Thursday, November 24, 2011
Scrubs. Sugar versus Salt.
Exfoliation is the secret to glowing, healthy skin. The most popular form of exfoliation are scrubs. Two common types are sugar and salt. Each have their own benefits. Most people prefer one or the other. I personally like brown sugar scrubs. I find them to be a gentle but effective exfoliant. We will talk about both.
First of all, scrubs should not be used daily. They are effective if used on a weekly basis.
Sugar is a natural substance and has no harsh chemicals or negative side effects. It can be used on all skin types and effectively exfoliates and deep cleanses pores. Sugar contains alpha-hydroxy, a popular ingredient in commercial skin creams. Sugar scrubs are gentle and can be very soothing for people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture to itself. In addition to the sugar, these scrubs use some type of oil which also lends beneficial properties and aids in skin health. (Refer to our previous post on oils to review beneficial properties of popular oils). Adding essential oils can further promote healthy skin.
Salt is also a natural substance and scrubs utilizing salt are prefered by some, particularly for facial exfoliation due to the minerals found in salt and their beneficial properties, particularly, Dead Sea Salt. The salt scrub is rougher than the sugar scrub, therefore should be used carefully to prevent irritation. Salt scrubs are more effective on caloused and dry, rough skin. It is also good for those with acne, as it helps absorb excess oil.The salt scrub is reported to have therapeutic benefits that helps remove toxins and impurities from skin. On a negative note, salt scrub is a bit irritating and stingy to skin and should not to be used on sensitive, irritated or cut skin.
For best results, use a scrub while in the shower. Apply a handful of scrub to wet skin and massage in a circular motion over the entire body. Rinse away.
Scrubs are easy to make at home, and, depending on the oils used, can be very inexpensive. Here are a couple of recipes to try.
Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
1/2 cup of oil of your choice (sunflower, olive, wheat germ, etc)
You can use more or less oil, depending on the consistency you prefer. You can also add fragrance if desired.
Mix the oil and sugar and you have a scrub. It's that simple! You can spiff up the scrub by adding a tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal and / or a tablespoon or so of honey. Lemon juice can also be added as it is a natural astringent. Play around with ingredients until you find the perfect one for you.
Salt Scrub
These recipes are very basic but WILL do the trick. We will explore more"posh" scrubs in an upcoming post, including solid scrubs and scrubs with cleansing agents already incorporated.
First of all, scrubs should not be used daily. They are effective if used on a weekly basis.
Sugar is a natural substance and has no harsh chemicals or negative side effects. It can be used on all skin types and effectively exfoliates and deep cleanses pores. Sugar contains alpha-hydroxy, a popular ingredient in commercial skin creams. Sugar scrubs are gentle and can be very soothing for people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture to itself. In addition to the sugar, these scrubs use some type of oil which also lends beneficial properties and aids in skin health. (Refer to our previous post on oils to review beneficial properties of popular oils). Adding essential oils can further promote healthy skin.
Salt is also a natural substance and scrubs utilizing salt are prefered by some, particularly for facial exfoliation due to the minerals found in salt and their beneficial properties, particularly, Dead Sea Salt. The salt scrub is rougher than the sugar scrub, therefore should be used carefully to prevent irritation. Salt scrubs are more effective on caloused and dry, rough skin. It is also good for those with acne, as it helps absorb excess oil.The salt scrub is reported to have therapeutic benefits that helps remove toxins and impurities from skin. On a negative note, salt scrub is a bit irritating and stingy to skin and should not to be used on sensitive, irritated or cut skin.
For best results, use a scrub while in the shower. Apply a handful of scrub to wet skin and massage in a circular motion over the entire body. Rinse away.
Scrubs are easy to make at home, and, depending on the oils used, can be very inexpensive. Here are a couple of recipes to try.
Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
1/2 cup of oil of your choice (sunflower, olive, wheat germ, etc)
You can use more or less oil, depending on the consistency you prefer. You can also add fragrance if desired.
Mix the oil and sugar and you have a scrub. It's that simple! You can spiff up the scrub by adding a tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal and / or a tablespoon or so of honey. Lemon juice can also be added as it is a natural astringent. Play around with ingredients until you find the perfect one for you.
Salt Scrub
1/2 cup fine sea salt (dead sea salt is great if you have it)
1/2 cup of oil of your choice
Once again, use more or less oil according to personal preference. Also, other additives can be included if yo prefer. (Refer to Sugar Scrub recipe).
Extra scrub can be stored for a short period of time in a sealed glass jar.
Extra scrub can be stored for a short period of time in a sealed glass jar.
These recipes are very basic but WILL do the trick. We will explore more"posh" scrubs in an upcoming post, including solid scrubs and scrubs with cleansing agents already incorporated.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Pocket Full of Sunshine Boutique Featured
Check out the following link. Pocket Full of Sunshine Boutique was featured in Natures Garden Newsletter.
http://www.naturesgardencandles.com/blog/soap-company-interview/
http://www.naturesgardencandles.com/blog/soap-company-interview/
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Craft Ideas
I am looking for feedback from my readers. Is there a craft project you would like me to write about? What types of projects are you especially interested in? So far, I have just rambled on about things I am interested in, but this is a public forum so I want to include YOUR interests as well!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Body Butter
Body Butter is a wonderfully moisturizing product that is particularly useful during the Winter months when the skin is especially prone to dryness. Body butter is typically more greasy than lotion, however, this is what provides the intense moisturizing effect. The greasiness can be controlled to a certain degree depending on the butters used and with the addition of other ingredients.
For those concerned about the safety of preservatives, Body Butter is a great alternative to lotion as it does not require a preservative since it does not contain water.
Whipped Body Butter is a variation of regular body butter, the only difference being it is whipped as it cools, incorporating air, which results in a lighter texture. It does not affect the greasiness.
A recipe I often use is:
2.5 ounces Shea Butter
1.0 ounce Mango Butter
1.0 ounce Cocoa Butter
1.5 ounces Almond Oil
Few Drops of Vitamin E
1 Tablespoon Corn Starch ( Optional. Cuts down on greasiness)
1 Teaspoon fragrance of choice (more or less to your own taste)
Melt the butters just to the point they are melted. Add Almond oil and Vitamin E. Mix well. Place in freezer or allow to sit at room temperature just until the oil begins to solidify around the edge of the bowl. Mix with standard kitchen mixer (hand blender not recommended for this particular product) until butters become opaque and begin to thicken. Slowly add cornstarch and fragrance and mix well. Pour into containers. Butter will harden to a solid form, but will melt readily when applied to the skin. If you prefer a lighter texture, continue to mix until the butter becomes the consistency of cake frosting. It will take a while! Scoop into containers. Butter will continue to harden.
Body Butter is especially nice to use immediately after a shower or bath while the skin is still damp and moist. It will help seal in the moisture and will leave your skin silky smooth! Enjoy!!!
For those concerned about the safety of preservatives, Body Butter is a great alternative to lotion as it does not require a preservative since it does not contain water.
Whipped Body Butter is a variation of regular body butter, the only difference being it is whipped as it cools, incorporating air, which results in a lighter texture. It does not affect the greasiness.
A recipe I often use is:
2.5 ounces Shea Butter
1.0 ounce Mango Butter
1.0 ounce Cocoa Butter
1.5 ounces Almond Oil
Few Drops of Vitamin E
1 Tablespoon Corn Starch ( Optional. Cuts down on greasiness)
1 Teaspoon fragrance of choice (more or less to your own taste)
Melt the butters just to the point they are melted. Add Almond oil and Vitamin E. Mix well. Place in freezer or allow to sit at room temperature just until the oil begins to solidify around the edge of the bowl. Mix with standard kitchen mixer (hand blender not recommended for this particular product) until butters become opaque and begin to thicken. Slowly add cornstarch and fragrance and mix well. Pour into containers. Butter will harden to a solid form, but will melt readily when applied to the skin. If you prefer a lighter texture, continue to mix until the butter becomes the consistency of cake frosting. It will take a while! Scoop into containers. Butter will continue to harden.
Body Butter is especially nice to use immediately after a shower or bath while the skin is still damp and moist. It will help seal in the moisture and will leave your skin silky smooth! Enjoy!!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wedding and Bridal Shower Favors
Making Shower Favors is an easy and fun project to do. There will always be weddings so there is always a market for this type of product, or, you can make them for your own wedding or for friends. Fortune Cookies are popular and can easily be personalized with the Bride and Groom names and the date of the wedding.
To make the cookie, melt your soap and add the color and fragrance. Add a tiny bit of vegetable glycerin to the melted soap. This keeps the soap more pliable so it doesn't break when you fold and bend it. Pour the soap into a flat, shallow container so it will be about 1/8 of an inch thick. After it hardens, cut out circles as you would cut out cookie dough. Fold the circle in half, pressing the edges together, leaving one side open. Slip the piece of paper with the bride and groom names on it down into the open side. Holding the lengthwise sides, center the cookie with the folded side down, over the edge of a bowl and press down to bend the cookie. Waala! That's all there is to it. An adorable fortune cookie favor! We packaged ours in a clear cello bag and tied it with a piece of silk ribbon.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Unique Handmade Projects
I am looking for inspiration! I would love for readers to share their ideas on UNIQUE and UNUSUAL craft projects. Around the holidays you find many of the same year in year out ideas. It doesn't have to be something you personally make, just ideas. If I try your idea, I will post pictures of the end product.
Winter is a great time to work on hobbies. It is cold, gets dark early and since we are stuck in the house more than during warmer seasons, we generally have more time to invest in our hobbies. So, put on your thinking cap and let your imagination soar! I look forward to getting lots of GREAT ideas! Happy crafting!!
Winter is a great time to work on hobbies. It is cold, gets dark early and since we are stuck in the house more than during warmer seasons, we generally have more time to invest in our hobbies. So, put on your thinking cap and let your imagination soar! I look forward to getting lots of GREAT ideas! Happy crafting!!
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