For information only. Products do not replace diagnosis, treatment or a varied diet. Seek professional advice for symptoms, pregnancy and use by children.
A gentle scrub removes dead cells from the skin surface and can make it feel smoother. This homemade recipe uses kitchen ingredients, but it calls for moderation.
Recipe
- Grind three spoonfuls of oats into a fine powder.
- Mix them with two spoonfuls of brown sugar and two spoonfuls of aloe vera gel.
- If your skin is dry, add a teaspoon of olive or almond oil.
- Prepare an amount for one use and use it straight away, because the mixture spoils quickly.
How to apply
- Before first use, put a little on the inside of your forearm and wait a day.
- Wet your skin with lukewarm water.
- Apply the mixture in light circles for about 30 seconds.
- Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry and apply a moisturiser.
Limits
Use a scrub no more than once a week. Avoid it on burnt, injured or irritated skin and on skin with an active rash. Do not use it on the face, because sugar is too coarse. With eczema or sensitive skin, ask a dermatologist first. Also watch for allergy to oats or aloe.
If you do not want to prepare a mixture, Forever Aloe Scrub can be compared as a ready made gentle scrub, with the same rules on skin testing and frequency.
How to avoid irritation
Keep the pressure light and the time short. If the skin stings or turns red, rinse at once with lukewarm water and pause for at least a week. After scrubbing, avoid strong sun, because freshly smoothed skin is more sensitive. Wash the bowl and tools straight away, and keep scrub ingredients apart from the food you eat.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology NCCIH.
Common questions
Can I use this scrub on my face?
We do not recommend it. Sugar grains are too harsh for delicate facial skin. For the face, choose a product made for the face.
How long does a homemade scrub keep?
Do not store it. Make it for one use only because it contains water and spoils quickly.
