Here is a DIY lemon sugar scrub recipe that will deeply exfoliate the skin leaving your body with an awesome citrus scent.
Citrus fruits like lime, lemon, and orange have proven to have a myriad of benefits for lots of things.
They cleanse the body of toxins, improve digestion, calm nausea, provide energy, are used in aromatherapy to uplift moods, and do miracles for the skin.
Most of the benefits are within their peels.
Not only do the scents of these fruits uplift moods and increase motivation, but they also do well to support the skin’s vitality.
They promote the healing of the skin.
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Find more about the skin benefits of citrus essential oils below the recipe.
Homemade Lemon Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- 250 gr white sugar
- sweet almond oil (1 tbsp)
- sunflower oil (2 tbsp)
- lemon essential oil (20 drops)
- dried lemon peel (1 tbsp) (optional)
- cosmetic grade yellow mica powder (optional)
I have shredded a lemon peel (although it looks orange) and dried it in the oven for about 10 minutes.
if is sunny where you live, you can use the sun to dry the lemon peels.
Make sure that the moisture is gone before using them.
The reason for using dried lemon zest is to avoid introducing moisture into the scrub and prolong its shelf life.
4 Steps to Make It
1. In a bowl combine the sugar and oils.
2. Mix well and add lemon essential oil.
3. If you are using mica powder, add a pinch now and mix thoroughly. I like to add it to give the scrub a subtle yellow tone, similar to lemon.
4. Next, add the lemon peel and mix.
How long does it last?
As long as you don’t introduce water into the scrub, it can last from 3 to 6 months, depending on the ingredients used.
Keep it in an airtight jar and in a dry place, away from heat and sunlight.
Use a spatula or spoon to take the amount of scrub you need from the jar.
If you notice that the oils go rancid or that the smell is different, throw it away and make a new scrub.
Love making beauty recipes at home? If so, check out these home skin care recipes you can make from your kitchen.
A word about using citrus on the skin
Although lemon and lemon essential oils have an abundance of benefits, you should use them diluted.
Citrus oils are known to cause photosensitivity (or phototoxicity).
This means when the oils on the skin are in contact with UV, they can cause inflammation, redness, sunburn, or swelling.
So, it is best to use citrus oils at night.
Or, if applying during the day, cover the area to avoid sunshine contact, and always use sunscreen.
Allergic reactions
Some people are also allergic to these strong oils. If in doubt, test a small area of your arm’s skin by applying a tiny portion diluted with carrier oil.
If there is a negative reaction after a couple of days you might be allergic to it.
Other scrub recipes you can make from home
- 3 DIY tea sugar scrub recipes with dried rose petals
- 3 homemade coffee scrub recipes for oily, dry, or glowing skin
- easy DIY coffee and coconut oil scrub cubes recipes
- homemade sugar scrub cubes with lemon and orange essential oils
- DIY coconut oil and Himalayan salts sugar scrub cubes recipe
Lemon Essential Oil Skin Benefits
Is lemon essential oil good for your skin?
When applied diluted with a carrier oil, this aromatic oil can have the following skin benefits:
Antioxidant Action
Antioxidants stop free radicals from further damage.
As powerful antioxidants, citrus oils support anti-aging, and anti-wrinkling, and eventually remove dark spots and blemishes.
The vitamin C in these citrus fruit oils can help lighten blemishes and dark spots.
They also reduce puffiness under the eyes and reduce wrinkles. This is in part due to the hydrating properties.
Antiseptic, Antibacterial, and Antifungal
Lemon essential oil is a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal.
They treat acne, pimples, insect bites, cuts, and more.
Proper application of these oils makes them highly effective and encourages healing.
Skin Hydration
Applying products with lemon essential oil softens the skin, improves elasticity, and promotes skin cell growth.
The antioxidants prevent free radicals from doing further damage.
This allows the skin cells to regenerate and repair.
Removes Grease and Stickiness On Skin
Aside from the beauty and health of the skin, citrus essential oils remove tough substances from the skin.
Adding a few drops to liquid hand soap will remove cooking oil, mineral oil, and gum, for instance.
At the same time, your hands will smell fresh and citrusy.
What’s your favorite DIY lemon sugar scrub?
