Skincare Benefits of Sugar scrubs

Skin Care Benefits of Sugar Scrubs

by: Rhonda Jones

A sugar scrub is a sugar based exfoliator that is used to remove dead skin cells.

What is a Sugar Scrub?

Skin sheds every 30 days in young people and every 60 days in older adults (source: the skin

company).

http://theskincompany.com/skinfacts/

Why exfoliate?

However, the natural process of skin shedding can be facilitated by using a good exfoliator

Why exfoliate?

A good exfoliator will assist the natural process of skin shedding by removing dead skin cells and

replenishing the essence of the skin.

Why exfoliate?

This will give the skin a nice clean look and feel, as well as a polished appearance.

Why exfoliate?

Sugar is a natural substance containing AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Berkowitz, 2011).

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/natural-beauty-fashion/stories/how-to-make-a-sugar-scrub

Why Sugar ?

AHA reduces signs of aging caused by wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and other skin conditions

(wikipedia).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_hydroxy_acid

Why Sugar ?

Sugar specifically contain AHA in the form of glycolic acid which can be easily dissolved in

water (wikipedia).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_hydroxy_acid

Why Sugar ?

Thus, glycolic acid is easily absorbed into the skin (wikipedia).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycolic_acid

Why Sugar ?

The natural chemicals contained in sugar also works to form new collagen and increase the

thickness of skin without causing swelling (Ditre, Griffen, Murphy, Vasn Scott, 1993).

Ditre, C.M., Griffen, T.D., Murphy, G.F., Vasn Scott, E.J. Improvement of photodamaged skin with alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA): A clinical histological and ultra-structural study. Dermetology

2000 Congress Vienna Austria. May 18-21. 1993, 175

Why Sugar ?

Sugar scrubs usually contains two main ingredients, sugar and oil.

What are Sugar Scrubs made of?

Sometimes they contain fragrances and essential oils.

What are Sugar Scrubs made of?

Some may contain a preservative (for those who want to sell their sugar scrubs). This eliminates the risk of mold/bacterial growth in the product.

What are Sugar Scrubs made of?

There are a variety of sugars that can be used in sugar scrubs. This includes white sugar, brown

sugar, and palm sugar (also known as coconut sugar).

What kind of sugar is used?

Basically, any natural occurring oil will suffice. Oils such as olive, almond, coconut,

grapeseed, safflower are good.

What kind of oil is used?

These oils also serve as carrier oils which are base oils used to dilute essential oils.

What kind of oil is used?

Essential oils can also be used to add fragrance as well as additional healing properties to the sugar

scrub.

What kind of oil is used?

Essential oils such as tea tree (great for acne), peppermint, lemon, lavender, rosemary, orange oil, etc. can be used to add healing properties as well

as fragrance.

What kind of oil is used?

I will list two of my favorite Sugar Scrub Recipes for personal use.

Sugar Scrub Recipes

1 Cup of Brown Sugar

½ Cup of safflower oil

lemon essential oil

lavender essential oil

Lemon-Lavender Brown Sugar Scrub

Place 1 cup of brown sugar into a mixing bowl

Add ½ cup of safflower oil

Add 15 drops of lemon essential oil

Add 15 drops of lavender essential oil

Mix well

Store in a secure jar

Enjoy

Lemon-Lavender Brown Sugar Scrub

1 cup sugar

½ cup of avocado oil

orange essential oil

Orange Bliss Scrub

Place 1 cup of sugar into a mixing bowl

Add ½ cup of avocado oil

Add 20 drops of orange essential oil

Mix well

Store in a secure jar

Enjoy

Orange Bliss Sugar Scrub