An exfoliating scrub can help to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. Sloughing away dead skin cells leaves skin softer and more radiant looking. Regular exfoliation can also help to boost collagen production, which promotes elasticity and gives skin a healthy glow.
Sugar is a wonderful naturally abrasive exfoliant. It has humectant effects and is great for smoothing and hydrating the skin. Whipping up a sugar scrub is quick and easy. Made with a few simple, natural ingredients, it is a great alternative to conventional exfoliating products that contain additives that are harmful for both human health and the environment.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) enhances the skin loving properties of this sugar scrub. It’s rich in antioxidants that boost the overall health of skin. It also has antimicrobial properties to help cleanse. Damiana’s calming, mood boosting effects promote relaxation, making this scrub a lovely addition to your self-care routine.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is well loved in folk medicine for its ability to restore the skin, including preventing wrinkles and promoting collagen production for a healthy glow. It has soothing, anti-inflammatory, slightly astringent, and antiseptic properties.
The addition of sunflower oil helps to moisturize skin. It is also high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to protect and heal the skin from the damaging effects of exposure to environmental toxins and the sun. Sunflower oil is beneficial for most skin types. It absorbs into the skin very well and doesn’t clog pores.
Damiana Sugar Scrub makes a great addition to your skin care routine. Just note that while exfoliating has many benefits, overdoing it can actually damage the skin. Dermatologists typically recommend exfoliating only 2 times per week. Those with dry, sensitive, or acne prone skin will want to use only gentle exfoliants to avoid irritation, redness, and damage.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 Tbsp damiana
- 3 Tbsp sunflower oil infused with calendula*
Directions:
First you will need to make an infused oil. There are several ways to do this, but here is one quick and easy method.
*Quick Method for making an infused oil—
Fill a dry, heat proof jar or heat-proof glass measuring cup about half full with dried calendula. Pour in the sunflower oil, making sure the herb is fully submerged and covered with at least an inch or so of oil.
Gently heat over very low heat (ideally 100–140° F) for 1 to 5 hours in a double boiler or crockpot. The oil has finished infusing when the color and smell of the herb has been imparted.
Strain the oil through a cheesecloth and it’s ready to use! Pour any excess infused oil into a glass jar and be sure to label it including the date the oil was made, type of herb used, and type of carrier oil used. For best shelf life, store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Tip: Use dried or wilted herbs to reduce moisture, which causes oils to go rancid.
Making the sugar scrub —
Add ingredients to a small bowl and mix well to combine. Store in a small container, with a tight fitting lid.
To use: Massage the sugar scrub gently into the skin using small circular motions. Allow the oil to absorb for a moment, then rinse with warm water.
Don’t use sugar scrubs on irritated, sunburned, windburned, or sensitive skin. Sugar scrubs are also too abrasive for use on delicate facial skin.
Notes: The oil in this scrub can make your bathtub or shower slippery. Please exercise caution when using it to avoid slips and falls.
Avoid introducing moisture into the container,
