Coffee Body Scrub

            For this week’s wellness post I wanted to share a body scrub recipe that I like to use. It is so simple and easy to make, even though it has so few ingredients, they each have properties to help give you soft smooth skin. What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in them. Our skin readily absorbs the products we put there.

            There are quite a few similar products out on the market but I love making my own. It saves money and it can be so rewarding knowing you’ve made it yourself, it also makes a luxurious personal gift.

           

Some scrubs use a portion of salt and while this is a good exfoliant and pulls excess fluid from the body, it is quite abrasive when you use it on your face so I haven’t used any in this recipe. Also be careful with essential oils, as they are quite strong when pure, so if you have sensitive skin test the oil out of a patch of your skin first to see if it causes a reaction.

Health isn’t only about the physical, using this body scrub in a relaxing or pampering session, is a great way to unwind, giving yourself a mental break and me time.

So why use these ingredients?

Coffee- Just like drinking your morning coffee, rubbing it on your body also wakes up your skin. The caffeine and antioxidant content in the coffee targets cellulite, stretch marks, eczema, psoriasis and varicose veins, by seeking out the free radicals that may be associated with these conditions. It also actually has the same pH as your skin so it wont dry it out, pair it with the below ingredients and you’ll be super smooth.

Sugar – Brown or Coconut – The sugar is ultimately there for exfoliating your skin. It helps to remove dead or dry skin cells, clearing your pores to allow for smooth new skin growth. It also contains glycolic acid, which helps to condition and moisturize your skin, while also protecting it from toxins.

Coconut oil – Is an amazing moisturizer (I love using it as an overnight face mask), naturally high in collagen supporting lauric acid and also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

            - Olive oil – is also a great alternative to using coconut oil. It has been used as a moisturizer for centuries, high in antioxidants and natural acids that help strengthen your skin.

Essential oil (optional) -

Peppermint – This can help to stimulate circulatory flow in the area applied.

            Lavender – This calming smell can counteract the stimulating smell of the coffee if you want to use it at night, or to help you relax.

            Orange – This can give a little vitamin C and antioxidant boost for your skin, aiding in collagen production, stimulating new skin growth and strength.

Coffee Body Scrub

Makes: 2 ½ cups/ approx. 4 uses

Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

- 1 cup ground coffee

- 1 cup raw/brown sugar

- ½ cup coconut oil

- 6-8 drops of essential oil (optional)

Method:

- Combine all ingredients in the bowl, using your hands to do this is so luxurious \ and helps keep the coconut oil melted from your body temperature.

- Transfer into an airtight storage container.

Directions of use:

- Scoop out small handfuls of the scrub and rub it directly onto the skin.

- It is best if you do this while in an empty bath or shower as it gets pretty messy, but that’s half the fun!

- Leave it on or skin for at least 5 minutes, or however long you can last standing around naked looking like your covered in mud, then rinse it off your skin.

- Hey presto! Gorgeous smooth skin.

Note: After you use this in the bath or shower, make sure there is no coffee left in the bottom of your bath or shower as it could stain the grout and tile.

‘I deserve the best and I accept the best now’ – Louise L. Hay