Benefits
Sea Salt: Unrefined sea salt has long been appreciated for its high mineral content, improving the skin’s own barrier function and helping to reduce inflammation in the body. Due to its high magnesium content, bathing with sea salt helps moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. It also helps to detoxify the skin by flushing out toxins from the pores and boosting blood circulation.
Virgin Coconut Oil: Is there anything coconut oil can’t do? It is one of those miraculous plant foods and in this case, coconut oil is drenching your skin with medium-chain fatty acids, which keep the skin hydrated, smooth, and supple.
Lemon Zest: Not only does lemon zest smell amazing and lift your mood, it also benefits the skin. High concentrations of its essential oil, limonene, flavonoids, and citric acid help enhance the clarity, glow, and softness of your skin. In our scrub, the plant acids in this amazing fruit work hard to cleanse, brighten, and stimulate cellular turnover. Note: Conventional lemon zest can contain a lot of pesticide residue, so try for organic or wash thoroughly.
Vanilla: One of the biggest advantages of this tiny bean is its powerful aroma. A natural antidepressant and aphrodisiac, the smell of vanilla is guaranteed to boost your mood.
I n g r e d i e n t s
125g Sea Salt (I prefer Pink Himalayan) ground to medium-fine
1 Vanilla Pod, Seeds Scooped Out
Zest of 1 Organic Lemon
75g Organic Virgin Coconut Oil at room temperature
O p t i o n a l
Handful of rose petals or other edible flowers
3-5 drops of Citrus Essential Oil
D i r e c t i o n s
1. Combine the vanilla seeds and the remaining pod with the salt in your jar. Add the lemon zest and mix thoroughly with a fork until well combined. Pop the lid on and let it infuse for two days, giving it a shake now and then. Optional: If you have dried flower petals, crush them up very finely with a pestle and mortar and add them to the container.
2. In a glass mixing bowl, mash your coconut oil with a fork until it is light and creamy. Add in the sea salt mixture, discarding the empty vanilla pods, and mix by hand until well combined. You should have a thick, creamy paste. Optional: Add 3-5 drops of lemon essential oil for more citrus scent.
3. Spoon the mixture back into your clean glass container and tightly close the lid. Your body scrub is ready to enjoy in the shower or bath. Simply scoop out your desired amount and exfoliate from the feet up. Body scrubs can be uncomfortable for those with very sensitive skin, so it is usually best to concentrate on especially dry areas like elbows, hands, knees, ankles, and feet. Follow up with a body butter or lotion to lock in moisture.
T o o l s
Kitchen scale
200g Capacity glass container with a tight lid
Glass mixing bowl
Fork
S t o r a g e
Store your jar of Lemon & Vanilla Sea Salt Scrub in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight. Avoid getting water in the container. Use within 1 month.
Recipe by Melissa Kimbell
Photographed by Blair Marie Photography
Styled by Alexandra Wig, Pink & Honey
Reprinted with permission from Dote Magazine, Fall/Winter 2015 Issue
