March always makes me think of body scrubs.

As winter draws to an end, it seems like a great time to exfoliate the whole body – as a way to enliven and wake up the body.

Winter can be rough on our skin: strong winds, cold air, indoor heating, snow, rain, lack of sunlight.

Exfoliation is the simple process of removing dead skin cells to make way for younger cells while unclogging pores.

The term comes from the Latin word “exfoliare”, which means “to remove leaves”.

I love that!

It reminds me that our bodies are gardens. And just like the gardener removing the leaves from their garden beds in the spring so that new growth can emerge from the soil, we too are taking time to tend to our physical body with love and gratitude.

Used weekly, exfoliation helps keep the skin renewed, as well as boosting circulation.

Five reasons to exfoliate:

Stimulates blood & lymph circulation
Removes dirt and dead surface-layer skin cells
Unclogs pores & supports and enhances cellular rejuvenation
Leaves the skin soft and glowing
Is a loving aromatic ritual of self-care

You can exfoliate 1 - 2 times a week, depending on your skin type and the exfoliating product.

Ingredient Information

Exfoliants

There are many types of exfoliants you can use to create a body scrub. I like to use either sea salt or sugar.

Sea salt: more abrasive because the salt granules have a sharper edge. Salts generally have 3 - 5 % trace minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium that may promote circulation, act as a detoxifying agent, and soothe and protect the skin. Use finely ground sea salts for best results. Do not use salt scrubs on your face.

Sugar: gentler than salt because the granules are rounder. Great for sensitive skin. A natural humectant. A natural source of glycolic acid - an alpha hydroxy acid that penetrates the skin and breaks down the “glue” that bonds the skin cells, encouraging cell turnover and improving skin texture. Brown sugar is gentler than granulated sugar. Raw (turbinado) sugar is coarser.

Enhancers

Carrier/Plant Oils

Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus annuus): highly nourishing, moisturizing, and rejuvenating, suitable for all skin types.
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis): suitable for all skin types, including oily skin conditions. Helps balance natural oil production.
Avocado oil (Persea gratissima): good for dry, mature or fragile skin. Nourishing and highly penetrative. Use up to 30% dilution rate.

Essential Oils

Here are some of my favourite essential oils to use when creating a body scrub. I recommend using 1 – 3 essential oils in a body scrub. Remember, that less is more in aromatherapy.

Juniper berry (Juniperus communis): uplifting, refreshes the mind, helps move stagnant energy
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): calming, cell regenerative, general skin care
Lemon (Citrus limon): tones the skin tissue, uplifting, detoxifying

Basic Body Scrub Recipe

Here is the basic recipe for creating your own body scrub.

½ cup of salt or sugar
¼ cup of carrier oil or a little more depending on the consistency that you would like
12 - 24 drops of essential oils (1 - 2% dilution)

In a bowl, mix the sugar or salt with the carrier oil. Add the essential oils drop by drop. Stir well.

Store the body scrub in a wide mouthed glass mason jar.

Go with the Flow Body Scrub

½ cup finely ground sea salt or sugar
¼ cup carrier oil
6 drops juniper berry essential oil
6 drops lemon essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil

Follow the directions above.

You can use the body scrub in the shower or in the bathtub once or twice a week – whichever you prefer. If you are in the shower, wet your body first before using.

Do not exfoliate on open wounds, thin or broken skin, sunburned skin, immediately after waxing or shaving, on moles, varicose veins, inflamed skin conditions.

Do not take essential oils internally and do not apply undiluted on the skin. Always consult a professional aromatherapist if you have medical conditions. Use caution when using essential oils with children.

DIY Body Scrubs