Body Care

The skin of the body needs as much special care as the face does, as it is subject to weather aggression,

weight changes, waxing, shaving, and loss of water from summer sweating. Keeping it moisturized, soft, and nourished is important to maintain good skin tone

and feel.

Yummy Body Scrub

Though it’s a little rough on facial skin, brown sugar makes an excellent body scrub. Vanilla and rose water contribute to making a nicely scented formula. The addition of olive oil, which is a great long-lasting moisturizer, guarantees that this formula will leave dry skin feeling softened and velvety.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup brown sugar

3 ounces (100 ml) olive oil

3 ounces (100 ml) sunflower oil

1 tablespoon rose water

20 drops (1 ml) vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in their listed order and mix well, making sure the

sugar is “soaked” with oil.

2. Transfer to a wide-mouth plastic container.

3. Right before you finish showering, dip your fingertips in the jar, take out some of the mix and rub in circular motions onto your body, mainly legs and arms, to help get rid of dead skin cells.

4. Rinse off with warm water and pat yourself dry.

5. Cover the jar and save the remainder for subsequent use.

Honey Oatmeal Scrub

This scrub combines the moisturizing effects of ground oats and aloe vera with the anti-aging properties of honey for much more than simple exfoliation. Oatmeal is rich in vitamin E; mixed with almond.meal, it gives this scrub a rougher texture that will help get rid of dead skin cells.Honey is also a humectant, which retains moisture. Apricot kernel oil will

moisturize and soften the skin for a silky after-feel. Use this mask once a week,

especially during harsh winter months.

INGREDIENTS

1 ounce (30 ml) honey

½ cup almond meal

½ cup ground oats

1 cup aloe vera gel

1 ounce (30 ml) apricot kernel oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the honey with 1 ounce of the almond meal; then mix the remaining

almond meal with the ground oats. Drizzle apricot kernel oil into the honey–almond meal blend, and mix again, incorporating the almont meal-ground oats mixture. Gradually add the aloe vera gel, mixing well to avoid lumps.

2. Transfer the mixture to a wide-mouth plastic container.

3. At the end of your shower, rub this mix on your body in circular motions to

exfoliate the skin. Rinse off with plenty of water.

Fragrant Body Mask

The following formula is something between a mask and a lotion.

It is greatly moisturizing because of the creaminess of half-and-half, which will

boost the skin’s lipid barrier, while honey and glycerin will draw moisture to it.

Rose water will leave a soft flowery scent all over the body, and vitamin E is an

antioxidant and an anti-aging ingredient that will perfect the efficacy of the mix.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon honey

2 ounces (60 ml) rose water

1 tablespoon vegetable-derived glycerin

½ cup half-and-half

20 drops (1 ml) vitamin E

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Dissolve the honey in the rose water; then add the glycerin and the half-andhalf. Add the vitamin E, whisk, and then pour all ingredients into a bottle. Seal

tightly and shake vigorously.

2. Refrigerate this mixture until you are ready for it. Use in a day or two at the

latest.

3. At the end of your shower, pour small amounts in your palms and spread on

legs and arms.

4. Wait a few minutes, then rinse with warm water, and pat your body dry with a

towel.

Fragrant Body Balm

Balms are oils, butters, and waxes with insignificant water content. Apply balms on dry body areas directly after showering, when the skin is still moist, making sure to rub generously on knees, elbows, and heels. One major advantage of balms over creams and lotions is the extended shelf life. Because of their lack of water, they are less favorable for bacterial growth.

Proper storage aims at avoiding heat, light, and humidity, to preserve the oils and

protect them from rancidity.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon grated beeswax

1 ounce (30 ml) shea butter

1 ounce (30 ml) apricot kernel oil

1 ounce (30 ml) jojoba oil

10 drops (0.5 ml) grapefruit essential oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt the beeswax and butter in a double boiler over low heat. Add the apricot

kernel and jojoba oils in a thin stream, one at a time, whisking continuously.

2. Turn off the heat and add the grapefruit essential oil before the mixture starts

to solidify. When thoroughly blended, transfer the mixture to a glass jar or a

tin box. Allow the balm to reach room temperature before putting the lid on.

3. Rub quarter-size amounts on dry areas of the body, preferably after

showering, to retain moisture.

Winter Balm

This is every family’s must-have balm during harsh winters. Super

easy to make, wonderfully scented, and multipurpose, it can be prepared during

the fall and kept handy to rescue those frequently chapped areas: elbows, knees,

lips, hands, and heels.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon grated beeswax (or beeswax pellets)

2 ounces (60 ml) almond oil

1 tablespoon vegetable-derived glycerin

20 drops (1 ml) vanilla essence or lavender essential oil

20 drops (1 ml) vitamin E oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Use a double boiler to melt the beeswax. Add the almond oil and stir to mix.

Add the glycerin, vanilla, and vitamin E. Stir well.

2. Pour into small tin containers. Allow the balm to cool before sealing the lids.

3. Keep handy and use just like any other balm.

Spicy Body Oil

This formula makes a moisturizing yet light body oil that can also

be used as a pleasant-smelling massage oil. It is most suitable for winter

because of its texture and warm scent.

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces (60 ml) almond oil

2 ounces (60 ml) jojoba oil

2 ounces (60 ml) sunflower oil

3 large cinnamon sticks

7–8 cloves

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

20 drops (1 ml) vanilla essential oil

20 drops (1 ml) vitamin E

2 small organza bags

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine the three oils and transfer to a jar.

2. Break the cinnamon sticks into small pieces and drop them into the oils.

Throw in the cloves. Pour ½ teaspoon nutmeg into one small organza bag and

another ½ teaspoon into the other bag, and drop them both into the mix.

3. Stir well to make sure the spices are soaked with the oils; then cover the jar

with a lid and set aside, away from light and heat. Shake the jar multiple times

daily to promote transfer of the oils.

4. After a week, remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves and squeeze the organza

bags before removing them, as well.

5. Add the vanilla essential oil and vitamin E and stir.

6. Pour the scented oil into an amber bottle to minimize oxidation. Use as a gender-neutral body oil.

Fragrant Body Lotion

This formula is an excellent moisturizer that leaves skin feeling soft, wonderfully scented, and nourished, with no greasy afterfeel.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup daily moisturizing cream

1 ounce (30 ml) orange blossom water (neroli hydrosol)

5 drops grapefruit essential oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. You will need two double boilers: one to warm up your daily moisturizer and

another one for the flower water. It is important that the two ingredients reach

similar temperatures (usually 160–180°F) for best mixability. Measure this using a candy thermometer.

2. Once this has been achieved, turn off the heat, and pour the neroli water in a

very thin stream over the cream, whisking vigorously (use a stick blender if

available and watch out for splashes).

3. Allow the mixture to cool before adding the essential oil. Mix again, then pour

into a pump bottle. Use more flower water for a thinner texture, or more

cream for a thicker texture.

4. Apply once or twice daily as a body moisturizer. Avoid sun exposure to

prevent photosensitivity.

Mediterranean Body Polish

Very easy to make and to apply, with wonderful, lasting results, this simple formula is a busy mom’s best friend, especially during winter when the skin needs a lot of TLC and little time is available. Olive oil will leave skin feeling softer and better moisturized for the following day. The addition of an essential oil will make this body oil pleasant to the senses.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ cup almond oil

½ cup grape seed oil

20 drops (1 ml) vitamin E

20 drops (1 ml) Rosa damascena essential oil (or another more affordable

essential oil of your choice, such as gardenia or geranium)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix all the above ingredients together and transfer the mixture to a pump

bottle.

2. Before stepping out of the shower, while your body is still wet, pump a little

oil into the palm of your hands and spread it on your legs and arms. Dry

yourself with a towel, as usual.

3. Use daily or as often as time allows, for silky soft skin.

Relaxation Massage Oil

This is a simple and calming massage oil that brings moisture, softness, and vitamin E to the skin. The chosen oils spread easily and do not clog pores, while ylang-ylang helps you unwind.

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces (60 ml) almond oil

2 ounces (60 ml) sunflower oil

2 ounces (60 ml) jojoba oil

20 drops (1 ml) ylang-ylang essential oil (or your own favorite blend)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Transfer the ingredients one at a time to an amber glass bottle. Always leave

essential oils for the last step to prevent their evaporation.

2. Shake well and use as a regular massage oil.

Refreshing Body Gel

Big summer favorites, gels are extremely rich in water. While this gel may look like thickened water, other elements give it specific properties that water alone cannot provide: mint and peppermint are highly refreshing and cooling, and alfalfa is rejuvenating. Enjoy this gel during summer at the end of a day on the beach.

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces (60 ml) purified water

2 ounces (60 ml) mint infusion

¼ teaspoon alfalfa extract

10 drops (0.5 ml) peppermint essential oil (optional)

¼ teaspoon xanthan gum

Note: You can substitute aloe vera gel for the water to facilitate gel

formation.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the water and mint infusion and bring the temperature of the mixture to a warm range of 100°F by heating over a direct flame. Measure this using a

candy thermometer.

2. Add the alfalfa extract and then the peppermint essential oil, whisking well to

disperse.

3. Whisk while gently sprinkling the xanthan gum over the surface of the water

mixture. Avoid using too much, because it might make your gel stringy and slimy, with an unpleasant texture. Eliminate any lumps; use a stick blender if needed. Transfer the mixture to a bottle.

4. Use this gel on hot days, after being in the sun—or after hair removal—to

soothe and refresh the skin.

Smooth-and-Shiny-Legs Scrub

This formula makes a great mask to improve the appearance of arms and legs. Almond meal and Himalayan salt are exfoliating agents that will help renew skin and diminish ingrown hair. Olive oil and honey make this mask highly moisturizing, and lemon juice brings generous amounts of vitamin C to smooth skin and counteract any discoloration.

INGREDIENTS

1 ounce (30 ml) honey

2 teaspoons lemon juice

2 ounces (60 ml) olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt or Himalayan pink salt

1 ounce (30 ml) almond meal

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a bowl, using a small whisk, mix the honey with the lemon juice; then add

the olive oil.

2. Separately, mix the salt with the almond meal, and gradually add to the liquid

mixture.

3. At the end of your shower, when your skin is still wet and ready for

exfoliation, spread the mixture on your legs (and arms, if you like) and wait

5–10 minutes.

4. Remove by scrubbing, focusing on ingrown hair zones. Rinse off with warm

water and pat your body dry with a towel. Avoid sun exposure to prevent

photosensitivity.

Anti-Cellulite Body Wrap

While many people think of cellulite as fat deposits, specialists look at it as a sign of poor drainage of water and toxins. What

causes cellulite formation? The answer to this question is complex, especially

when we consider that men and women, adults and children, lean and overweight people, can have cellulite. It is recommended to avoid tight-fitting

clothes that compress vessels and tissues and prevent adequate drainage, to drink  a lot of water to enhance drainage, and to massage trouble areas to improve skin

texture.

Alongside these measures, the diuretic effects of caffeine masks are helpful

in decreasing retention of water under the skin.

However, keep in mind that caffeine can be absorbed through the skin. Do

not use if you are pregnant or nursing. If you cannot tolerate strong coffee, this

formula may not be for you. If you have high blood pressure, fast heart rate,

arrhythmias, kidney disease, or other medical conditions, check with your doctor

first.

Sea kelp is incorporated into this formula to enhance the effect of caffeine. It

is rich in silica, which helps with skin regeneration. Any caffeinated coffee

grounds (coarse or fine) are okay to use in this formula. Flavored coffee

(hazelnut, vanilla, or other) will make a nicer-smelling mask.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup caffeinated coffee grounds

½ cup sea kelp powder

½–1 cup aloe vera gel

5–10 drops vanilla extract (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by mixing the coffee grounds with the sea kelp powder. Use enough

aloe vera gel to bind the coffee grounds and sea kelp powder and achieve a

consistency you can work with. Add vanilla extract, if using.

2. Spread the mixture on plastic film and wrap the film around your thighs with

the mixture on the inside. Leave on for 15 minutes. Then remove the wrap and

rinse your skin.

3. Repeat twice a week for up to 12 weeks for optimal results.

Hair Removal Sugar Paste

Extremely common and widely used around the world, this natural recipe is easy to prepare and is very economical. Sugar paste is among the safest depilatory methods. The pain generated when the hair is pulled from follicles is similar to that generated during waxing except that no strips are needed. Sugar paste will also remove dead cells and help renew the epithelium (the skin surface). That is why you can expect fewer ingrown hairs than with electric epilators. Prepare a generous quantity, divide it in half, and

store the extra paste in the refrigerator for future use. Keep away from children.

INGREDIENTS

1½ cups sugar

1 cup water

1 teaspoon lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour the sugar into a saucepan. Drizzle the water over it and place the pan

over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon. The initial cloudiness of the

sugar will gradually disappear as more sugar particles dissolve in the hot

water. Continue stirring even when the mixture starts to boil and bubbles

form.

2. Add the lemon juice while maintaining the medium heat.

3. Watch the color of the bubbling liquid at the edge of the pan. When golden

bubbles start to form at the edge, stir a little more until all the liquid is golden.

4. Do not overcook the sugar, because that will transform it into hard candy.

5. Turn off the heat and pour the sugar paste into a wide-mouth glass jar.

6. When it starts to cool down, use a tablespoon to scoop out some sugar paste.

Now it’s Play-Doh time. Roll the paste into a ball, then stretch and fold the

paste on itself a few times to soften it, moistening your fingers if needed. The

paste is ready to use when it stretches easily and doesn’t stick to your fingers.

7. Your skin needs to be clean, dry, and free from lotions and oils. With your

thumbs, press firmly as you spread the paste in the opposite direction of the

hair growth. Flick it sharply backward to remove. Repeat on other skin

sections until all area hair is removed.

8. Wash your skin under warm water. No oils are needed to remove traces of

sugar paste, since it dissolves in water.

9. Follow with a refreshing gel to soothe the skin. Store the unused sugar paste

in the refrigerator for later use. Soften it when needed using a double boiler or

microwave.

Anti-Stretchmark Balm

During pregnancy, the breasts and belly increase in size, which forces the skin to stretch accordingly. Overall weight gain is also a reason for significant stretching. This challenges the skin’s elasticity, and stretch marks may appear.

It is much easier to prevent stretch marks than to treat them, and prevention

is recommended as early as possible during pregnancy, even before. This

formula uses simple and organic ingredients without any added fragrance that pregnant women may not tolerate. It contains no water and stores well.

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces (60 ml) organic cocoa butter

1 tablespoon organic almond oil

1 tablespoon cucumber seed oil

10 drops (0.5 ml) vitamin E

Note: You can substitute shea butter for the cocoa butter and olive oil for

the cucumber seed oil, depending on availability, nut allergies, and scent

tolerance.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt the cocoa butter in a double boiler, over low heat; then add the almond

and cucumber seed oils. Whisk until well blended and then remove from the

heat. Continue whisking as the mixture cools.

2. Pour the mixture into a dark glass jar with a wide mouth, and set aside. Seal

with a lid when completely cooled.

3. Rub on your belly, or other part of your body, twice daily, preferably after

showering.

4. Store away from heat and humidity.

Anti-Stretchmark Oil

This is a simple and easy way to make an unscented oil that can be quickly spread all over the body, belly included, to prevent stretch marks. It is rich in natural vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids that improve skin elasticity. This formula does not call for almond oil, so is safe to use in case of a nut allergy. It is safe to use during pregnancy and while

breastfeeding. Use food-grade, preferably organic, oils when they’re available.

INGREDIENTS

3 ounces (100 ml) sunflower oil

1 ounce (30 ml) grape seed oil

1 ounce (30 ml) olive oil

20 (1 ml) drops vitamin E

5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Note: You can substitute wheat germ oil or rice bran oil for the olive oil to

eliminate that scent if morning sickness makes it bothersome to your

senses.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour all the ingredients into a bowl and whisk to mix thoroughly; then transfer to an amber bottle.

2. Apply daily to wet skin after showering.

3. Store away from heat, light, and humidity.