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Exfoliating your skin regularly gets rid of dead cells that build up on the surface, which can cause acne, dullness, and dry, itchy skin. [1]
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Expert Source
Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
Olive oil contains natural antioxidant properties that protect the skin from damage and helps moisturize as well. Combine it with sugar, which provides all natural grains that can help buff away the dead skin, and you have the magic ingredients for an effective scrub. With sugar, olive oil, and some other items you probably have in your kitchen, you can create a variety of scrubs for your body, face, and lips.
Ingredients
Basic Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (43 g) honey
- ½ cup (115 g) sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) granulated sugar
- â…“ cup (79 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (43 g) honey
- ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vitamin E oil
- ½ cup (115 g) sugar
- ¼ cup (59 ml) olive oil
- 2 to 3 strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) olive oil
Steps
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Combine the olive oil, honey, vanilla extract, and vitamin E oil. Add â…“ cup (79 ml) of olive oil, 2 tablespoons (43 g) of honey, ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vitamin E oil to a small bowl. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. [2] X Research source- If you prefer a different scent, you can substitute your favorite essential oil for the vanilla extract. Lemon, grapefruit, and lavender are all good options.
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Add the sugars. Once all of the liquid ingredients are mixed, stir in ½ cup (100 g) of brown sugar and ½ cup (115 g) of granulated sugar. Mix until the ingredients form a thick, grainy paste. [3] X Research source
- You can use all brown sugar or all granulated sugar in the scrub depending on what you have in your pantry. [4]
X
Expert Source
Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
Advertisement - You can use all brown sugar or all granulated sugar in the scrub depending on what you have in your pantry. [4]
X
Expert Source
Diana Yerkes
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Apply the scrub to your skin in a circular motion. When you’re ready to use the scrub, gently massage it into your skin. Work in circular motions, and be careful not to scrub too hard to avoid irritating your skin. [5] X Research source
- You can use the scrub on your face and body. Just be sure to avoid the eye area.
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Wash the scrub off with water. After you’ve massaged the scrub over your skin, rinse it off with warm water. Splash your skin with cool water to close your pores, and pat it dry with a clean towel. [6] X Research source
- Apply a body cream or facial moisturizer after using the scrub to lock in the moisture.
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Mix the olive oil and honey. Add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil to a plastic or glass jar with a lid. Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of organic honey and blend until the ingredients are fully mixed. [7] X Research source
- Organic honey offers the most natural scrub, but you can use regular honey instead.
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Add the sugar. When the olive oil and honey are mixed, stir in ½ cup (115 g) of organic sugar. Blend the mixture well until it forms a thick, grainy paste. [8] X Research source
- You can substitute regular white sugar for the organic sugar.
- If you prefer a grainy scrub, you can add more sugar.
- For a smoother scrub, add less sugar.
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Massage the scrub into the skin. When you’re ready to use the scrub, scoop a small amount out of the jar with your fingers. Rub it into your skin in circular motions for approximately 60 seconds to gently exfoliate. [9] X Research source
- For very dry areas, such as the elbows and feet, you may want to scrub longer than a minute.
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Rinse off with water. After you’ve rubbed in the scrub, wash it off with warm water. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel to finish up. [10] X Research source
- The olive oil in the scrub helps moisturize the skin, but if your skin is very dry, follow up with lotion or cream to hydrate the skin further.
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Mix the sugar and olive oil. Add ½ cup (115 g) of sugar and ¼ cup (59 ml) of olive oil to a small bowl. Use a spoon to carefully stir the ingredients together until they’re fully blended. [11] X Research source
- The recipe calls for a 2 to 1 ratio for sugar and olive oil. Adjust the amounts to make as much or as little of the scrub as you’d like.
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Add the chopped berries and muddle into the sugar mixture. When the sugar and oil are mixed, stir in 2 to 3 finely chopped strawberries. Use a spoon or fork to muddle the fruit into the sugar and oil mixture until they are just combined. [12] X Research source
- Avoid overmixing the berries into the sugar mixture. It can cause the sugar granules to dissolve.
- The strawberries help brighten and tone your skin.
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Transfer to covered container and store in the fridge. When all of the ingredients are combined, spoon the scrub into a jar or other container with a lid. Keep it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. [13] X Research source
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Massage the scrub over dry skin. To use the scrub, apply it to a dry face with clean fingers. Use a circular motion to rub it into the skin and gently buff away dead skin cells. [14] X Research source
- Be careful not to rub too hard with the scrub. The skin on the face is fragile and can easily become irritated if you scrub too hard.
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Rinse off the scrub with water and pat your face dry. After you’ve applied the scrub, wash it off with warm water. Use a clean towel to gently dry your face, and apply your usual serum, moisturizer, and/or other treatment products. [15] X Research source
- You can use the scrub one to two times a week for brighter, clearer skin.
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Mix the brown sugar and olive oil. Add 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) of brown sugar and ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) of olive oil to a small bowl or dish. Stir the two ingredients together until they’re fully blended. [16] X Research source
- You can adjust the amount of olive oil. You need just enough to help the sugar stick together, so if you prefer a grainy scrub, you can mix in less than ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml).
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Rub the scrub across your lips. Once the sugar and olive oil are mixed, use your finger to gently apply the scrub to your lips. Massage it in for approximately 30 to 60 seconds to slough off the dead skin. [17] X Research source
- You can use the scrub once a week. When your lips are extremely chapped in colder months, you may want to use it twice a week.
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Wipe the scrub off with a damp washcloth. After you’ve massaged the scrub in, wet a washcloth with warm water. Gently wipe your lips with the cloth until all of the scrub is removed. [18] X Research source
- Be sure to follow up with a lip balm to help soothe and hydrate your lips.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you apply sugar scrub properly?Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.Use it in the shower and gently massage it in on your legs, thighs, stomach, and arms. Rinse it off when you are done and follow up with a body moisturizer.
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QuestionIs it okay to exfoliate every day?Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.No, don't exfoliate daily because it can harm your skin. While exfoliation is good, too much of a good thing can be bad. Only exfoliate twice a week.
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QuestionWhat are the benefits of exfoliating?Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells that might cause acne, dull skin, or dry, itchy skin.
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Tips
- While regular exfoliation is good for your skin, don’t use any of these scrubs more than 1 to 2 times a week. You can easily irritate your skin if you exfoliate too much. [19] X Expert Source Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.Thanks - You can substitute fine sea salt in any of the recipes if you don’t have sugar in your kitchen.Thanks
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Warnings
- While these scrubs contain natural ingredients, you can still have a reaction to them. It’s best to do an allergy test before using the scrubs all over. Dab a small amount of the scrub on the inside of your wrist, and let it sit for a minute or two before washing it off. Wait 24 to 48 hours, and if there’s no reaction, you can probably use the scrub without issue.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
Basic Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub
- A plastic or glass jar with a lid
- A spoon
Sweet Vanilla Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub
- A small bowl
- A spoon
Sugar, Olive Oil, and Strawberry Facial Scrub
- A small bowl
- A spoon or fork
- A covered jar or other container
Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Lip Scrub
- A small bowl or dish
- A spoon
References
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ http://www.thankyourbody.com/sweet-vanilla-sugar-scrub/
- ↑ http://www.thankyourbody.com/sweet-vanilla-sugar-scrub/
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ http://www.thankyourbody.com/sweet-vanilla-sugar-scrub/
- ↑ http://www.thankyourbody.com/sweet-vanilla-sugar-scrub/
- ↑ http://michellephan.com/diy-sugar-and-olive-oil-scrub/
- ↑ http://michellephan.com/diy-sugar-and-olive-oil-scrub/
- ↑ http://michellephan.com/diy-sugar-and-olive-oil-scrub/
- ↑ http://michellephan.com/diy-sugar-and-olive-oil-scrub/
- ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
- ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
- ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
- ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
- ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
- ↑ http://everydayroots.com/homemade-lip-exfoliator
- ↑ http://everydayroots.com/homemade-lip-exfoliator
- ↑ http://everydayroots.com/homemade-lip-exfoliator
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
About This Article
Article Summary
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To make an olive oil and sugar scrub to exfoliate your skin, start by mixing 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons of organic honey. Once the oil and honey are fully mixed, stir in ½ cup of organic sugar until you have a thick, grainy paste. When you’re ready to use your scrub, massage it into your skin in a circular motion for about 1 minute. Then, rinse the scrub off with warm water and gently pat your skin dry. To learn how to add a sweeter scent to your exfoliating scrub, keep reading!
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