Scrumptious Scrubs: Beauty from Your Kitchen

We have all seen those mysterious jars of grit at the beauty counter. You know the type, touting exotic salts and oils that give your skin an unparalleled beauty, and incredible scientific technology combined with ancient secrets of a forgotten people from the forests of... you get the picture.

The point is, the only thing that makes these scrubs so different is the sheer number of ingredients. Do you know what Glyceryl Stearate SE is? What about Ceteareth-20 or Methylisothiazolinone? Neither do I. You don't need much to make a great scrub at home either. Most of the ingredients can be found in your average kitchen. Some of these recipes sound good enough to eat, but save it for your face, and maybe just sneak a drop of honey before you start!

It is best to do these scrub treatments at night or over the weekend. Everyone's skin is different and may have a different reaction to the scrubs. Your skin may be a little red or sensitive after some of them. Scrub number 2 makes my skin tingly and a little red, but by morning I look great. It's also important to not over-exfoliate. Only use one of these scrubs once a week.

#1 - Brightening Scrub

1 T honey
1 T light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Mix all and gently apply to face in circular motions. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Wash off with warm water and a washcloth. *NOTE* Your skin may be a little red afterward, but it will calm down. Do this scrub at night.

#2 - Blackhead Remover

1 T honey
2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda

Mix all and gently apply to problem areas in circular motions. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Gently rinse off with a washcloth and warm water. *NOTE* This one can also make your skin feel a little tingly and sensitive.

#3 - Moisturizing Scrub

1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
1 T granulated sugar

Mix all and gently apply to problem areas in circular motions. Gently rinse off with a washcloth and warm water.

#4 - Soothing Scrub

1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp crushed fresh rosemary
1 tsp crushed lavender flowers
2 tsp salt

Mix all and gently apply to problem areas in circular motions. Gently rinse off with a washcloth and warm water.

#5 - Invigorating Scrub

Coffee grounds!

Save your coffee grounds from the previous day and use them as an invigorating scrub in the morning. Who doesn't love the smell of coffee in the morning? Gently rub the grounds on your skin in small circular motions. Wash off with warm water and a washcloth.

*Bonus* White Teeth Scrub

1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp - 1 tsp hydrogen peroxide

Mix baking soda and peroxide to form a paste. Apply to teeth with a toothbrush. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Rinse with water. Do this twice a week to whiten teeth.