5 spa-quality homemade face and body scrubs

For when you really need a deep cleanse without the unknown ingredients from drugstore brands, there are many options to make your own face and body scrubs. Here are five all-natural recipes for an at-home spa experience.

• 50 g (1/4 c) cornmeal
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) milk
• 1 drop almond oil (or almond extract)

  1. In a small saucepan, mix the cornmeal with the milk. Heat the mixture over a low flame on the stovetop until it forms a paste. Remove from heat and stir in the almond oil. Allow to cool.
  2. Spread mixture on hands and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Gently scrub your hands with the mixture and then rinse off with warm water.

• 50 g (1/4 c) coarse sea salt
• 50 ml (1/4 c) baby oil
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) almond extract, vanilla extract or lightly scented perfume oil

  1. In a small bowl, stir the salt and baby oil together until the oil is thoroughly incorporated into the salt. Add the extract and stir until it, too, is incorporated.
  2. Use in the shower, after you are thoroughly wet. Apply with your hands, a washcloth or a body puff scrubber. Massage in and rinse off.

• 250 g (1 c) brown sugar, white sugar, or a mix
• 125 ml (1/2 c) olive, grapeseed, or other oil
• 2 drops vanilla or almond extract (optional)

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until you achieve a pastelike blend. Add extract if desired and stir until incorporated.
2. Transfer to a clean, airtight glass container to slow breakdown of the oil.
3. In the shower, massage this mixture gently over damp skin. It will exfoliate and moisturize at the same time. Do not use on broken, irritated or scarred skin. Avoid the eyes. This is an especially oily mixture, so it is best for dry skin.
4. Store mixture in the refrigerator for six months to a year.

• 125 g (1/2 c) frozen cranberries
• 5 m l (1 tsp) vegetable glycerin
• 50 ml (1/4 c) sweet almond oil
• 50 ml (1/4 c) sugar
• 2 drops orange essential oil
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) oat powder (whirl oatmeal in blender if needed)

  1. In the container of a food processor, combine cranberries, glycerin and almond oil and whirl for 30 seconds — just enough to blend the ingredients without turning the berries to pulp. You want to keep the mixture thick.
  2.Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in the sugar. Stir in the essential oil. Add just enough of the oat powder to create a cohesive mixture that you can apply to your skin.
  3. In the shower, rub the mixture on your skin. Massage in and remove with warm water.

• 50 g (1/4 c) almonds
• 0.5 ml (1/8 tsp) mayonnaise
• 5 ml (1 tsp) red-wine or cider vinegar
• 125 ml (1/2 c) water

  1. Clean your face thoroughly with any natural cleanser. Grind almonds in a blender or food processor until they form a meal. Whirl in mayonnaise. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and water. Rinse your face with this mixture.
  3. Now gently and thoroughly massage your face with the almond-mayonnaise scrub. Leave it on your skin for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat skin dry.

  Note: Though anyone can use this recipe, this scrub is especially made for dry skin.