Bubbling Bath Salts

Homemade bath and body products are my absolute favorite!! They are so  much fun and also inexpensive to make. Depending on the season, holiday, or occasion you can mix and match colors and scents as needed. These products also make great gifts. They are so simple to make, just about anyone can do it. My 6 year old made the salts pictured for his teacher on her birthday. He had a blast making them and really felt like he was doing something special for her. As expected, she loved receiving a homemade gift from her student!

Soaking in the bath, in general, provides many health benefits. It promotes healthy circulation, perspiration, and relaxation. Taking baths also aids in the removal of dead skin cells that can block pores and lead to unsightly bumps and blemishes on your body. Through the process of dermal absorption, or absorbing nutrients through the skin, your body is able to absorb minerals more effectively than consuming the minerals orally.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup Himalayan sea salt
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 3 tablespoons Body Wash (I used Dr. Bronners Baby Wash)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Optional: Food Coloring (I used a few drops of gel food coloring)

Essential Oils:

• 20 drops essential oil of your choice (I used Lavender for this batch)

I only use therapeutic grade essential oils that are safe for consumption.

For more information on how to purchase these oils, please feel free to contact me.)

Instructions:

Combine body wash, coconut oil, essential oils, and food coloring (if using) in a large mixing bowl.

Add Epsom salt, Himalayan sea salt, and baking soda to mixture.

Mix until well combined.

Spread mixture out to dry on a large baking sheet.

Allow mixture to dry for about 24 hours.

Add mixture to container of your choice. We used a glass jar and attached a spoon for scooping out the bath salts.

Add desired amount to warm bath, and enjoy!

Mixture keeps for about 3 months. 

Nerdy Extras:
Epsom salt is not actually a salt, but a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. To see the health benefits I listed in a previous post, click here. Sulfates help to improve absorption rates of nutrients, while flushing out toxins. Sulfates are also know to ease pain associated with headaches and migraines.

Himalayan sea salt benefits include supporting healthy weight loss, easing muscle pain, detoxifying, and hormone balancing.

Baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, provides alkalinity and aids in removing toxins from the body. It also helps to make bathwater feel silky.

FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."

Sugar Scrub

I love a good sugar scrub because they are moisturizing, exfoliating, and help improve circulation. They are effective in both smoothing the skin, and helping reduce cellulite and bumps. You can use the scrubs on your body and feet to reveal silky soft skin. There are many variations of sugar scrubs, and they are amongst the most simple DIY beauty recipes to make. If you are new to making your own products, this is a fantastic one to try to get your feet wet.  It's virtually impossible to mess up a scrub, and it only takes minutes to make. Sugar scrubs are sold in stores for much more money they are worth in my opinion. Afterall they only costs pennies to make. Convinced to give it a try? Go ahead; get your scrub on! 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar, preferably organic
• 1/2 cup avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Essential Oils:

• 20 drops of essential oil of your choice (I used Orange for this scrub)

(You could also completely omit the essential oils. I only use therapeutic grade essential oils.

Please avoid using fragrance oils, as they are chemical fakes & can cause irritation & allergic responses.

For more information on how to purchase these oils, please feel free to contact me.)

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

Use 1-2 tablespoons as needed in the shower or bathtub.

I have found that while showering the water rinses the product away too quickly. Therefore I personally prefer the bathtub, because I have better control of the scrub.

After your body is wet, simply apply and scrub, scrub scrub!

I like to scrub all over, rubbing harder on the rougher parts of your skin.

Then simply rinse and admire your soft exfoliated skin.

Don't forget to follow up with a good moisturizer.

Nerdy Extras:
Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), encouraging cell turnover & exfoliation. Sugar also has natural humectant properties, thus are very hydrating. Additionally, brown sugar is softer than granulated sugar, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.

Avocado oil contains protein, fats, antioxidants, & potassium. It has antioxidants like Vitamin A, D, & E help moisturize the skin & keep it soft & supple. It helps relieve dry, scaly, itchy skin, & aids in collagen production. It's highly moisturizing making it an excellent choice for dry & aging skin, & for those with eczema & psoriasis.

Orange essential oil is antiseptic & anti-inflammatory. It has been shown to increase the ability to absorb vitamin C, aid in collagen production, & increase blood flow; all of which are essential for the skin. It is also helpful at soothing dry & irritated skin, & excellent in helping to remove calluses.  In addition it also has aromatic benefits, as it is very relaxing & uplifting.

Honey is a natural humectant loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, and healing compounds that nourish, cleanse, and hydrate the skin.

Humectants draw moisture from the air into the skin & ensure it's retained it in the layers of the skin where moisture is most needed for penetrating, long-lasting hydration.


FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."