, lotions, and salves.
Homemade Hand Scrub for Gardeners and other messy people
Gardener's hands can get pretty dirty but with this homemade hand scrub no one would ever know. This scrub is perfect for getting the dirt out from under fingernails and out of the nooks and crannies (aka wrinkles) in our hands. It takes just minutes to mix together using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub
This easy homemade sugar scrub exfoliates and moisturizes at the same time - without leaving your skin oily feeling. The basic recipe is super versatile and can be used to make a variety scrubs that make fantastic, and inexpensive, gifts.
DIY Honey and Sugar Face Scrub
Making homemade sugar scrub couldn't be easier when you use this DIY sugar and honey scrub recipe. Use twice a week to keep your skin glowing.
DIY Lip Scrub
This diy lip scrub is made with just 3 ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It's easy to make and will put an end to your dry. flakey lips. Since it's homemade you know there are no questionable ingredients.
DIY Body Butter
This luxurious body butter is made with just a few simple ingredients and is fantastic for moisturizing dry skin.
Botanical Skin Care Course Online Herbalism Program
With the Botanical Skin Care Course from The Herbal Academy you can learn how to make safe and effective body and skincare products using natural ingredients.
How do you conquer dry chapped skin?
This will be great for making gifts!
It would. We made DIY Spa sets for our siblings and their spouses for Christmas and included some scrubs. It was a really fun gift.
I love my lip balm and body butter (both homemade).
I hadn’t thought about a lip scrub until I read your post – thank you!
We don’t use the lip scrub often but sometimes we really need to get the dry flakes off. Do you have body butter recipe that you love that you’d like to share? No pressure, I’m just on the hunt for the perfect one for me.
Sure! Is there an email I can send the recipe to? Or do you want me to post it here? Either way is fine. 🙂
Since I started making my own lip balm and using it, I have found that I don’t get the dry flakes or the gunk build up on the lips. I have found that a little bit goes a long way and the moisture holds in for hours.
Thanks! If you want to leave it in the comments that would be great; that way other can benefit from it.