Winter Skin Care

Winter weather, plus all the hot showers and climate controlled spaces that ward off those chilly temperatures, can wreak havoc on your skin. Whip up one of these easy recipes at home to rejuvenate your skin and feel like you’re at the spa, naturally.

Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Brown sugar is exfoliating; great if your skin seems dull. Honey is moisturizing and has antibacterial properties; great for dry or acne prone skin. Coffee grounds will also exfoliate. Think of sandpaper. Use a coarser grind, much like French press, if you want a really exfoliating scrub. A finer grind, like espresso or even pour over, will give you a more mild exfoliation. Use fresh coffee grounds to give your skin the same benefits you get from your morning cup of joe, or use spent grounds to upcycle them!

½ cup coffee grounds
1 cup brown sugar or ½ cup honey
¼ cup melted coconut or olive oil
5-10 drops essential oils of your choice, such as orange, cinnamon, or cedarwood (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well. Store in a sealed container, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To use, massage the scrub gently in circular motion into damp skin. Rinse with warm water. Avoid eye area.

Soothing Bath Salts

1 cup Epsom salt
2 cups sea salt
½ cup baking soda
20-25 drops essential oils, try lavender with ylang ylang for relaxation or eucalyptus with peppermint or lemongrass to facilitate easy breathing.

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing thoroughly to combine. Store in an airtight container. To use, add 1/4-1/2 cup to running bath water. Soak for approximately 20 minutes.

Oatmeal Milk Bath

½ cup oatmeal
1 cup milk powder of your choice (dried cow, goat, soy, and coconut milk powders are all available at the co-op!)
¼ cup baking soda In a food processor or blender, grind uncooked oats to a fine flour-like powder.

Combine ground oats, powdered milk and baking soda; mix well. Store in an airtight container. To use, add approximately 1/4 cup to warm running bath water.