Brown Sugar Scrub

You probably have some brown sugar around the house for your holiday baking.  Try making this sweet treat for your skin:

• 1 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Light Oil*

Optional

• 1 tsp Vitamin E (I cut open a couple Vitamin E liquid gel caps)
• 1/2-1 tsp Vanilla Extract or Preferred Essential Oil

Combine ingredients in a plastic container.  That's it!  This should last for up to six months if kept sealed.  If the mixture seems to dry or too wet for your personal tastes, add more oil or sugar as needed.

The sugar will gently exfoliate your skin while the oil adds light moisture.  Please use caution as your tub may become slippery due to the oil. 

Olive oil is a great option for this recipe because most of us have some sitting around the house.  Sweet Almond and Sunflower oil are great choices as well.  I usually use any of these three oils for the bulk of the oil and then add a small amount of a specialty oil such as hemp, avocado, or pumpkin seed to give my skin an extra special treat. 

If you're able to plan ahead, infuse your oil with tea, herbs, or flower petals.  Calendula petals are wonderful for the skin.  To infuse your oil, begin with roughly 1/2 cup of dry herbs and 1 cup of oil.  Heat the herbs and oil in a double boiler over low hear for 1 hour.  Make sure to add water to the bottom of your double boiler as needed.  After 1 hour, pour mixture into a sterilized container.  Canning jars are perfect for this!  Cover with a cheese cloth or other lightweight cloth and secure with a rubber band.  Then seal tightly with a lid.  Store in a sunny place for two weeks.  Strain the herbs from your jar.  This mixture should keep for up to 18 months if stored in a cool dark place.