Welcome to Gaia! ::

I'm not a huge fan of using harsh chemicals on my skin, especially when there is a natural (and cheaper) option. There are a million recipes on the internet for homemade exfoliators and such; after playing with ratios, I found these work best for me. smile All the ingredients are harmless as long as applied gently, so it's a great thing to customize to your specific skin type and concerns!

General Exfoliating Scrub
3 tbs (organic) sugar
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp green tea leaves (about half a standard tea bag)

This is my all-purpose exfoliator. I use a 3:1 ratio of organic sugar and olive oil, and then add green tea leaves. The measurements above are the ones I usually use to make this, I make several weeks worth in advance. Easy: put the sugar in a glass jar, add the olive oil, add the leaves, and shake! It should come out really coarse and lumpy. I take a little bit (like, a dime sized amount) on my fingers and gently massage it over my face. Gently!! Especially the first time! The sugar is extremely rough, but works wonders. The oil does soften it a little, especially after letting it sit, so I usually mix up a batch a day or two before I intend to use it. If you have really sensitive skin, try using brown sugar; it is a finer grain.

Notes: I have very oily skin, so I use this twice a week. Any other kind would probably want to limit it to once, as the sugar is effective, but rough. You don't -have- to use organic sugar, but I prefer to. Other than the fact that I have ethical issues with white sugar, take into account that regular sugar is frequently bleached and/or chemically treated. Do you want to be rubbing bleach and animal bones onto your skin? Didn't think so... Organic sugar or sugar in the raw are better choices for this. And no, the olive oil will not clog your pores.


Moisturizing Exfoliating Scrub
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tsp organic honey
(optional: small amount of Vaseline)
1/4 c organic sugar
(optional: green tea leaves)

This is kind of a mushier version of the previous scrub. It is a little sticky, but is really good for chapped winter skin. I've seen several versions of this floating around the internet/YouTube, and these ratios seem to be the most common. Measure out the olive oil and then the honey. If your skin is really, really dry, add a little Vaseline to the mix. Mix. Add sugar and tea leaves, mix until blended. Use in the same manner as the previous, again, gently. Same substitutions apply.

Notes: I only use this when my skin is really dry and chapped. The honey is much more soothing than lotion is, and doesn't sting. If your skin is really sensitive or very delicate, use brown sugar instead. I don't make this one very far in advance, I usually just make it for the week or so.


Lip Scrub
1-2 tbs honey
1 tsp sugar
1/2-1 tsp Vaseline

This is kind of a cross between a sugar scrub and a lip balm. Put honey in a small container, add sugar, mix, and then add as much Vaseline as needed to give it a balmier consistency. This is basically just taking the sticky out of the honey and easing application. I find this scrub basically to be an exfoliating (and better tasting) version of Carmex lip balm. After using, apply a super hydrating, non-medicated lip balm like eos or Burts Bees original.

Note: I only use this on an as-needed basis if my lips are really chapped/flaking/sore. Apply it with your fingers like it's a lip balm.

Sugar scrubs have been around forever as an old wives' beauty secret. The basic method is combining sugar with a natural moisturizer like olive oil or honey in a ratio that works for you. I use these after cleansing at night, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. I don't moisturize afterward as the oils are very hydrating. Hope these work for some of you! Post your own variations!! smile

How long is it good for? Like should I toss it after one use or keep it for like a week or so?

I keep the basic one for a week or two, it doesn't really "spoil" but the sugar absorbs a lot of the oil, so it gets really icky after about two weeks. I keep it in a glass jar that had olives or something in it at one point (cleaned of course lol), though any BPA-free container is probably fine. I prefer thicker glass because there is no chance of anything from the container tainting it, especially considering how often it changes temperature being kept in the bathroom.

I throw the lip scrub away after a use or two; it doesn't "spoil", but the sugar kind of clumps down at the bottom and the honey and Vaseline sit on top of it, so it kind of negates the purpose. I would assume the same would happen with the really moisturizing face version, it's never lasted long enough for me to find out. wink

Whenever I make these, it tends to go into my mouth ):