I don’t know about you, but most days my 10 minute morning shower (or 5 minute…or 2 minute) is the only quiet “me time” I get all day. So it seems only right that those few minutes should be the most luxurious, the most pampering, and the most renewing I can make them. Unfortunately, shelling out anywhere from $20 to $50 or more for a good skin treatment or body scrub is hardly relaxing.

The next time you’re looking to transform your everyday shower into something transcendent, skip your local spa or Sephora, and raid your pantry instead. Commercial body scrubs, in addition to being expensive, also contain chemicals and preservatives to maintain their “freshness”. However, homemade scrubs are inexpensive and can be easily made from the natural ingredients you often have on hand.

Try a few of the following recipes, and put the “ahhh” back in your at home spa experience.

Brown Sugar Lemon Body Scrub
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sea salt
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon of honey
Coconut oil or almond oil

Mix the first four ingredients in a large bowl. Begin adding oil by tablespoons until the mixture resembles a paste. Rub onto damp skin and rinse with warm water.

Ginger Cinnamon-Salt Body Scrub (www.teachsoap.com)
1 cup sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup almond oil or olive oil

Mix all ingredients together, then gently rub over your damp skin (except your face) to slough off dry skin. Rinse with warm water.

Lavender Bath Soak (www.bhg.com)
1/4 cup dried lavender
1/4 cup black tea leaves
1/2 cup rolled oats

To calm nerves and soothe irritated skin, place ingredients in the center of a small square of cheesecloth and mix slightly with your fingers. Tie cheesecloth bundle closed with raffia or other natural-color string. Place the tied bundle in bath water as tub fills.

Lavender and Peppermint Glow (www.helium.com)
1 1/2 cups sea salt
1/4 cup sweet almond oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
Mix the sea salt and the almond oil until it is the consistency you prefer. Add the essential oils last and mix well. Massage the mixture into your feet and ankles paying special attention to your rough spots. Rinse feet and ankles with warm water and moisturize after feet are dry.

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