Benefits Of Using A Sugar Scrub For The Skin
Research shows that sugar is high in glycolic acid and can be used effectively as a scrub due to its exfoliating properties (1) (2). Sugar has been used to treat wounds since ancient times because it has antimicrobial properties (3). A study shows that sugar can treat fungi that cause mycoses (4). Research shows that sugar gets dissolved when used with ethanol and glycerol, ingredients used often in skin care products (5). Thus, sugar, a water-soluble element, is easy to wash off even with plain water. Anecdotal evidence suggests that sugar can enhance skin elasticity, treat photoaging damage, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Sugar also helps prevent the skin from becoming itchy in senile and eczematous dermatitis (6). Sugar scrubs cleanse the skin effectively, give it a lifting effect, and prevent cellulite (7). Sugar paired with cholesterol sulfate enhances the skin barrier function (8). It also protects the skin from damage and reduces the signs of aging like wrinkles.
So how do you use, prepare, and apply a sugar scrub? Scroll down for the answers.
How Is A Sugar Scrub Used?
Sugar crystals are well-known exfoliators in the skin care world. Many bloggers swear by sugar scrubs to improve skin appearance and health. The rough texture of the crystals helps remove dead skin cells, dirt, and product residue. As you massage the sugar crystals gently, the clogged pores clear up and your skin feels rejuvenated.
How To Apply A Sugar Scrub
The skin on the face is sensitive and needs more care than the rest of the body. Thus, the scrubs you would use for your face are different from those you use for other areas. Here are a few sugar scrubs for the face that you can make right at home.
Homemade DIY Sugar Scrubs For The Face
1. Green Tea, Honey, And Sugar Scrub
2 tablespoons of green tea leaves 2 tablespoons of honey 3-5 tablespoons of soft brown sugar
Once a week. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that are beneficial for improving the condition of the skin (9). Honey contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help the growth of healthy skin cells (10).
2. Coconut Oil, Lemon, And Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup of coconut oil 2 tablespoons of soft brown sugar 8-10 drops of lemon juice
Once a week. Lemon contains vitamin C, which has many skin benefits. It improves skin elasticity and prevents the signs of aging and skin damage (11). Coconut oil is widely used as a moisturizer. It has been the go-to solution to repair dry and itchy skin since ancient times (12). Note: Lemon juice is acidic in nature and people with sensitive skin may experience irritation. Hence, do a patch test before applying it to the face.
3. Almond And Sugar Face Scrub
1 tablespoon almond meal 1 tablespoon soft brown sugar 2 tablespoons of almond oil
Once a week. Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, which promotes the generation of healthy skin tissues (13). Almond may refresh and rejuvenate your skin.
4. Yogurt And Sugar Face Scrub
1/2 cup of fresh yogurt 2 tablespoons of soft brown sugar
Once a week. Face packs containing yogurt improve skin elasticity, moisture, and brightness (14).
5. Banana And Sugar Face Scrub
1 banana 2 tablespoons of soft brown sugar
Once a week. Bananas are a real treat for the skin. They contain important nutrients that may improve skin health. Research shows that they can benefit your skin by improving its shine, manageability, and hydration (15).
6. Kiwi And Sugar Face Scrub
1 kiwi 2 teaspoons of soft brown sugar A few drops of sunflower oil
Once a week. Kiwis are rich in antioxidants and help in preventing the overproduction of oil (16). Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E, which is useful for sensitive skin. It also contains linoleic acid, which is often used in skin care products (17). It also enhances the skin barrier function.
7. Coffee Face Scrub
3 tablespoons ground coffee 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Once a week. The caffeine present in coffee grounds acts as an antioxidant (18). Grapeseed oil contains flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (19).
Homemade Sugar Scrubs For Lips
8. Cinnamon And Sugar Lip Scrub
4 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Once a week. Cinnamon works well for treating hyperpigmentation and also helps the lips look fuller in a natural way (20). The glycolic acid in sugar cleanses your skin deeply. Coconut oil has hydrating properties that moisturize your skin (12). Honey is a humectant, which means it helps to hydrate and restore moisture levels. It has a soothing effect on the skin and keeps it young and wrinkle-free (21).
Homemade Sugar Scrubs For The Body
9. Chocolate Body Scrub
1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 3/4 cup almond oil 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
How Often Once a week. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties (22). Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, which promotes the generation of healthy skin tissues (13). Vanilla extract is rich in vitamins and minerals. It also has antioxidant properties. It nourishes your skin, soothes any irritation, improves skin tone, and slows down the aging process.
10. Oatmeal And Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup oats 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup coconut oil
Once a week. Oatmeal works as a buffer and moisturizer for the skin (23). Sugar has glycolic acid that deeply cleanses your skin. Coconut oil moisturizes your skin (12). Honey is a natural humectant. It soothes and moisturizes your skin and keeps it young and wrinkle-free (21).
11. Gingerbread Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 3 tablespoons almond oil 1/4 cup coconut oil
Use this scrub whenever your skin feels dull and dry. Ginger is said to greatly benefit the skin. Research shows that it improves facial acne (25). Cinnamon is very effective in eliminating pigmentation (20). Almond oil is a rich source of Vitamin E, which is very beneficial for your skin (13). Coconut oil moisturizes your skin and makes it soft (12). Nutmeg is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps reverse the effects of photoaging (25).
12. Tomato Sugar Scrub
1 tomato 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Once a week. Tomato contains antioxidants and lycopene, which help in the removal of tan (26).
13. Blueberry Scrub
3/4 cup of blueberries 1 tablespoon of sugar 2 tablespoons of honey
Once a week. Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties (27). Honey moisturizes your skin and keeps it wrinkle-free (21).
14. Raspberry Lemon Scrub
1/2 cup raspberries 1/4 cup sugar 3 tablespoons coconut oil 1 tablespoon lemon
1-2 times a week. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for your skin (13). Lemon juice cleanses and soothes the skin (28). Raspberries are a good source of vitamin C and manganese, which help prevent skin aging.
15. Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup coarse sugar 1/2 cup fine white sugar 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil 1 tablespoon cucumber juice
1-2 times a week. Coconut oil has hydrating properties that moisturize your skin (12). Cucumber rejuvenates the skin and also improves your skin tone and moisture, reduces redness, and prevents water loss (29).
Homemade Sugar Scrubs For The Feet
16. Peppermint Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup soft brown sugar 1 teaspoon mint juice 1 teaspoon almond oil 1-2 drops peppermint oil
Once a week. This scrub containing peppermint and mint has restoring and stimulating properties. Peppermint cools the skin and reduces any inflammation and irritation (30). Almond oil contains essential nutrients that provide nourishment to the skin and smoothen and rejuvenate it (13).
17. Brown Sugar Scrub
1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup olive oil or coconut oil
Once a week. Sugar exfoliates the skin. Olive oil is added to the scrub to provide nourishment and soothe any irritation caused due to scrubbing (31).
18. Rosehip Sugar Scrub
1 cup soft brown sugar 1 tablespoon rosehip oil 1 teaspoon honey
Once a week. Rosehip oil offers protection against oxidative stress and inflammation (28). Honey has moisturizing properties that will leave your skin perfectly clean, soft, and glowing (21).
Homemade Sugar Scrubs For Cellulite
19. Coffee Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup coffee grounds 1/2 cup soft brown sugar 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil
Once a week. The caffeine present in the coffee grounds acts as an antioxidant. It also reduces the appearance of cellulite by preventing excessive accumulation of fat (18). The ingredients of this scrub work together to tighten and tone the skin.
20. Honey Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup soft brown sugar 2-3 tablespoons honey
1-2 times a week. While the sugar exfoliates your skin, honey moisturizes it and keeps it wrinkle-free (21).
Homemade Sugar Scrubs For Hands
Your arms need to be exfoliated as well! Here are some of the best-smelling sugar scrubs suitable for your hands.
21. Lavender Scrub
2 cups soft brown sugar 1 cup almond oil A few drops of lavender essential oil
1-2 times a week. Adding lavender essential oil to this standard exfoliant and moisturizer duo will make you feel refreshed. It also has analgesic properties that will help relieve any muscle soreness and pains (32). Almond oil moisturizes your skin.
22. Vanilla Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons honey 1/3 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons pure vanilla extract Vitamin E oil or capsule
1-2 times a week. The exfoliating benefits of sugar and the nourishment properties of the oil are well established. Vanilla is often used in skin conditioning products (33). It also protects the skin and has antioxidant properties.
Homemade Sugar Scrubs For Legs
We care for our face a lot, but we tend to neglect our legs when we are in a hurry. Using these scrubs once a week will give your skin thorough cleansing and exfoliation.
23. Olive Oil Sugar Scrub
3 cups sugar 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Once a week. Olive oil nourishes your skin. Orange has vitamin C, which protects the skin from damage and aging (34). This is a simple yet very effective scrub for clean, glowing, and soft skin.
24. Candy Cane Scrub
A glass jar 3 cups white sugar 1/4 cup finely ground candy cane powder 1 cup olive oil A few drops of essential oil
Once a week The main ingredient of candy cane is sugar. With the added essential and olive oils, this scrub smoothens your skin, removes dead cells, and provides the necessary nutrients required for optimum skin health. Note: The rough nature of the granules in crushed candy cane may irritate your facial skin. Hence, always be gentle while using it. Also, be careful not to overuse.
25. Eucalyptus Sugar Scrub
1 cup sugar 1/2 cup coconut oil 1-2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Twice a week. Sugar has glycolic acid, which rejuvenates your skin. Coconut oil moisturizes your skin, and eucalyptus oil is said to have antifungal properties that help in fighting germs. While using these scrubs here are some potential side effects you may face.
Side Effects Of A Sugar Scrub
Sugar crystals have a rough texture which may worsen irritation, rashes, and itchiness. If you have any skin issues, avoid using sugar crystals without consulting a dermatologist. Sugar scrubs may aggravate eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Sugar scrubs may cause redness, irritation, and dryness if massaged harshly on the skin. However, these reactions subside within a few days. It is advised not to use sugar scrubs if you have sensitive skin as they may further irritate your skin and cause breakouts.
Why does my homemade sugar scrub get hard? Your homemade sugar scrub may get hard if it is stored for too long or if it is made with coconut oil and you keep it in a cool place. How long does homemade sugar scrub last? A DIY sugar scrub can last for a few months. However, you must store this sugar scrub in an airtight glass container. If you are careful not to get water in it, it can last up to 6 months.
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