Summer Body Scrub

During the summer just about everyone is searching for ways to achieve healthy glowing skin. Looking for a quick fix? Try a body scrub. Using a body scrub helps to slough off the top layer of dead skin revealing the fresh healthy looking skin beneath.

There are two basic types of body scrubs:

� Sugar scrub: These are made out of various types of sugar such as cane sugar or brown sugar and are typically mixed with honey, oat meal, and a variety of oils. Sugar scrubs are great for the face and sensitive skin because the granules are a lot less abrasive than salt.

� Salt scrub: These are made out of various types of salt for example sea salt, Dead Sea salt, and Himalayan pink salt. Salt scrubs are best for the body because it gives a deeper scrub. Salt also has many healing properties and is great for treating sore muscles after a workout or even occasional aches and pains in your joints, back, and legs.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes:

Sticky Fingers Sugar Scrub

1 Tbsp. Brown Sugar

1/2 Tbsp. Honey

Combine sugar and honey in a small bowl. Lightly dampen the area of interest with water and apply scrub in a circular motion. Once the sugar had fully dissolved rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. This scrub is perfect for your face, hands, and even your lips. The honey leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized while the sugar gently sloughs off dead skin.

Smooth Coarse Salt Scrub

2 Tbsp. Salt

1Tbsp. Grape Seed Oil

4 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Lightly dampen the area of interest with water and then apply scrub in a circular motion. Once the salt has dissolved rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. This scrub can be used anywhere on the body and is especially great for areas that tend to get dry such as your elbows and feet. Use caution if you decide to use it on your face because it is a deeper scrub which may be too abrasive for the skin on your face.

The grape seed oil can be replaced with another oil of your choice such as olive oil or coconut oil. I chose grape seed because it is a light oil that won�t leave you feeling super greasy. Also any type of salt may be used keeping in mind that sea salts are going to give you a deeper scrub than typical table salt. Try this scrub after a long day of work and the relaxing scent of lavender is sure to put you in a good mood!

Ezekiel Sea Salt Scrub: For Sore Muscles and Joints

1Tbsp. Sea Salt

2 Tbsp. Mud or Clay mask

Cellophane or plastic bag (optional)

Combine the salt with the mask and apply to the affected area (external use only). You can then wrap the area with cellophane or a plastic bag to keep it from getting too messy. Secure the cellophane or plastic bag with tape. After 20-30 minutes you can go ahead and rinse it off. If you do choose to wrap the area the mud will not dry completely. This is a great post work out treatment or for the occasional ache or pain. Make sure to moisturize after because both the salt and mud can really dry out the skin.

For this recipe you can use sea salt, Dead Sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or Epsom salt. You can purchase pre-made mud or clay masks from your local Publix or Walmart in the health and beauty section. I personally use the Avocado and Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask by Freeman Feeling Beautiful but I know Queen Helen also has a wide variety of masks. If you prefer a more natural choice you can go to your local Whole Foods or health food store and buy it in its powdered form. They should have an assortment of muds and clays to choose from such as Kaolin, Bentonite, Red Clay, Green Sea clay, and Dead Sea Mud.

Enjoy the recipes and don't forget to comment if you have any questions!