your skin is your best accessory.  you know this, right?

better than diamonds; when you glow, the world notices.  this spring, get your temple in top shape the natural and nourishing way, and give yourself a major spiritual boost in the process!

the Lord has given us a need for rejuvenation because He intended for us to have a shut-off button.  He gave us bodies that need maintenance so that we would take the time to care for ourselves, and appreciate the temple He resides in.

today i’m going to tell you about body scrubs; the ingredients, benefits and how to make your own, as well as give you my top beauty trick for keeping myself feeling lovely and pampered.

  scrubbing

scrubbing is a treatment that increases vitality on many levels.  it loosens dead skin cells, improves circulation and rushes blood to organs and extremities, flooding your system with oxygen and healing energy.  scrubbing removes skin that is clogging your pores and allows for adequate extracting.  it stimulates and swells the muscle tissue, softening fine lines and wrinkles.  and most wonderful of all, it just feels divine.

three popular scrubbing agents:

  //salt

The most common salts used in spa treatments today are epsom salt, Dead Sea salt and Himalayan pink salt.

• Epsom salt is easily coined the “classic” bath salt.  It is very relaxing, soothing to aches and pains, an anti-inflammatory and an aid to skin problems such as acne and sores.  It deposits magnesium into the skin if it remains on the skin for about 15 minutes, an action credited for increasing seratonin levels.

• Dead Sea salts are wonderfully rich in minerals due to the land-locked location of this body of water.  The benefits of this salt include arthritic relief, increasing circulation and treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema

• Himalayan pink salt is an ancient salt that is becoming more popular in spa treatments.  This wonderful mineral formed underground as long ago as prehistoric times and acquires it’s pink color from it’s high iron content.  It helps to detoxify the blood and has been said to reduce acid reflux, all while providing the same benefits as Dead Sea salt.

  //sugar

Though there are many different kinds of sugar, the two that show up most in spa treatments are dark brown sugar and raw sugar.

• Dark brown sugar has a high molasses content and holds much more moisture than any other sugar.  It can gently be ground down into an even finer state, and has been known to melt down during application.

• Raw sugar is a very coarse crystal and great for rough spots.  Though it is a very strong crystal, it too can be ground down into a finer consistency, so feel free to confirm this if you find that your choice is raw sugar, but are nervous about the size of the grain.

  //grains and seeds

A multitude of alternative ingredients are becoming more popular for sensitive skin.  Ground into almost a powder state, jojoba seeds, apple seeds, grape seeds, strawberry seeds and even vanilla bean specks are becoming the headliners in some exfoliant recipes.

Overall, it has been popular thought that salt is more drying than sugar, but the mineral deposits may be worth the risk.  Remember that all salt and sugar scrubs are mixed with a collection of emollients and essential oils, all created to collaborate for optimal relaxation,  rejuvination and skin cell turnover.

if you choose to make your own scrub at home, here are a few tips:

start with equal parts

oil and scrubbing agent and add or subtract to suit your personal preference

do not skimp on the oil quality

though you will be scrubbing away dead skin, what you are putting on that new skin is what is most important.  high quality olive oil is as close as we have to what Biblical women used.  coconut, safflower and grapeseed oil are also extremely nourishing and rich oils for the skin.  they are completely pure and natural and full of antioxidants.

grind the salt or sugar down to suit your preference

take the time to make this mixture work for you.  you do not want to scratch the skin, and this can happen with raw materials that are not overly refined.  Simply grind the agent in the processor or with a mortar and pestle.  don’t worry about grinding away its scrubbing ability; baking soda is very fine and has amazing scrubbing power!

pair with milk and honey whenever possible

this combination was not just a pretty way to describe the Promised Land.  this combination is a powerful beauty treatment when used regularly.

• milk has amazing calming properties, is hydrating, and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth by loosing dead skin tissue with naturally occurring lactic acid.
• honey contains powerful antioxidants that cleanse and protect the skin, and is highly hydrating as well.

  my top beauty trick:  a Queen Esther’s spa night

add 4-6 cups whole or buttermilk to a warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes

as you soak, steam your face with a hot moist towel

apply a thin layer of pure raw honey and let it stay for the rest of the soak

mix 1/4 cup pulverized pink salt with 1/4 rich olive oil

buff. like. crazy.

rinse while wiping with a light cloth and massage remaining oil deep into the muscles

rinse your face and buff olive oil into it, gently wiping with a warm cloth to finish

wear warm clothing for about an hour to encourage the oils to seep deeply into the skin

finish with a smoothie rich in natural fats:  spinach, avocado, honey, yogurt, frozen banana

snack on refreshing high-antioxidant fruits such as mango, papaya or berries

take this time to do a quick devotional or journal your thoughts.

amazing, right?

you’re a daughter of the King, sweet sister, and you deserve to bathe like one!

© 2013 – 2014, Kristin Cho. All rights reserved. Love it? Please share, pin, tweet or email but do not use my work without permission.