Top 5 Benefits Of Coconut Oil Sugar Scrubs And How To Use Them

Homemade coconut oil sugar scrubs are the latest trend in the natural skin care world!

DIY scrubs are popular because they are a cheap and safe way to get rid of skin problems. Simply looking around your house will reveal all of the ingredients you require to care for the natural beauty of your skin. Coconut oil and sugar are the two most common items you will find in your kitchen cupboard. When mixed, both the ingredients can hydrate and moisturize your skin, leaving it smooth and supple. Wondering how? Keep reading to discover more!

Did You Know?

Ancient Egyptians were among the first people to practice body scrubbing. It was also observed in China during the Qing Dynasty between 1644–1944.

Benefits of Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub

Coconut oil and sugar are good for exfoliating not only your face but also the rest of your body. However, if you have oily and acne-prone skin, avoid using coconut oil on your face. It can block your skin pores and aggravate your acne or cause breakouts.

Now, let’s focus on why you should consider this simple and amazing scrub for your skin care needs.

1. It Keeps Your Skin Hydrated

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer. It is an excellent emollient and extremely beneficial in preventing dry, flaky skin and conditions such as atopic atopic dermatitisⁱ  Also known as eczema, a skin condition that manifests as inflammation, redness, and irritation.  (1). Sugar, on the other hand, is a humectant that draws moisture from the environment and keeps your skin hydrated. Therefore, these ingredients are perfect for homemade scrubs for dry skin.

2. Coconut Oil Can Kill Harmful Bacteria

Coconut oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can prevent many skin issues caused by bacteria (1).

3. It Is An Effective Exfoliant

Coconut oil and sugar scrub can gently get rid of dead skin cells.

Compared to salt, sugar granules are less abrasive. Therefore, they clear out the dirt, stimulate skin cell growth, and remove all traces of makeup from your skin.

4. Coconut Oil Has Antioxidant Properties

Virgin coconut oil contains antioxidants (2). These antioxidants protect your skin from environmental damage and free radicals. They also prevent oxidative stressⁱ  An imbalance caused due to the rise in the level of free radicals and the ability of the biological system to neutralize them. , which, in turn, prevents cellular breakdownⁱ  Breaking down of the cell lipid membranes and lipoproteins due to accumulation of harmful free radicals . This reduces the chances of premature aging and keeps your skin youthful and healthy.

5. Sugar Prevents Ingrown Hair

As mentioned earlier, homemade body scrubs made from coconut oil and sugar can be used on any area of your body. This can be your secret weapon to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hair. Using the scrub on the affected area (where you get the most ingrown hairs) at least thrice a week can prevent the hair from curling up inside your skin.

Who knew that two simple ingredients like coconut and sugar could have these many benefits, right? Let’s check how you can make a simple DIY coconut oil and sugar scrub at home.

DIY Coconut Oil And Sugar Scrub

You Will Need

• ½ cup virgin coconut oil

• 1 cup sugar (white or brown, preferably organic and granulated)

Optional ingredients

• 10 drops lemon essential oil (you may use lavender, vanilla, sweet orange, tea tree, or any other essential oil of your choice)

• 1 tablespoon lemon (you can also use any other citrus fruit zest, such as orange or grapefruit)

Method

1. Put the solidified coconut oil in a microwave-proof glass bowl.

2. Microwave it for 45 seconds or until the oil has completely melted.

3. Transfer the oil to another glass bowl, add sugar, and mix.

4. Now, add the essential oil(s) and citrus zest (optional). Combine all the ingredients.

5. Transfer the mixture to a glass or half pint jar.

Ingredient Variations

• If you are allergic to coconut oil, you can instead use olive or jojoba oil.

• If you do not wish to use sugar, replace it with salt or coffee grounds for a similar texture.

Remember, homemade sugar scrubs made using natural ingredients are preservative-free. So, it will not stay fresh for long. Make it in small batches that you can use up within a week or two. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. You can use this scrub to massage your face, hands, and other body parts. Here is how you can do that.

Quick Tip

You can store it in a plastic tub or travel bottle to keep the coconut oil sugar scrub fresh and mess-free.

How To Use Coconut Oil And Sugar Scrub

Before using the coconut oil and sugar scrub on your entire face and body, patch-test it on a small area to check for allergic reactions. If your skin reacts positively to it, then follow the steps listed below:

On Your Face

Note: Don’t add citrus essential oil if you are using the scrub on your face. Citrus essential oil does not suit everyone and may cause a reaction on your skin. Reduce its quantity if you still want to use it.

• Take a small quantity of the scrub in your hands.

• Apply it all over your face, except the delicate area around your eyes.

• Massage for 30-60 seconds in a circular motion.

• Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry.

On Your Hands

• Take a bit of the scrub in your hands.

• Rub it between your palms and spread it all over your hands.

• Massage your hands and fingernails for a minute.

• Rinse your hands and pat them dry.

On Your Legs And Feet

• Soak your legs and feet for a few minutes in warm water to soften the skin.

• Sit in a comfortable position on the edge of your bathtub or on a small stool.

• Take some scrub in your hands.

• Massage it all over your legs. Focus on the areas between your toes and the dry patches. Don’t use it on the soles of your feet. If you do it apply it to your soles, wash them thoroughly with a mild cleanser before standing up to avoid slipping.

• Rinse your legs and pat them dry.

Note:Be careful while using it on your legs in the bath to avoid any accidents.

Infographic: Tips For Using Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub

The coconut oil sugar scrub is effective in moisturizing, exfoliating, and cleansing the skin. But, coconut oil is highly comedogenic and unsuitable for acne-prone skin, and sugar granules can be harsh on sensitive skin. So, this scrub may not be suitable for everyone.

Similarly, there are other points you should keep in mind before using this scrub. Check out the infographic below to learn some tips for using a coconut oil sugar scrub.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use a coconut oil sugar scrub?

You can use a coconut oil sugar scrub 1-2 times a week. Avoid using it more than this to prevent skin irritation.

Can a coconut oil sugar scrub remove blackheads?

Coconut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It eases inflammation, exfoliates dead skin cells, and seals moisture (3). Whereas sugar is an excellent exfoliating agent that clears clogged pores. This combination helps remove blackheads effectively. However, if you have acne-prone skin, avoid using coconut oil (it can be heavy on your skin).

Does a sugar and coconut oil scrub do any good for dark spots?

Exfoliation helps minimize the appearance of dark spots. This sugar and coconut oil scrub has moisturizing and soothing properties that may help lighten dark spots.

Are sugar and coconut oil good for pimples?

Avoid using coconut oil on your face if you have acne-prone skin. It is heavy and can block your skin pores, which can cause breakouts.

Illustration: Benefits Of Coconut Oil Sugar Scrubs And How To Use Them

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to make a luxurious coconut oil sugar scrub for soft, glowing skin. Watch the video below on how to make this easy scrub to get rid of impurities on your face.