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What is a Sugar Body Scrub?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Many of the world’s top spas use sugar body scrub to exfoliate and refresh their clients' dry skin, especially during the harsh winters or the sun-drenched summers. Sugar crystals are one of nature’s best exfoliators – not too harsh, yet very effective. The crystals work by removing the dead skin cells, thereby revealing a glowing complexion. In most cases, the sugar body scrub contains some form of oil as well. The oil soaks into the skin, creating a smooth and soft appearance.

Head out to a local beauty supply store and begin looking at container upon container of sugar body scrub. It may be surprising how expensive it can be, especially for the top-tier spa brands of scrub. People love it because it will not dry out their skin, yet they may wonder if there are alternatives to paying relatively high prices for a small jar.

Turbinado sugar, which can be used to make a sugar body scrub.
Turbinado sugar, which can be used to make a sugar body scrub.

Luckily, making sugar body scrub at home is both easy and inexpensive. Although there are dozens of different methods, there are a few basic ingredients that are found in every container. The ingredients are not difficult to buy, and most people find that a small amount of certain ingredients, like the essential oils, goes a long way.

To make sugar body scrub, the main ingredient is, of course, sugar. White sugar or turbinado sugar can be used. Many people prefer to mix the two, since turbinado sugar is much coarser than white sugar.

Lavender is a common addition to sugar scrubs for its pleasant scent.
Lavender is a common addition to sugar scrubs for its pleasant scent.

The best scrubs incorporate two different kinds of oils in the mixture. The purpose of the first kind of oil is to moisten the sugar, not to provide the scent to the scrub. Some of the best choices include olive oil and avocado oil. The second kind of oil provides the scent, so make sure it is one that is pleasing to the senses. Some favorite essential oils include lavender, vanilla, grapefruit, orange, chocolate, almond, and mint.

Scrubs should be suited to a person's specific skin type.
Scrubs should be suited to a person's specific skin type.

Simply take a cup of sugar and cover it with oil until it is barely saturated. Next, add a few drops of essential oil. Feel free to mix a few different scents together. For example, vanilla and lavender go well together and orange and chocolate make an interesting combination, as well. Mix it all together and store in a container with a tight lid.

Avocado oil is a good ingredient to use in a sugar body scrub.
Avocado oil is a good ingredient to use in a sugar body scrub.

Next, the fun begins. Simply smear the sugar body scrub over any body part that needs exfoliating. Then, rinse with warm water. It is a great way to pamper your body, while saving money. Make enough for gifts or try several different scents, regardless it is a relaxing and inventive way to have your body feel silky smooth.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

GardenTurtle

My cousin works at a day spa and she gave me a recipe that they use for sugar facials. I highly recommend it. My face feels great after I do this mask.

The first thing that you should do is cleanse your face well and then gently towel-dry it. Then, you mix together 3 Tbsp. of honey and 1 Tbsp. of sugar. Mix it together well with a spoon. You want it more thick than runny. You can tweak it a bit if you need to by adding a little more honey or a little more sugar.

Apply it to your face but be gentle because you don’t want to over-exfoliate. You can either use the mixture as a scrub or as a mask. For the mask, this will be your relaxation time. I take this time to put cucumber slices on my eyes, as well. Let the mixture stay on for about 25 minutes. To remove, wet your hands and gently start rubbing the mask and rinsing off. Rinse with cool water.

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    • Turbinado sugar, which can be used to make a sugar body scrub.
      By: HLPhoto
      Turbinado sugar, which can be used to make a sugar body scrub.
    • Lavender is a common addition to sugar scrubs for its pleasant scent.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Lavender is a common addition to sugar scrubs for its pleasant scent.
    • Scrubs should be suited to a person's specific skin type.
      By: kubais
      Scrubs should be suited to a person's specific skin type.
    • Avocado oil is a good ingredient to use in a sugar body scrub.
      By: tashka2000
      Avocado oil is a good ingredient to use in a sugar body scrub.