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Citrus sugar body scrubs are a delight to use, the fresh citrus scent uplifts your mood and brings a sunny energy to your day.
In this article, you will learn:
- Why you would want to use a sugar scrub
- Why citrus is a fantastic scrub ingredient
- The benefits of other scrub ingredients.
- How to make 6 different citrus scrubs!
Body scrub recipes are quick and easy to make. Most often you can prepare a homemade scrub in about ten minutes. If this is your first body scrub, or you are adding new exciting blends to your ever-growing collection, I am confident you will love these recipes.
Why Scrub?
- Sugar scrubs remove dead and dull skin cells from the surface of your skin. They are an exfoliate, meant to promote new cell growth and leave behind smooth, glowing skin.
- Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, so not only is your scrub physically removing dead skin cells, but it is also chemically breaking up those dead skin cell bonds and stimulating new skin growth.
- A sugar scrub can give your skin a pick me up, removing flaking or dull skin.
- They work wonders for preparing your skin for shaving, eliminating dead skin so your razor can get a closer shave.
- When we have excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells, the pores become clogged, as well the production of bacteria which develops into acne, blackheads or whiteheads. Exfoliating with a sugar scrub will strip away oil and debris and keep the skin clean and clear.
- Exfoliating regularly will benefit even the most calloused skin, often found on the elbows and feet by effectively removing accumulated dead skin cells.
- The gentle massaging application of homemade sugar scrub on the skin enhances blood circulation. The increased collagen production and cell regeneration can prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging.
- Sugar scrubs are excellent at cleansing the skin while keeping its natural moisture.
- Sugar scrubs are perfect any time of year. They will help relieve dry winter skin, while also keeping the skin smooth and radiant during the summer.
Why Citrus?
- The scent of citrus, whether it is lime, orange, lemon, or one of the many other citrus oils, has an uplifting effect on our mood.
- Citrus aromas create a feeling of optimism and motivation. They get us moving forward with positivity and invoke joy.
- Citrus oils help break up oil and are generally cleansing to the skin, making them a perfect addition to a sugar scrub. They can also help with lightening age spots, brightening and evening out our skin tone.
- Citrus fruits are naturally high in vitamin C. When applied topically, vitamin C stimulates collagen production and boosts elasticity, helping your skin stay youthful.
- Like sugar, citrus also contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which contribute to citrus' skin-lightening effects.
Note: Citrus is known to increase your sensitivity to the sun; therefore it is best to protect your skin from the sun after using these scrubs (or use them in the evening).
Body Scrub Ingredients
Sugar
When making a scrub, sugar is the ideal ingredient because it will not dry the skin out as salt does. Sugar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, an active substance with exfoliating and emollient properties.
The finer ground the sugar, the more gentle of an exfoliation will result. For a tougher scrub, use coarse sugar.
Brown sugar is the gentlest type of sugar to use for a body scrub. Brown sugar is kind enough to use on the face and neck and can be used by those individuals with sensitive skin.
Cane sugar is my favorite to use because it is non-GMO and unbleached. You can also use white sugar, but I usually try to avoid it.
Carrier Oils
There are many different oils you can mix to make a sugar scrub, anything from Coconut oil to Jojoba oil. What oils you choose to use will depend on your skin type and what effect you are looking to achieve.
[Learn more about carrier oils that will not clog pores.]
Essential Oils
Essential oils add scent to your mix, as well as their own skin-helping properties.
[Learn about Rocky Mountain Oils - our favorite essential oil brand.]
Glycerin
Glycerin helps to remove the oily residue and bind together the ingredients.
Salt
Salt won't melt in your scrub the way sugar does, it will stay more firm, and therefore have more scrubbing power. If you use Himalayan or sea salt, you get the added benefit of trace minerals your skin can absorb.
Citrus Juice
Citrus juices help lighten the skin and get rid of age spots.
Citrus Zest
Citrus zest adds more scent, some color, and extra exfoliation.
Now that you know what the ingredients do let's move on to the recipes!
DIY Citrus Sugar Scrub Recipes
Fresh Citrus Sugar Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup jojoba oil
- 9 drops orange essential oil
- 1 Tablespoon grated orange peel
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Transfer to airtight container.
- Label, date, and store in a cool place.
- Use within 3 months.
Lemon Juice Sugar Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cups Coconut oil, melted ( or almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil)
- 15 drops Lemon essential oil or the juice of one lemon
- 4 drops vitamin E
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Transfer the paste to an airtight container using a spoon.
- Label, date, and store in a cool place.
- Use within 3 months.
Coconut Milk Lemon Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 cup pure white sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 2 tablespoons 100% lemon juice
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients and store in a glass jar.
Citrus Essential Oil Sugar Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup softened coconut oil
- 30 drops Citrus Blend by Rocky Mountain Oils
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Transfer the paste to an airtight container using a spoon.
- Label, date, and store in a cool place.
- Use within 3 months.
Course Tangerine Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 10-12 drops tangerine essential oil
- 3-4 drops Vitamin E oil
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Transfer the paste to an airtight container using a spoon.
- Label, date, and store in a cool place.
- Use within 3 months.
Lime Margarita Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 tsp lime or lemon juice
- 1/3 cup virgin coconut oil
- 1/4 cup sea salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 80 drops kukui nut oil
- 20 drops lime essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients well (the salt will stay grainy, but the sugar will mostly dissolve in the lime juice)
- Transfer the paste to an airtight container using a spoon.
- Label, date, and store in a cool place.
- Use within 3 months.
Conclusion
Homemade sugar scrubs are easy on the pocket and give you control of what ingredients you put on your skin. They are easy to make and easy to use. Remember to get your oils at Rocky Mountain Oils for the best quality.
Here is a DIY video for you to enjoy!
The skin is the largest organ of the body. You can help keep it healthy and looking it's most beautiful with occasional exfoliation and maintain your youthful glow.
Let us know how these citrus body scrub recipes work for you!



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