I want to learn how to make one Recipe for a salt scrub? This basic Do your own body scrub Recipe will help you customize it to your liking so you can maximize the detoxification benefits of this therapeutic scrub.
Most of you probably know how different C and I are, so it’s rare that we have an activity together that we both enjoy. The spa is one of the few exceptions. I’m not really a big massage person, but I love a good, relaxing hydro circuit, so C and I try to visit one every month or so.
Now, before the judgment comes, let me preface this by also saying that I love a lot. There’s a zero percent chance I’ll be going to the monthly water spa circuits unless I get some sort of deal involved. Half the experience is actually making the deal! I am my mother’s daughter…
About once a month on Tuesdays, C and I would go to the Kabuki Spa in San Francisco. They have a Tuesday special where the water circuit is $25 per person. And it’s also the only day it’s together. So C and I would occasionally play hookie and have a spa circuit at lunchtime.
One of my favorite parts about visiting the Kabuki was the salt scrub they would offer in the steam room. You would scoop a small cup before going in and then rub it all over your body while allowing steam to penetrate your skin. Then you would wash it off before leaving and your skin would feel so soft and smooth.
It looks like we won’t be visiting Kabuki anytime soon, so I decided to get creative and create my own little spa circuit, aka cranking up the shower super hot and running this body scrub all over my body rub.
It’s not quite the same, but it feels like a little treat to enjoy at home. So I thought I’d share my body scrub recipe as well as a few tips on how to make a salt scrub and use it at home. Let’s dive in…
The benefits of a salt scrub
We often hear about the benefits of exfoliating our face. Dead skin cells build up and can clog pores and cause acne. For this reason, it is recommended to exfoliate your face a few times a week. But what about our body? Our body skin also builds up dead skin cells, which many of us ignore and never exfoliate. There are a few different ways to exfoliate your skin, a body scrub being one of them.
The benefit of a salt scrub is that not only does it help exfoliate dry skin (resulting in smoother, softer, and healthier skin), but it also promotes detoxification. By stimulating the lymphatic system, a salt scrub can support our body’s natural detoxification efforts and help us eliminate stagnant toxins in our bodies.
Why use a salt scrub versus a sugar scrub?
Many people have heard of sugar scrubs, so what is the difference between a salt scrub and a sugar scrub?
Salt scrubs tend to be a little more aggressive on the skin. So if you have sensitive skin I’d stick with a sugar scrub (I love this homemade brown sugar scrub), however if you’re looking for something more intense, salt scrubs are the way to go.
There are also so many incredible vitamins and minerals in sea salt that are absorbed by the body when using a salt scrub that there aren’t nearly as many in a sugar scrub.
Note: Some people also like to use ground coffee as an exfoliant, although I find it quite abrasive.
Types of salt to use
There are so many types of sea salt that you can use in this salt scrub recipe. I’m just listing a few to inspire you.
Note: I would not recommend using regular table salt as regular iodized table salt has very little therapeutic benefit left. Also, try to get finely ground salt. Coarse sea salt can be a little intense on the skin, so reserve it for harder areas of the body like knees, elbows, and feet.
Salt from the Dead Sea
This is one of the most mineral rich sea salts you can find! This sea salt, which originated in the Dead Sea region of Israel, is actually very different from regular ocean salt with a higher concentration of trace elements such as magnesium and potassium. This is my personal preference for a homemade body scrub thanks to its incredible therapeutic benefits that are absorbed through the skin.
Himalayan Sea Salt
Himalayan sea salt is believed to be one of the oldest salts found on the planet, dating back to the primordial remains of the primordial sea. It has a pink hue due to trace amounts of iron and, like Dead Sea salt, is also incredibly beneficial for detoxifying the body.
Epsom salt
Technically, Epsom salt is not salt at all! Epsom salt is made of magnesium sulfate, which is known for its muscle-soothing effects. Epsom salt is especially good for people with skin issues or tricky areas that need extra scrubbing, like knees and elbows.
Black Sea Salt
Black lava sea salt is typically found in regions of high volcanic activity. I brought something home from our trip to Iceland and one of my biggest regrets is not bringing more home! The black color comes from traces of activated charcoal in the salt, which adds a nice smoky flavor (when eating) but also has many benefits for your skin. You can also find black lava sea salt from areas in Hawaii and Cyprus.
Basic recipe for a salt scrub
There are many ways to customize this DIY body scrub, but the basic recipe is pretty simple. As long as you get the ratios right, you’re absolutely ready to go:
- 1 cup sea salt: Choose from any of the options above (I like Dead Sea salt)
- 1/4 cup carrier oil: I prefer jojoba oil, but olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and sweet almond oil also work well. You can also use melted or fractionated coconut oil, but I find that it can thicken the mixture a bit.
- 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil: The list is endless, but I like eucalyptus (for that spa-like experience), lemon or other citrus essential oil (like grapefruit), and lavender essential oil (for relaxation).
- 1 tbsp optional add-ins: Feel free to add some optional additives like ground coffee, almond flour, herbs (chamomile and lavender are great!), vitamin E oil, etc…
How to make a DIY body scrub
- In a large bowl, stir together the sea salt and carrier oil until well combined.
- Add essential oils until desired scent and consistency is achieved (10-20 drops) and any optional additives.
- Store in a sealed glass jar (such as a mason jar) in a cool place until ready to use.
How to use a salt scrub
Before you apply your body scrub, turn on your shower and close the door or curtain to allow steam to form. This will help open up your pores and allow the salt scrub to maximize its effects. You can also do this in the bathtub and soak your body in the tub in the salt scrub, although I find the tub scrubbing difficult to maneuver, but that’s just my preference.
Take a small amount of this salt scrub recipe and begin scrubbing over part of your body in a circular motion. Reach for more handfuls when you’re out. I find I use about half of this body scrub recipe, but you can pull off 2 or 3 uses from this recipe. I prefer not to use this salt scrub on my face as I find it too harsh but if you want to use it on your face you can.
Once you’ve scrubbed your entire body, let the warm water wash everything away. And that’s it! I like to rub myself with a body oil after using a salt scrub as my skin is quite fresh and needs a little hydration. Use 2-3 times a week consistently for best results.
note: Sometimes the oil separates from the salt, so mix it up a bit just before using.
How long does a homemade salt scrub last?
You can keep your body scrub recipe fresh for up to 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place. However, because there are only two to three uses per mason jar, it rarely lasts that long.
If you plan on sharing these as gifts, know you can craft them ahead of time and store them until you’re ready to give them away.
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How to make a salt scrub
Want to learn how to make a salt scrub recipe? This basic recipe will help you customize it to your liking so you can maximize the detoxification benefits of this therapeutic scrub.
- Preparation time: 2 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 Used 1X
- 1 cup sea salt (see options above)
- 1/4 cup Oil (jojoba, olive, avocado, or almond oil work great)
- 10–20 Drops of favorite essential oils
- optional: 1 tbsp additives e.g. ground coffee, almond flour, herbs etc.
- Mix together sea salt and carrier oil until well combined.
- Add essential oils until desired scent is achieved (10-20 drops) and any optional add-ins.
- Store in a sealed jar in a cool place until ready to use.
- When using: Take the desired amount and apply to clean, damp skin. Wash off completely.
- Use 2-3 times a week for best results
Keywords: Salt Scrub, Body Scrub Recipe, Salt Scrub Recipe, Body Scrub, DIY Body Scrub
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