DIY Vanilla Coconut Moisturizing Sugar Scrub

Despite the fact that winter's dry air is now well behind us, I noticed recently that I seemed to have retained a layer of crackly, alligator-like skin on my body.  I know from past experience that the best remedy for this has been to use a good sugar scrub in the shower a few times a week, but I didn't feel like spending a ridiculous amount of money for a tiny tub of product this time.  I've also been getting back into making more beauty and baby products at home since having Essley (you can see my DIY baby wipe recipe here).  It's easier than you think to avoid the harsh chemicals that come with a lot of store-bought skincare items just by whipping together recipes with things you already have in your pantry.

I decided to play around with my favorite skin care ingredient (organic coconut oil) and some other ingredients I had on hand.  Coconut oil and honey are both incredibly moisturizing, and are both naturally antimicrobial as well.  Sugar is an effective exfoliator that dissolves easily and isn't as harsh as salt.  And pure vanilla extract makes the everything smell amazing.  After some experimenting, I came up with the best sugar scrub I've ever used.  I'm not kidding you guys - my skin feels luxuriously soft now, and this stuff smells good enough to eat.  (Go ahead, taste it too.  It's delicious - like a freshly baked coconut cookie.) 

YOU WILL NEED:

• 1 cup organic coconut oil
• 2 cups organic white sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons organic honey
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• mason jar

1. In a saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until liquified. (Coconut oil is usually found in solid form.  If you live in a warm location or it's summer, your coconut oil may already be liquid, in which case you can omit this step.)

2. Pour the liquid coconut oil into a small mixing boil.  Stir in the sugar, honey, and vanilla extract with a fork until completely blended.  TIP: If the mixture gets too hard, use your hands.  It's the quickest way to get your ingredients blended evenly, and you'll be exfoliating and moisturizing your hands while you're at it!

3. Transfer your mixture to a mason jar and scrub that skin!  TIP: Make sure to shut lid tightly after each use.  The more airtight your container, the fresher the scrub will stay.  Use within 2-3 months for best results.

I love this sugar scrub so much that I'm going to start making it to give as gifts as well.  If you try it, let me know how you like it!