At-Home Beauty Treatments
Exfoliating Scrub
By Ingrie Williams
Average User Rating:
The problem: Dry patches on knees, elbows and feet
The treatment: A coffee, sugar and vanilla scrub. “Coffee has strong antioxidant properties,” says makeup artist Diana Carreiro, who’s worked on celebs like Chantal Kreviazuk and Mira Sorvino. Because of this, it’s a good choice for the rougher skin on your body, while sugar works as a light manual exfoliator to smooth skin. Vanilla extract adds a soothing scent for at-home aromatherapy.
What you need: A quarter-cup of olive oil, one teaspoon of vanilla extract (non-artificial extract is best), half a cup of fresh coffee grinds and one cup of sugar.
Making it: In a small glass or ceramic bowl, combine olive oil and vanilla extract. In a separate medium bowl or plastic container, mix grinds (use them within 20 minutes of brewing for maximum benefits) with sugar. Add the mixtures together, blending into thick paste.
Using it: In the shower, let skin soften under warm water for 5-10 minutes. Scoop out a small handful of the scrub and massage it in circular motions from your limbs to your heart to increase circulation. Rinse and follow with a gentle shower gel to remove excess residue. Note: Do not use this scrub on your face or on any broken or sensitive skin.
How often to use it: Once a week is best for regular skin, says Carreiro. If your skin is quite dry and bumpy, twice a week is recommended.
Related Features:
