We have some fun scrubbing today on Food as Medicine. We’re doing DIY sugar scrubs and talking about holistic ways to create beautiful skin.
One of my indulgences used to be buying expensive scrubs from different spas, and I love scrubs for the dual exfoliation and moisturizing effect that you just can’t get from soap or body wash.
These scrubs are expensive, though. Some were upwards of $40 or $50. So I decided that I was likely wasting my money when I had all the ingredients to make awesome scrubs at home.
All you need is oil, sugar, sea salt, essential oils, and perhaps a few spices.
Here are two of our favorites:
Sugar Scrub Instructions
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight jar.
Use 1 tablespoon as needed (at night before bed, upon waking, or in the shower) instead of washing your face. Gently scrub skin with the mixture and rinse well. It will leave your skin feeling so soft!
1 cup organic sugar
1/2 cup almond oil
1 tsp. Vitamin E oil
1 tsp. real vanilla extract
20 drops lavender oil
1 tablespoon of sea salt (optional)
Lavendar Scrub Instructions
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight jar.
The olive oil will be heavier, and I use it on my face because I have dry skin. If you tend to have oily skin, you can use almond and vitamin E oil instead for the face.
Bananas contain notable amounts of biotin, which make them an excellent skin food as well.
Pack your iron in with these foods: spinach, oysters, cashews, grass-fed beef.
One 2005 study found that EPA, an omega-3 found primarily in fish oil (helps block the release of ultraviolet-induced enzymes that eat away at your skin’s collagen, causing lines and sagging skin).
Pure Encaps is one of our favs because it contains 1000 mg total of EPA and DHA in one capsule.
A 2013 study found that people who took a vitamin E and C supplement appeared to have less dryness and tighter, brighter skin after four months.
This speaks to the true science of food as medicine. To get this food combination, you can combine citrus with avocado or almonds and berries as a snack together.
Vitamin C increases the amount of iron that gets absorbed, so as long as you don’t have iron overload disease called hemochromatosis, have some citrus with your spinach salad or tomatoes with your grass-fed beef to absorb more iron and potentially not have to supplement.
As we age, hyaluronic acid is an essential ingredient in products. It’s naturally present throughout the body. Its job is to sustain moisture and shape. This is why it’s the substance of choice for most cosmetic fillers and something you want to look for as an ingredient!
Hyaluronic acid is involved in a number of processes, including hydration, repair, and even the formation of collagen and elastin, which helps skin retain its shape.
For cosmetic purposes, hyaluronic acid is often extracted from the Japanese sweet potato and gelatinous root vegetables.
A 2002 study proved after four weeks of consumption (as compared to a placebo group), those using hyaluronic acid reported better skin quality, more retention of moisture, and less dryness.
If you want more details on key ingredients in your skin care products, head over and watch our 7 Natural Skin Salves for Rashes, Stretch Marks, and Wrinkles segment.
It’s no secret our two favorite brands of natural skincare are Annmarie Skin Care and FATCO. Here’s how I personally use their products daily.
Wash my face with Annmarie Skin Care Aloe Herb or Citrus Mint Facial Cleanser or my homemade olive oil and sugar scrub
Apply FATCO Myrrhaculous Face Cream
Apply Annmarie Skin Care Sun Love Sunscreen
Wash my face with FATCO Cleansing Oil or my homemade face scrub
Apply Annmarie Skin Anti-Aging Oil (I cannot live without this product!)
Neroli Toning Mist (always in my purse and awesome on flights)
You can also order a $10 sample kit so you can try their products and you'll also get the Toxic Free Home Guide from Annmarie Skin Care with your sample kit. Order all of those goodies HERE Find FATCO products HERE.
