Orange goodness and the pampering effects of a sugar scrub come together in this skin-nourishing DIY recipe. Making your own skincare solutions means you know exactly what you are putting onto—and into—your body.
The Ingredients
Sugar
- Sugar is a mild exfoliant, good for any skin type;
- It helps to remove dead skin cells;
- It cleans pores of dirt;
- It has a natural anti-aging effect.
Coconut oil
- Has natural disinfectant properties;
- Fatty acids have an antimicrobial effect;
- It contains vitamin E, crucial for healthy skin;
- It helps to moisturize skin.
Orange peel
- Contains vitamin C, also crucial to skin health;
- Helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and scarring over time;
- It’s rich in other antioxidants that nourish and help hydrate skin.
Together, they can help your skin look its best.
Step #1: Dry The Peels
You’ll need the peel from about 4 to 5 oranges.
- If you have 2 weeks, and the space, you can leave them in a cool, dark area (out of direct sunlight) on a flat surface.
- To speed it up, cut the peel into pieces about the size of your thumb, and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 200 °F for 30 to 45 minutes, until the pieces are thoroughly dried to a crispy finish, but not browned.
- Place them in a food processor, and pulse until they form a coarse powder.
Step #2: Mix the Scrub
The basic ingredients
Powdered orange peel (as above)
1 cup organic sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil
Optional
Choose any one of these options for a fragrant variation
- 6 drops orange essential oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Then:
- Combine thoroughly.
- Store in a covered, airtight container in the fridge for a week to 10 days.
To Use
- Scrub over wet skin in the shower using a circular motion.
- Allow it to stay on your skin or 5 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
