DIY Olive Oil & Brown Sugar Facial Scrub

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, feeling tight and chapped and 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 and cheeses and butter. 

You want to be certain that your milk and beef comes from cattle that are 100% grass–fed cows that will 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 fruit and vegetables moisturizes your skin naturally because they contain plenty of vitamin 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 to 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 will come 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, clears out the pores, and increases 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 trying instead to layer your clothing.  Covering any exposed skin with hats and scarfs etc. particularly in cold weather, will protect you from the elements that so easily sap away at the precious moisture of 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 for your skin – 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 moisturizer to your skin is one containing milk, yogurt, egg yolk coconut oil or olive oil and avocado which you leave, all mixed up, on your face for a few minutes before rinsing.  When I do this, I follow it up with a floral toner.

Make sure you are mindful of how much you’re scrubbing: don’t apply too much pressure as this can cause micro-tears that can lead to skin damage. For areas that need extra attention, like your nose or chin, use a gentle bumpy textured cloth instead of a scrub. After exfoliating, use a hydrating, nourishing moisturizer. To keep your skin looking healthy and radiant, avoid lotions with added fragrances and opt for products that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and aloe vera. Use moisturizer at least twice a day to boost hydration levels and plump up your skin. Keep in mind that certain environmental elements like cold and dry air can cause your skin to become dry and itchy, so moisturizing should become part of your daily wellness routine.

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.

To make this sugar scrub even more indulgent, I add a few drops of essential oil. I like to use sweet orange or lavender oils, but the essential oil you prefer is entirely up to you. Not only will the scent of the essential oil elevate the experience, but it can also provide additional benefits, depending on which one you choose. For example, lavender essential oil can help to relax and soothe the skin. Once you’ve added the essential oil, the scrub is ready for use!

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 ingredient used in the preparation of anti-aging cosmetics.

Olive oil can also be used as a moisturizer, thanks to its richness in fatty acids. It helps in soothing and softening the skin while maintaining its balance of hydration, giving it a natural glow. It also helps to reduce inflammation and irritation, while providing a protective layer that prevents skin damage from environmental aggressors. It also works great as a natural hair conditioner, as it helps to replenish lost nutrients and moisturize the scalp.

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. So you can see how this olive oil and brown sugar mask will be able to successfully remove all the dead cells and leave your face young and shiny.

This mask is also known for its moisturizing capabilities and for replenishing the skin with hydration. When applied to the skin, it forms a protective barrier which prevents the loss of moisture, leaving your skin feeling smooth and supple. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe sensitive and irritated skin. Check out my post on sensitive skin care routines. By using this mask, you can expect your skin to look and feel more refreshed, and the natural exfoliating action of the brown sugar will help increase its collagen production, making your skin appear softer and more elastic.

Benefits of Brown Sugar:

Exfoliating with a sugar facial scrub relaxes the mind with its intoxicating smell. Loaded with glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid which is so 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 facials are an incredibly nourishing and therapeutic treat for your skin that can be done in the comfort of your own home. It not only exfoliates away dead skin cells, but also helps to clear your skin of dirt and bacteria. It also helps to reduce oiliness and pore size, while improving the overall texture and appearance of your skin. It’s also an excellent way to soothe inflammation and redness, making it the perfect choice for those with sensitive skin. Regular exfoliation can help to diminish the appearance of acne scars and dark spots. With all these benefits combined, it’s no wonder why sugar facials are becoming increasingly popular.

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.

What sets this olive oil sugar scrub apart from other types of exfoliation is that it can be used on sensitive skin. This makes it an ideal choice for those with rosacea and other skin issues. Sugar scrub is gentle and can be used frequently without irritating or causing further damage. It can even be used on the delicate skin around the eyes, where dirt and oils build up more frequently. With a sugar scrub, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

So why are we using brown sugar rather than white? This is because brown sugar is actually more gentle, 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 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.

Wipe your face with a warm, soft towel.

Have fun making your olive oil and brown sugar facial scrub!  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. 

Whatever you end up choosing to make, always remember to use natural, simple ingredients. This way, you’ll know that what you’re applying to your skin is doing good things that are also safe. And if you’re really looking to step up your facial scrub game, use the mixture as a body scrub! It works just as well and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Always try to keep your skincare routine as simple and clean as possible. Using natural components allows you to customize your recipe and make treatments tailored to your skin’s individual needs. What’s more, you can rest assured that you’re taking a natural and safe approach to healthy skin. Enjoy!