Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

Winter weather can be brutal on our skin.  Cold temps and wind drying it out, chaffing, windburns, etc. combined with going in and out of heated buildings and vehicles can make our skin uncomfortable at best and serious conditions, like eczema or psoriasis at the worse. We moisturize with lotions, of course, and boost of exfoliation really helps. If you want to save money and avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives, this recipe for lemon sugar scrub fits the bill. The citrusy aroma of this sweet treat for your skin lifts the spirits, which is a big plus on these dreary cold days.

All you need is half a lemon and about a cup of sugar. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze out the juice into a bowl. Add sugar until it reaches the consistency that you like. How’s that for simplicity? When you bathe or shower, wet skin, apply sugar scrub in small sections, and massage using a light touch and circular motions. I do not recommend this for the face, especially during winter when facial skin is in a more delicate condition, but it is great for dry skin on arms and legs.

 

Why sugar? According to Mother Nature Network , “Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are the common ingredient found in exfoliating scrubs. The glycolic acid found in sugar cane is a naturally occurring AHA, and sugar scrubs have long been a popular and effective way to exfoliate and achieve beautiful, healthy skin.”

Many recipes for sugar scrub use oil, such as olive or coconut, and essential oil of choice along with the sugar. These are fine, too, but remember, an oily scrub will leave your tub or shower stall with a film of oil that you’ll need to clean. The glory of using only lemon juice and sugar is that you’ll avoid the extra work, and the lemon will also deodorize the drain. Win/win!

While you are giving yourself this spa-quality treatment, how about singing a happy tune? I’m thinking….since we are now in the Aquarius Zodiac, ‘Age of Aquarius’ by the 5^th Dimension is appropriate! Exercising your lungs in the moist environment of your bathroom can’t be bad. You’ll positively glow!

Marcheta *Let the sun shine, let the sun shine in!!!!!!!!!!!