Skincare hacks: Use homemade sugar scrub for radiant-looking skin

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Having a good skincare routine is important if you want to have healthy, glowing skin as you age.

If you're looking for a natural exfoliator, try making a DIY sugar scrub at home.

Exfoliation is a crucial part of your skincare routine

Looking fresh-faced and beautiful every morning takes a lot of effort, but the natural process of aging combined with the stress of modern life can make your skin look a bit worse for wear.

You can't get back your complexion from when you were a child, but using a good face scrub can help you maintain radiant-looking skin as you get older.

But why do you need an exfoliator in the first place?

Pollutants and excessive exposure to the sun are the major causes of skin dullness and hyperpigmentation. Using a good exfoliator can help remove dead skin cells, impurities and makeup residue.

An exfoliator also helps boost the efficacy of your moisturizers and serums by allowing better penetration into your pores.

There are many expensive cleansers and peels available in stores, but you can make an all-natural exfoliator using ingredients you already have at home.

DIY sugar scrub for glowing skin

Sugar is a great exfoliator because it can gently lift dirt and excess oil to reveal softer and younger-looking skin. It also contains glycolic acid that dissolves dead skin cells as it promotes cell turnover.

Additionally, sugar has naturally hydrating properties that help ensure your skin isn't stripped of its natural oils.

Follow the steps below to make a sugar scrub.

You will need:

1 Cup sugar

3/4 cup of carrier oil (e.g., coconut, jojoba, or olive oil)

Steps:

Combine one cup of sugar with a 3/4 cup of your chosen carrier oil, like coconut oil.

Test the consistency of the scrub while mixing. You can increase or decrease the amount of oil to your liking.

After you find the perfect ratio of ingredients, you can add a few drops of essential oils. For an extra antioxidant boost, add a bit of freshly grated ginger.

Before using the sugar scrub on your face, test it on a patch of skin first to make sure it doesn't irritate your face.

As you are exfoliating, always keep your touch light and move in small, gentle and circular motions. Scrub for only 30 seconds. Rinse the sugar scrub with lukewarm water to prevent irritation.

What kind of sugar should you use for a sugar scrub?

You can use three kinds of sugar to make a sugar scrub: Brown, pure cane (unrefined white), or turbinado sugar (raw sugar).

Brown sugar is the least abrasive, so it's the perfect choice if you have sensitive skin. Pure cane sugar is suitable for all skin types. (Related: Teen dealing with “chronic, disfiguring cold sores” relieves symptoms with licorice balm.)

However, it's best to use turbinado sugar (raw sugar) for your body since it has large granules. Since it is the least processed, raw sugar retains the most essential minerals.

You can also use a sugar scrub on your lips. The lips get chapped easily from constant exposure to saliva, the sun and cold weather.

To soften your lips and promote healing, gently polish them with a homemade sugar scrub at least once a week.

How to make coffee body scrub

Did you know that you can use coffee to make a natural body scrub?

Sugar and coffee have different properties. Sugar scrubs can help brighten your skin and eliminate toxins while coffee scrubs help reduce inflammation and promote blood circulation.

Unlike sugar scrubs, it's best to use coffee for body scrubs since coffee has coarse granules that can create microtears in the skin on your face.

According to research, when using a coffee scrub twice daily for 12 consecutive weeks, caffeine can help minimize the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, massaging coffee onto your skin regularly can promote lymphatic drainage to temporarily improve skin elasticity, lighten dark spots and reverse the side effects of sun damage.

Follow the steps below to make a coffee scrub.

You will need:

1/2 Cup brown sugar

1/2 Cup finely ground coffee

1/2 Cup melted coconut oil

Steps:

Combine the finely ground coffee, brown sugar and melted coconut oil in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

Gently massage the coffee scrub onto your body and leave it on for several minutes.

Rinse well when done.

Skincare tips when using a sugar scrub

Wash your face before you use a sugar scrub for best results. Cleansing before using a scrub helps the exfoliant penetrate deeper into the skin and prevents dirt and makeup residue from getting pushed further inside your pores.

According to dermatologists, how often you exfoliate depends on your skin type. But generally, less is more.

Note that over-scrubbing can dry out your skin and cause acne as your skin tries to overcompensate by producing more oil.

If you have sensitive skin, it might be better to use a creamy face wash and skip exfoliating. Those with oily skin can exfoliate up to four times per week, provided you work up to that frequency gradually until your skin is used to a scrub.

If you have normal to combination skin, you only need to use a sugar scrub about twice a week. If you're not sure what to do, check in with your dermatologist to determine the best approach for your skin health.

After using a sugar scrub, apply a hydrating moisturizer or face mask immediately. This takes advantage of your skin’s heightened absorption and helps it to replenish its moisture barrier.

Remember that after you use a sugar scrub, your skin will be very sensitive to its environment for several days. Protect your skin by using sunscreen both indoors and outdoors.

Can scrubbing lighten your skin?

Melanin is the skin’s natural protective shield against harmful rays such as ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB ) and blue light.

When your skin is injured, the body naturally increases the production of melanin to promote healing. This causes hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Exfoliating regularly can help break down these pigmented cells, accelerate cell renewal and eliminate the upper layers of dead skin. Scrubbing can lighten your skin tone, but it may take up to four to six weeks before you see a visible difference.

If you want to lighten your skin with faster results, incorporate a vitamin C-infused serum or moisturizer into your daily skincare routine.

Other lifestyle changes that can help promote healthy skin

Improving your eating habits and staying hydrated can also help support your skin health.

Drink more water

Human skin is made up of cells that need water to function well. While the link between drinking water and having healthy skin is still being studied, data from a 2015 study suggests that there is a strong link between drinking more water and having healthier skin.

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin healthy.

Follow a balanced diet

Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables will help boost the vitamins and antioxidants in your body. Follow a balanced diet and eat a lot of healthy fats like fish oils.

Avoid processed foods with lots of preservatives for healthier-looking skin.

Take probiotics

Probiotic supplements can help improve your digestive health and boost your immune system. Probiotics can also help reduce bloating and inflammation in your digestive tract.

According to one 2014 study, probiotics can also contribute to healthy hair and glowing skin.

Wash your face and use a sugar scrub for healthy, glowing skin.

Watch the video below to learn how to read the ingredients list of skincare and cosmetic products.

This video is from the Dr. Kandace Silvola DC channel on Brighteon.com.