Thailand left me inspired to create a few tropical body scrubs for all skin types. Summer not only signifies warmer weather and longer days, but it also means the arrival of delicious tropical fruits to our grocery stores such as mango, papaya and pineapple. Let’s get scrubbing with these delicious fruits.
Glycolic acid remains one of the best ways to rapidly exfoliate the skin. You can find glycolic acid in all types of serums, masks and scrubs for the face and body. Maybe you’ve wondered where glycolic acid comes from? Sugar cane juice! Thailand is filled with sugar cane fields everywhere you turn.
And I can assure you that this tropical combination will leave your skin feeling more smooth and moisturized. Pineapple is high in Vitamin C, which is a wonderful antioxidant and also needed by the body to produce collagen. The combination of the sugar cane and pineapple will not only be a fantastic exfoliating scrub, but will also stimulate collagen production all over the body.
Pineapple Sugar Body Scrub
– 1 1/2 cup cane sugar- glycolic acid
– 1/2 cup walnut or coconut oil
– 1/4 – 1/2 pineapple (1/2 cup puree)
Depending on the size of your pineapple you may need 1/4 to 1/2 of the pineapple meat (edible fruit) cut out of the pineapple to create a 1/2 cup of puree. Take cut pieces of the pineapple and place in a blender or food processor. Puree until a smooth consistency and then place in a mixing bowl. Add the cane sugar and walnut oil into the bowl. If you have a nut allergy, feel free to swap out the walnut oil for coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil. Mix with a spoon thoroughly and for your next shower or bath, scrub the mixture onto your body, taking extra time at your knees and elbows. Rinse with warm water.
Mango Body Scrub For Sensitive Skin
Mangoes are a rich source of Vitamin A, which helps slough off dead skin, and helps new, fresh cells beneath the skin appear. Oats are also a fantastic exfoliator and great for those rough patches that can appear during summertime. The last ingredient in this tropical scrub is wonderful for sensitive skin types because honey is known for its healing and soothing properties.
– 1 mango
– 2 tablespoons oats
– 1 teaspoon honey
Cut up an entire mango into chunks and then place in a blender or food processor to puree. Mix in the oats and honey, and stir well with a spoon. While in the shower you can use this recipe as a scrub first and then a mask by leaving it on the body for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and follow with moisturizer.
“Fruit of Angels” Papaya Sea Salt Body Scrub
Papaya is often referred to as “fruit of angels” and one reason for this nickname could be papaya’s angelic affect on your skin. The papaya fruit applied topically is ideal for fighting blemishes and acne. This would be the right scrub for you if you fight back acne and need an extra dose of exfoliation. The Vitamin C found in papaya also has antiinflammatory properties, another reason it’s fantastic in the fight against chest or back pimples.
– 1/2 cup sea salt
– 1 papaya
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Cut the papaya fruit and blend in a food processor or blender until a smooth paste consistency. Mix in half a cup of sea salt to create a grainy paste and then use as a scrub for your body. I wouldn’t recommend adding in any type of oil if you are battling blemishes, since oil can sometimes clog the skin and create more breakouts. But if you are just looking for an overall body scrub, go ahead and add in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, mix with a spoon well and then use as a scrub.
