Sugar Scrub | Maicurls

Hey Maicurlies,

I am back with a highly anticipated skin DIY!

I did a poll on my YouTube Channel (click on the link if you haven’t already) to see what I should share next and my DIY Whipped Sugar Scrub got the most votes, so here we go!

Sugar scrubs can be used on the body and face to remove dead skin cells while promoting new glowing skin. It can help reduce bumps, blemishes, fade scars, reduce dark spots, clean up pores and promote healthier skin overall. Before delving into the details please not that I highly recommend only using brown sugar versus refined white sugar because the granules of brown sugar are less coarse and harsh on the skin, thus will not tear or cause damage. When using the scrub on your face, I suggest applying it no more than 1 – 2 times a week (daily use would be excessive). When it comes to your body, alternative days (works for me) however, I once again suggest daily use would be excessive.

Ingredients:

3 oz Mango Butter
0.6 oz Almond Oil
0.2 oz Lemon Juice
3.6 oz Brown (Cane) Sugar*
3 oz Raw African Black Soap
12 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

*I suggest using equal amounts Sugar to Butter and Oil, this way it won’t be too runny or hard on the skin.

Ingredient alternatives:

Mango butter can be replaced with another soft butter however, I highly recommend only using a soft butter that is not overly greasy. Almond oil and Peppermint Essential Oi (EO)l can be replaced with any carrier oil or EO of choice. (EO can be omitted altogether and should be in case you are pregnant)!

Ingredient benefits:

Mango butter is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It contains vitamins A, C and E and is known to help ease skin conditions such as acne and eczema. The butter is effective in moisturizing dry skin and is said to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Almond Oil contains vitamin E and helps promote smooth, soft and supple skin. It is effective in keeping dry skin moisturized and known to help ease itchiness, reduces redness, relieves inflammation and can help skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Brown (Cane) Sugar works at exfoliating the skin by removing dead skin cells, clearing out the skin’s pores, removing dirt as well as excess oils. It contains glycolic acid, which, is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is known to help maintain healthy skin. Due to its exfoliating properties it can reduce the appearance of scars and dark areas (e.g. dark underarms, elbows and knees).

Raw African Black Soap contains anti-fungal, antibacterial and cleansing properties for the skin. It can help reduce the overproduction of oils (and in this mix will help maintain a level of oil and butter). It is moisturizing for the skin while soothing, it reduces irritations, blemishes and fine scars.

Peppermint Essential Oil Peppermint Oil has a soothing and cooling effect on the skin that leaves it feeling tingly and fresh. Its anti-bacterial and inflammatory properties is known to help fight acne and skin irritations. It is also known to help with blood circulation in the skin.(*Never use undiluted EO on the skin as it can lead to burning and itchiness).

Mixing Instructions & Use:

You want to place the butter, oil and lemon juice in a bowl and mix with a whisk for a few minutes until everything is well combined. light and fluffy. Fold in the sugar first before using the whisk in order to avoid sugar granules from being flung around the kitchen (it can get a little messy). The final step is to add in the Raw African Black Soap which, you need to grate first in order for it to be well mixed and distributed evenly in the scrub. Essential oil can be added as the last step (if used) and then the mix can be transferred into a disinfected airtight container.

When it comes to applying the scrub, please ensure that you have anti-slip stickers in your shower in order to avoid potentially falling (it can get really slippery). You want to start off with damp skin (for both your face and body) and gently using your fingertips rub the scrub onto your skin in circular motions (be gentle). You can rinse your body with a body wash post scrub (if you feel like you have too much butter/oil present and a face wash for your face). Please ensure that you use a dry and clean spoon to scoop out the scrub (don’t use wet fingers otherwise you are inviting bacteria growth) and make sure to close the lid. Once used always store the scrub in the fridge to help ensure it remains fresh for as long as possible.

So, that’s it! If you use this mix, please do let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions on what you would like me to share, let me know!

Maicurls

Good Morning Maicurlies,

I wanted to share another DIY mix with you. I am sure you are wondering when does she stop mixing?! NEVER 😀

In all serenity I LOVE mixing my products. I have had both the bad and good store bought products and I can not lie not ALL of my DIY mixes have been a success however at least I can blame myself for that. I prefer tailoring products and adding ingredients I know are good for me, work for me and will not harm me or my body.

Anyways back to the topic which is a scalp scrub.

photo credit: lovelihood via photopin cc

There are a number of different reasons why you might want to use a scrub and different ways in which you can make one. The skin on our scalp is no different to the skin on the rest of our body. It can become dry, flaky, overloaded with product, irritated, itchy and so on. Scrubs can help to:

Remove dead cells
Relieve an itchy or irritated scalp
Relieve flaking/dandruff
Help to remove build up on the scalp
Clear up clogged pores
Relieve scalp acne, scalp pimples and white heads
Provide moisture and oils to a dry scalp

My particular scalp includes ingredients that helps to exfoliate, remove buildup, moisturize, conditions my roots and scalp as well as relax and increase blood flow to my scalp. I have a video on YouTube of my DIY Scalp Scrub.

My DIY Scalp Scrub

Ingredients:

8 Teaspoons of Raw Sugarcane (brown) Sugar*
10 Tablespoons of Pure Honey
2 teaspoons of Amla Powder (optional)
2.5 teaspoons of Almond Oil
4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)

*I blend the brown sugar before making the scrub just for a few pulses because I have a sensitive scalp and do not want to scratch it with rough sugar granules. Even if you do not have a sensitive scalp I suggest first lightly blending the sugar because the scrub will not only be gentler on your scalp but also on your roots!

Ingredient Explanation:

– Sugarcane (brown) Sugar – Acts as the exfoliant to help remove dead skin and buildup (you can use regular white sugar if you can not find brown sugar).

– Honey – Used to moisturize the scalp and roots due to its humectant properties. It also has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to help heal up scalp irritations a little quicker. (You can use molasses if you are allergic to honey.)

– Amla – Helps to condition dry scalps and roots, restores the p.H balance and also works as a good anti-fungal and antibacterial agent. (This is an optional ingredient.)

– Almond Oil – Helps to restore any lost natural oils produced by the scalp. (You can use any oil – I suggest using any light oil of choice)

– Peppermint Essential Oil (EO) – Helps to simulate blood flow to the scalp which helps to promote hair growth due to the increase in oxygen from the blood flow. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and is an excellent soothing EO. (You can use any EO of choice)
NOTE: Essential oils are potent therefor need to be diluted and if you are pregnant I would refrain from using any EO

Mixing

I first blend the 8 teaspoons of sugar just a few pulses and put it in a bowl. I add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix everything really well and then transfer it into a container.

I would recommend using a scrub no more than once every 2 weeks. The longer you leave the scrub standing the more the sugar will dissolve so you might need to remake this recipe before you use it up (depending on how much you use when you scrub).

TIP: This scrub can of course also be used for your body. If you feel like you will not be able to use all of it for your scalp before the sugars dissolves use it for your body!

Do you use a scrub for your scalp if so what do you use? If you try my recipe please let me know if you enjoyed it or not I would love to hear from you.

Thanks