Use This DIY Scrub To Have Naturally Glowing Skin
It is no secret that the winter season is not skin's best friend. The dry cold air literally sucks the life out of our skin leaving it extremely dry and sometimes even scaly! In order to keep your skin silky smooth, it's time for operation “keep skin on fleek" to be in full effect.
My skin has been screaming for help but I was not feeling the $20 price tag for a product that I could literally make in my kitchen. Plus, I'm always up for a good DIY project and of course saving a few bucks, so this practical DIY Coconut Sea Salt Scrub seemed like the perfect project to wrap myself in after a long day. For under 10 bucks and 10 minutes, I made a scrub that has my skin feeling absolutely wonderful!
What You'll Need
A Jar/ Container (for your scrub)
Sea Salt (preferably fine)
Coconut Oil (+ any other oils of your choice)
Fresh Lemon Juice (optional)
A Mixing Bowl & Spoon
Step 1: Measure
Add two-parts fine sea salt to one-part oil (you can use courser grains of salt if you plan on using the scrub primarily for feet and elbows). No matter how much of the scrub you plan on making, just make sure the ratio remains 2-to-1. The sea salt helps to lightly buff the skin, while the oil helps to add some moisture and serves as a base.
In my mix, I used both coconut oil (2/3) and grapeseed oil (1/3). I also squeezed ½ of a small lemon into my mixing bowl. Fresh lemon juice, when diluted, has great benefits for the skin such as brightening/evening skin tone and extra exfoliation. To be on the safe side, use the scrub at night time only if you decide to add lemon; exposure to the sun with lemon juice on the skin may cause burning.
Related Article: EYE CREAM, MAKEUP REMOVER + 19 OTHER AMAZING USES FOR COCONUT OIL
Step 2: Mix & Store
In your mixing bowl go ahead and mix all of the ingredients with a spoon; there's no special method. When it looks like a heterogeneous mixture, you're done mixing. Put the scrub in a jar that will keep air out. I found mine in the Dollar Spot section of Target (my favorite part of the store FYI).
Step 3: Massage & Be amazed!
Now it's time for the moment of truth! Hop in the shower and wash as you would normally. After your last rinse, massage your scrub all over your body to get rid of some of the top layer of dry skin that winter has brought on. Be careful! The oil will make the shower slippery so please, proceed with caution or have a bath mat down.Now wasn't that easy?
My Results
This DIY scrub left my skin feeling so good that I didn't even have to moisturize after getting in the shower because of the coconut oil penetrating my skin and, of course, the sea salt scraping away the layers of dead dry skin. Even on the days that I don't use the scrub, my skin feels much more comfortable than it did before incorporating the scrub into my body-care routine. I used fine sea salt, so I was able to use the scrub two to three times a week instead of just one. Take the time out to listen to your skin to determine what works best for you. Do this treatment at least once a week and your skin will be thanking you by the time Spring makes an appearance.
Are you currently using a DIY Scrub? Share with us below!
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
Photo courtesy
My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
Photo courtesy
Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
Photo courtesy
The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
Photo Courtesy
The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
Photo courtesy
The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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