Scrub your way to smooth

Here are a couple of body scrubs you can make yourself (yay!). Treat yourself and your wallet to a spa-quality body scrub.

Peppermint scrub * Mix one cup coarse sea salt with 3/4 cup peppermint tea, forming a paste. Use in the shower to exfoliate and create glowing skin. Works best if you get in the shower and rub the paste all over before turning on the water.

Oatmeal scrub * Mix 1/4 cup oatmeal, 1/4 cup cornmeal, 1-1/2 Tablespoons wheat germ, 2 Tablespoons honey, and 1/2 teaspoon orange or almond extract in a bowl. Add just enough water to make a paste. Scrub your face and body with this mixture to wash off dead skin cells and make your skin feel very soft.

Your favorite gel is now a scrub * Mix equal parts coarse sea salt and your favorite bath/shower gel. Get in the shower and get wet, then turn off the shower and rub the mixture all over, giving rough areas extra attention. Turn the water back on and scrub it all off.

Body silkening cucumber scrub * Cucumbers provide gentle toning and stimulation to the second layer of skin. In a blender, mash three peeled cucumbers. While showering, apply the pulp to a loofa and scrub entire body. Rinse well.

Don't forget to moisturize when you're done!

Photo by Pam Roth