I live in a very dry mountain climate, where it is dry all year round. I’m also prone to very dry skin, and it’s been a struggle to find something that will work for me. Natural oil moisturizers are what I have found to do the trick, and one of my favorites is this DIY Olive Oil & Brown Sugar Scrub … which I would love to share with you!
Without proper care, dry skin can become tired, itchy, tight, chapped, or red, which promotes other skin conditions like acne and eczema. With proper care from natural moisturizers for dry skin, you can keep your skin looking soft, pampered, moisturized, and youthful all year around – and one of the best ways to do that is to moisturize it from within!
What you put in is what you get out, am I right? That means eating whole and natural foods with good fats such as nuts, eggs, chia seeds (lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish if you’re not vegetarian), some yogurts, cheeses, and butter.
You want to be certain that your milk and beef come from cattle that are 100% grass–fed so they benefit your health, and not only your skin. Did you know that anchovies and sardines are packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals? Coconut oil, olive oil, and even cod liver oil can be taken each week for super skin results.
And of course, it goes without saying that consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables moisturizes your skin naturally because they contain plenty of vitamins A, C, and E, along with selenium and zinc. The salts in the fruits and veggies will retain more water for your skin to stay hydrated, and the antioxidants will help fight free-radical damage and aging. Base your diet on plenty of veggies, with less fruit, and preferably all organic!
Natural moisturizing for your skin certainly comes from drinking plenty of fluids because we all know how water keeps us hydrated. Water is not enough, though, and plenty of minerals and vitamins need to be included in the diet as well so that the body retains the water. Water also goes hand in hand with exercise because sweating during exercising helps to warm the body up, clear out the pores, and increase circulation to deliver nutrients to your skin.
Remember, too, to keep your heaters down in colder weather (which is of course also better for the environment), keeping the temperatures lower while layering your clothing instead. Covering any exposed skin with hats and scarves, particularly in cold weather, will protect you from the elements that easily sap moisture from your skin.
And that brings us to the sun, because many believe that in winter, being exposed to the sun cannot possibly damage the skin. But a high percentage of UVA rays are still able to penetrate the atmosphere and cause havoc to your skin. Continue to wear your hat and sunscreen lotions during extended exposure to the sun.
Don’t over-exfoliate your skin if you want to retain natural moisture – once a week is sufficient. When you moisturize afterward, avoid products containing alcohol, which can dry out the skin even more. Avoid astringents and peels, as these can be very harsh for dry skin too. Instead, use hydrating masks. A natural and highly effective one, which adds plenty of natural moisture to your skin, contains milk, yogurt, egg yolk, coconut oil or olive oil, and avocado. You leave it on your face for a few minutes before rinsing. When I do this, I follow it up with a floral toner.
DIY Olive Oil and Brown Sugar Facial Scrub Recipe
Now, on to the sugar scrub recipe! This is so simple to make and is of course very cost-effective. I especially like beauty recipes with few ingredients and that take little time. This scrub is only two ingredients and wonderfully effective.
Benefits of Olive Oil for the Skin:
- It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants and can be used for treating acne because it deeply cleanses the skin, removes impurities, and leaves the epidermis glowing.
- Thanks to the antioxidants, olive oil is one of the main ingredients used in the preparation of anti-aging cosmetics.
- It is rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids which are beneficial for dehydrated skin.
- Olive oil protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, preventing skin aging.
Therefore, the mask containing olive oil and brown sugar will successfully remove all the dead cells and leave your face young and shiny.
Benefits of Brown Sugar:
Exfoliating with a sugar facial scrub relaxes the mind with its intoxicating smell. It is loaded with glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid which is important for healthy skin), which is often a main ingredient in more expensive products. The naturally occurring glycolic acid in sugar moisturizes, conditions, and protects from toxins.
Sugar cleanses deeply, which helps reduce any acne you may have while generally preventing worse breakouts. Most sugar scrub recipes require oil or honey to create a paste, which further moisturizes and helps your skin come into a natural balance.
So why are we using brown sugar rather than white? This is because brown sugar is gentler, so it’s great for sensitive skin. It’s even good for the scalp. Lots of people with sensitive scalps have discovered that a brown sugar scrub (prior to washing or treating) results in healthier hair and scalp.
Ingredients for This Olive Oil and Brown Sugar Facial Scrub:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (you may adjust the oil quantity by adding or removing a few drops so you reach the desired consistency for this mask)
Directions:
You may use a small bowl to mix the two ingredients or just combine them on your palm.
First place the brown sugar.
Slowly add the olive oil so that you form a paste.
Apply the facial scrub mixture to your face and neck, using circular, gentle moves.
Massage the face so that you remove all the dead cells and allow the olive oil to moisturize the skin.
Rinse the facial scrub off with warm water.
Wipe your face with a warm, soft towel.
Have fun with this! And of course, if you want to make more than what this recipe offers you (or if you wish to prepare extra to give as a gift), simply double or triple the recipe. Enjoy!
