Easy DIY Sugar Scrub For Glowing Skin

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Please read my disclaimer for more information. 

Jump to recipe

Using body scrubs is one of my favorite ways to engage in self-care.  While I love a great store-bought body scrub, I also enjoy making natural scrubs with ingredients that can be easily found in the kitchen.  This DIY sugar scrub is so simple and will leave your skin smooth, hydrated, and glowing without breaking the bank!

Throughout the pandemic, I have been washing my hands more than ever!  I created this DIY sugar scrub as a way to nourish my overly washed hands.  In addition, I love this scrub because it keeps my skin healthy during the winter.  I use it on my hands, body, and even lips! 

The Benefits of Using A DIY Sugar Scrub 

Natural Ingredients 

DIY body scrubs are wonderful because you don’t have to worry about preservatives or questionable ingredients. You can customize the ingredients to your liking and know exactly what you are putting on your body.  If you have sensitive skin, you will appreciate the benefits of natural ingredients.  

Natural Exfoliation 

Sugar scrubs are great for exfoliation!  By gently massaging a sugar scrub against your skin, you can remove dead skin cells to achieve smoother, glowing skin. 

Sugar

Although sugar is not the healthiest thing to consume, it provides so many benefits when applied externally.  Sugar is a natural humectant and draws moisture from the environment into your skin.  By applying sugar to your skin, it can help hydrate your skin and retain moisture. 

Sugar also provides a natural source of glycolic acid.  Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that penetrates the skin and encourages cell turnover.  This helps with repairing sun-damaged skin and generating younger-looking skin.  

Skincare Products Will Penetrate Better 

Body scrubs are useful for getting rid of dead skin cells and cleansing the pores.  Regularly getting rid of dirt and excess oil can allow for better penetration of moisturizers and sunscreen.  

Relaxing 

If you are like me, you may feel antsy about going to a spa during the pandemic.  DIY body scrubs are a great and simple way to treat yourself at home.  Taking time to engage in self-care can make you feel amazing physically and mentally.   In addition, exfoliating is great for relieving tense muscles.  I love using a body scrub post-workout!

Economical 

DIY body scrubs are also a great way to save money!   You can use ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen, your local grocery store, or on Amazon.  

Helps With Ingrown Hairs

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and lift the hairs away from the skin.  This allows a razor to cut closer to the skin.  It is useful to exfoliate your skin prior to shaving.  

Types of Oils To Use

I love DIY sugar scrubs because you can customize the oils to your liking.  You can choose oils for your specific skincare needs.  It is important to choose a carrier oil for your DIY sugar scrub. Here are some of my favorite carrier oils to use: 

Olive Oil 

Olive Oil  is my go-to oil for DIY sugar scrubs.  For most people, olive oil can be easily found in the kitchen.  Here are some benefits: 

1. Rich in Antioxidants – Olive oil contains antioxidants that help with anti-aging and keeping the skin hydrated.  Olive oil serves as a rich source of Vitamin E, which helps provide photo-protection that prevents UV-induced free radical damage to the skin.  
2. Moisturizes skin 
3. Anti-Aging Benefits – Olive oil helps reduce the loss of dermis and collagen. Olive oil is also rich in fatty acids that are vital in slowing aging.  
4. Improves Skin Elasticity  – Olive oil helps the skin’s ability to bounce back to its original shape when stretched.  
5. Helps Heal Wounds 

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil  is another great oil to use for DIY sugar scrubs.  Benefits: 

1. Smells great – Coconut oil adds a sweet, tropical fragrance to a body scrub.  Adding coconut oil to your scrub may help you mentally escape to a tropical island.  
2. Moisturizes Skin – Coconut oil is great for locking in moisture. 
3. Soaks easily into the skin 
4. Antifungal and antibacterial 
5. Heals Skin – Helps heal cuts and burns on the skin 
6. Helps with Eczema and Psoriasis 

Grapeseed Oil 

 Grapeseed Oil  is a lighter, yet effective oil to use for body scrubs.  

1. Contains High Levels of Fatty Acids 
2. Moisturizes Skin 
3. Doesn’t Clog Pores 
4. Helps with Body Acne 
5. Keeps skin Youthful 
6. Helps with Sunburns 

Avocado Oil 

Avocado Oil  also provides many benefits for the skin. 

1. Moisturizes Skin – contains Vitamin E, potassium, lecithin, and many other nutrients that can nourish the skin
2. Accelerates Wound Healing 
3. Treats Sunburns 
4. Anti-Aging Properties 
5. Alleviates Acne, Eczema, and Psoriasis 

Essential Oils

Adding a few drops of essential oils to your DIY sugar scrub can make your scrub smell amazing and provide many health benefits.  

1. Lemongrass – refreshes, brightens, and tones the skin 
2. Lavender – great for relaxing the mind and body 
3. Peppermint – great for healing the skin 
4. Orange – promotes collagen production and improves skin texture and tone 
5. Tea Tree – antibacterial properties 
6. Rose- great for aging and dry skin

How to Use a Body Scrub 

Body Scrubs should be used 1-3 times a week for optimal benefits.  Here are the steps you should take when using a body scrub: 

1. Dampen skin in the shower with lukewarm water 
2. Apply sugar scrub to different areas of the body and massage in circular motions with your hands 
3. While massaging, do not irritate the skin by rubbing vigorously 
4. Wash sugar scrub off with lukewarm water 
5. Apply your favorite moisturizer to lock in all the moisture 

DIY Sugar Scrub for Glowing Skin 

 

 

I hope that this recipe saves your winter skin!  If you are interested in adopting a moisturizing skincare routine check out my article on the best Korean Skincare Products.  

Love, 

Miracle With Grace