Q&A for How to Make Your Own Salt Scrubs

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  • Question
    What is the best oil for salt scrubs?
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional
    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.
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer
    Try sweet almond oil in your homemade salt scrub. It has a medium consistency and a mild odor, so it works really well.
  • Question
    Is it okay to use vanilla extract?
    Community Answer
    Yes, vanilla extract is okay. It compliments citrus or lavender essential oils well.
  • Question
    How much salt and oil do I need?
    Community Answer
    Plan on using 2 parts salt to 1 part oil. For example, you could make a salt scrub using 1 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of oil. After that, you can add more salt if it is too wet, or more oil if it is too dry.
  • Question
    Can you use extracts instead of essential oils?
    Community Answer
    Extracts that are oil-based should be fine, but will not provide the same benefits as a pure essential oil. Extracts that are alcohol- or water-based will settle on top of the oil so will not remain mixed. Therefore you will have to stir the scrub before each use to ensure the extract is evenly dispersed.
  • Question
    Should I use a coarse or fine grain salt?
    Community Answer
    If you are planning to use it on your face, use a salt with a finer granule. If you are planning to use it on your body, the choice is yours.
  • Question
    Why does it have to be a glass jar?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't have to - it can be any container you like. Glass jars are just the most typical container to use for this sort of thing. They're also probably the nicest-looking, as well as the safest for anyone concerned about chemicals leeching from containers into the stuff inside them (some people avoid plastics or metals for this reason, for example).
  • Question
    Can you use salt scrubs on the face?
    Community Answer
    If the salt granules are very small, then the scrub can be suitable for the face, as long as it is used gently. Larger grains can create small cuts in the skin and worsen the skin condition over time. However, scrubs like this are best used only on the body, not the delicate facial skin. Never use near your eyes or the surrounding fine skin.
  • Question
    The coconut oil I have is a solid, what can I add to it to make it liquid for the scrub?
    Community Answer
    Sit the jar containing the coconut oil in a bowl of warm to hot water. Coconut oil solidifies at a lower temperature than others, it just needs warming and this easy trick will melt it.
  • Question
    I have raspberry-flavored essence. Is it the same thing as extract?
    Community Answer
    No. Most essences are synthetic and could be harmful. Stick to natural products.
  • Question
    How many drops of essential oil do I use?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how much salt scrub you are making, and how much you want it to smell. Start with about 1 to 3 drops, then add more as needed.
  • Question
    Is it really okay to use the oil we use for cooking?
    Community Answer
    It is actually okay. Anything that you can eat is safe for your skin. However, it is rather sticky, far more sticky and greasy feeling on your skin (not to mention the tub) than meadowfoam seed oil, argan oil, or even almond oil. These all absorb more rapidly into your skin than cooking oil.
  • Question
    Can the salt scrub be tinted, or do I have to find colored salt?
    Community Answer
    Scrubs are used for exfoliation, not to change skin tone. However, if you want to color your scrub, use soap dye. You may also use a small amount of food coloring, but be careful not to add too much.
  • Question
    How often should I use the scrub?
    Community Answer
    It's best to use it twice a week, the salt could cause facial issues if used more frequently.
  • Question
    How can I make it a color?
    Community Answer
    Soap dye works the best. You can get it at most health and beauty stores. Some food dyes will also do the trick, but be careful with the amounts as too much food dye will color your skin.
  • Question
    Can I use vegetable oil to mix with the salt?
    Community Answer
    You can, but it will be more ideal to use olive or argan oil. Vegetable oil can be more greasy than others.
  • Question
    I am getting ants in my shower with a honey and sugar scrub. What can I use in a salt scrub to prevent this?
    KirstinKitten
    Community Answer
    Salt and oil may prevent this. Salt alone is good too, just make sue you moisturize afterwards!
  • Question
    Do I use regular food coloring? Doesn't it stain the skin?
    Community Answer
    Try to avoid using food coloring, because yes, it will stain the skin. Use coloring specified for cosmetics. There are plenty of inexpensive options on Amazon or eBay.
  • Question
    Can scrubs be stored in a plastic jars with a tight lid?
    Community Answer
    Yes. While some people worry about chemicals from the plastics dispersing into the scrub, this is highly unlikely to happen.
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