Who doesn’t love the feeling of a fresh exfoliation? Whether it is foot, face or body scrubs, these home spa essentials are truly a treat. But should we treat them that way? Best Health magazine suggests not, quoting Holly Sherrard, the education manager for Dermalogica Canada, in saying that these scrubs are great for “increas[ing] cell turnover to reveal newer, healthier skin cells…and decreas[ing] blackheads, minimiz[ing] hyperpigmentation and fine lines, and impart[ing] an all-over healthy glow.” So if it’s great for our skin and feels amazing too, why don’t we make this part of a regular skin-care routine? My best guess is cost — these spa scrubs are pricey when you purchase them pre-made. This tip sheet will help you make your own scrubs at home, based on your specific skin type. Say goodbye to saving your scrubs for special occasions!

1. Salt Scrubs: For Those With Oily Skin

Salt draws out oils and leaves your skin toned and renewed. Oils work to deep-condition your skin and leave it soft, smooth and refreshed. This scrub works best on heels, legs, upper arms, back and chest areas. Make sure not to “scrub” firmly with this, but rather, gently rub the scrub on your skin and wash away with warm water. Now, here’s the mixture so you can make it in any quantity you want: equal parts of kosher salt and coarse salt with enough oil (coconut, almond, avocado, olive, flax, etc.) as necessary to soak into the salt mix, creating a slight paste-like texture. You can add any essential oils to this base as well to fit you and your family’s needs. Some great scents are: citrus, lavender, peppermint and vanilla. To make, you just mix salts, add oils and stir!

2. Sugar Scrubs: For Those With Dry, Sensitive Skin

Sugar scrubs are my favourite because they are so gentle and so effective at removing dirt. They are best used for persons with sensitive skin. Their gentle scrubbing action ever so easily washes away pore cloggers and dead skin cells, and they don’t come with the risk of drying you out. Just like the salt scrub recipe, add just enough oil of your choice to the sugar mix (equal parts coarse sugar and fine sugar), creating a paste-like texture. I recommend adding some warm-scented essential oils: vanilla, ginger or clove, for instance. Again, like the sugar scrub, this home spa essential is best used on the body, rather than the face. However, that being said, without the essential oils, the sugar scrub itself makes a delicious lip scrub! To make, you just mix salts, add oils and stir!

You don’t have to hit the spa to get a good scrub. You don’t even have to pay the mark-ups of other vendors. Making your own scrubs is easy, as long as you can get access to these salts, preferably in bulk to save the most money. Most bulk bin stores have great organic and raw options for these salts, sugars and oils. These scrubs make great gifts too and don’t take a lot of time to make. Play around with essential oil scents, getting to know which are tailored for what kind of skin concern and have fun trying them out! For now, know that peppermint works great to cool the skin and it, as well as clove, aids in pain relief; citrus is great for mood-lifting, lavender for calming.

Lead image source: Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub