I'm sharing another easy DIY natural beauty product with you today! With this antioxidant-rich, cleansing and rejuvenating body scrub, your skin can glow a little brighter during the hot summer months, when we joyously indulge in being freed from several layers of clothing. (And then of course fall will come around and I'll be ALL about layering the essentials;) )

Although I am a huge fan of natural skin care and it is an important part of my daily routine to make good use of them, we must remember that skin health is often a direct reflection of your internal health - one does not go without the other. Appropriate diet, tending to your state of mind and spirit, and connecting deeply with your joie-de-vivre are all essential in the beautiful synergy that create true well-being.

Before moving on to the recipe, I would like to highlight two of its main ingredients, giving you a better idea on how this scrub can help contribute to that radiant skin we are all aiming for - without having to overuse the shimmer powder ;)

SPIRULINA:

Many of you may have heard about the benefits of consuming this nutrient-rich algae on a regular basis and perhaps like me, like to add some to your healthy smoothies. Years ago, I was happy to learn that some of those benefits extend to beauty care. With its content of tyrosine, vitamin E, and selenium, known to have anti-ageing effects, Spirulina is a wonderful addition to natural beauty products and treatments. Tyrosine (an amino acid) can specifically help to tone the skin as it stimulates the body's cells to make more collagen when it is paired with Vitamin C (Thus the lemon peel addition to the scrub). Also, the antioxidants present in this superfood help to eliminate free radicals which can be linked to skin ageing.

FRANKINCENSE (ESSENTIAL OIL):

The astringent quality of frankincense essential oil benefits the skin by its toning and lifting effect. Modern science also recognizes its antiviral and antiseptic properties. In Ayurveda, it is traditionally used to treat skin ailments, infections and wounds. It is also helpful in calming and strengthening the nervous system - making your bath or shower experience even more soothing! It pacifies Vata (dosha related anxiety and nervousness), calms Pitta skin inflammation (acne, redness) and stimulates Kapha (clearing congestion, uplifting the mind).

Spirulina, Lemon Peel & Frankincense Body Scrub

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of coarse grey Celtic sea salt
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup sweet almond oil (*suitable for 3 doshas)
1 teaspoon organic spirulina
15 drops frankincense essential oil
Grated peel of one organic lemon

To Make

Mix all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl and then transfer to a lidded glass container. It is important to note that this scrub is intended for the body ONLY (not the face), and should be avoided when there is presence of open wounds or severe sunburn. Use scrub within 2 months.

How To Use:

Massage into humid skin using circular motions, starting from the extremities of the body, then making your way towards the center or heart level. This ensures you are following lymphatic circulation, assisting this bodily system in its cleansing role. **

Rinse with warm water and moisturize the skin if needed. Use only once or twice a week as frequent use can be too irritating, especially for dry Vata and sensitive Pitta skin.

The hot and sticky weather they are predicting this weekend in the city is a perfect opportunity to whip up this scrub in 5 minutes and experience a little home spa detox for the skin!

** I recommend, like with any other homemade of purchased beauty product, to test a small amount on a small patch of skin beforehand in case of any reactions. The skin on the inside of the forearm can be used.