#diy Grapefruit Body Scrub

Isaak takes f.o.r.e.v.e.r to eat and take showers.

Early last week I noticed that my body scrub was being used a lot, by someone. I wondered who was using it? I knew Isaak was using it! He had a guilty smile on his face when I brought it up.

Later in the week it was gone.

I said, "Ok if you're going to use my body scrub, you're going to learn how to make some."

I looked up a few recipes, to base mine off of.

Grapefruit Body Scrub by on Scribd

How to Make if You Don't Want to Read the Instructions Above:

Every body scrub I've made has been easy to make. This one is no exception.

Citrus Pulp/Peeling:

I've been on this kick to dry out orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit pulp/skin. So far I've used the ground up pulp to: 1. Add to loose leaf tea. Just add a bit, or it gets bitter. 2. Add to protein powder, for smoothies. 3. Add to white sugar. Then when I make things like muffins, scones, waffles and pancakes I'm using less white sugar, and some pulp/skin of a citrus fruit for a natural sweetness. 

How to Dry Out Citrus Peeling and/or Pulp: 

Wash the skin, set it in a bowl by the window to dry out. If you're in the kitchen you can set the peeling/pulp in a sprayed pan, set your oven to 250 or 300 degrees and bake it. That will speed up the drying time. 

Cut it in chunks, and grind it up in a food processor. If you want a fine grind, run it through a coffee grinder. With the body scrub you only need to partially dry it, and grind it up with a food processor.

Instructions and Directions to Make the Body Scrub: 

It's so easy Isaak could do it! 

Get out a medium mixing bowl. 

Add in 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup grapefruit or other citrus fruit grounded peel/pulp, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup melted shea butter, and 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil or other citrus fruit essential oils. 

*Note: You can add more sugar if you need it more scrub like. 

Mix, and pour into a few small mason jars, or containers you have laying around that are not being used. 

That's it! 

I'm on a Grapefruit Fix, and Isaak Loves Grapefruit too:

I thought the mix would only fill up one container, but it filled up two! Thank goodness I had two empty containers. Make sure you have lids. I've noticed that some scrubs don't do well if water gets to them.

Benefits of Body Scrubs:

It helps remove the dead skin cells with exfoliation. This scrub is a mild body scrub that moisturizes as it allows for absorption into the skin. Certainly it helps keep skin healthy.

Why Citrus Pulp/Peel:

Citrus peels are packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, bone-building calcium and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant bioflavonoids. They also provide potassium, which helps keep blood pressure in check, and limonene, a phytochemical that may have anti-cancer effects and can help with heart burn.

What I love the most is that the ground pulp/peel replaces the fine plastic used in some commercial scrubs.

Why Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil may be linked to some potential benefits for skin, including reducing inflammation, keeping skin moisturized and helping heal wounds. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil also possess antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne and protect the skin from harmful bacterial such as staph infections and eczema. 

Just a Note: In the Philippines they use coconut oil a lot. In their cooking, and on their skin. They have less inflammatory diseases, and less skin conditions than we do in the US.

Why Shea Butter:

Shea butter also contains healthy fatty acids. ... There is a high level of cinnamic acid which makes Shea butter a natural sunscreen. Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in treating arthritis. Shea butter has powerful moisturizing, anti-aging, protecting and healing benefits to the skin.

Just a Note: It's best to not use a ton of Shea Butter. It can clog up the pores in your skin. That's why I partner it up with other things. For the most part it's great for you. If you have a lot of acne you may want to replace the shea butter with coconut oil. You'd just use a lot of coconut oil. 

Follow Up:

Isaak took another shower. I told him to make it quick because he just had one the night before. I just wanted the pollen out of his hair, and for him to clean up a bit because he had a soccer game. He took awhile again. He yelled out, "Mom I know you told me to be quick. I just had to try out our body scrub. It smells and works great!" I guess I can't blame him, for wanting to try something we made.

Do you use a body scrub? Have you ever made your own?

Disclaimer: This is not a post that is a review of a particular product. I wrote this solely on my own accord. 

UpNature The Best Citronella Essential Oil Review

I recently got: UpNature The Best Citronella Essential Oil to review.

What is it Used For:

• Mosquito Repellent
• Candle Making
• Torches
• Skin Use - Perfume
• To Freshen Up a Room

Unfortunately we don't have any mosquitoes just yet. ;) There's snow on the ground right now. I have used it in a spray to freshen up my office.

Room Spray - Cleaner:

1. I steeped in different mason jars lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange peels in white vinegar. I did this for a few weeks.

2. Then I put in 1/2 of the steeped vinegar, and 1/2 water in a spray bottle. It's not best to put essential oils in plastic, but it's much better than the 409 they always use. My nose didn't hate me!

3. Next I used drops of lemon oil in all, but the lime. I used Citronella in the lime cleaner. Guess what? No one complained about the smell. I just had different students fighting over what scent they wanted. I was expecting my boss to come in, and complain that it didn't smell CLEAN, but he didn't. Instead I heard, "It smells really good in here!" His wife that also works there said, "I think your cleaners are a hit!

Everyone was happy!

I can't wait to use Citronella for a bug spray. I seem to be a mosquito magnet. Seriously I get bug bites when Travis gets none.

A Little More About Citronella:

• It comes in a 4 ounce jar, which lasts a long time.
• A little goes a long way!
• It has a lid, and a glass dropper. I have to be honest, I usually throw the lid away, and keep the dropper in it.
• Cost: $19.95, but on sale for $14.97. That's with Prime.
• All natural ingredients.

Have you tried essential oils? What is your favorite one?

I received Up Nature Citronella mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.