“Crocodile skin” can happen at any time of year, especially after winter. Here is a way to upcycle your kitchen scraps into three divine body scrubs that are guaranteed to give your lacklustre skin a lift.

Coffee grounds, citrus peel and nut milk pulp scraps are at the heart of these three recipes, so think twice before popping them in the compost bin. Add a few pantry staples, and you will make these everyday luxuries in no time.

Skin-loving scraps

Citrus peel, nut pulp and coffee grounds all have their own unique profile of compounds that benefit your skin. Once you understand their character, choose which one will work best for you.

Citrus peel – brightening and cleansing

Citrus peel contains a variety of nutrients and compounds that can provide numerous benefits. The vitamin C in citrus peels can help brighten and even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation.

The flavonoids in citrus peel have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and protect against environmental stressors and damage. Additionally, the essential oils in citrus peels, such as limonene, have antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to reduce the appearance of acne and other blemishes.

Coffee grounds – protective and moisture-retaining

Coffee grounds work a treat on your skin because they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that help protect the skin from free radical damage, enhancing its overall appearance. They are also a source of choline, which helps retain moisture in the skin.

Caffeine in coffee may also improve blood flow to the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles and giving it a healthy glow.

Nut pulp – nourishing and moisturising

Nut pulp, such as almond or hazelnut, is good for your skin because it contains a rich source of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The antioxidants in nut pulp can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, improving its overall health and appearance.T

The pulp is also high in healthy fatty acids and protein, which may help soften and moisturise the skin, reducing the appearance of dryness and flakiness. Some nut pulps, such as almond, also contain salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that can help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, reducing the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads.

The benefits of body scrubs

Not only are these scrubs super simple to make and nurturing to use, but there are also lots of other benefits:

• Exfoliates: Body scrubs help remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin.
• Improves skin tone: Regular use of body scrubs can help even out skin tone, reduce dullness, and give your skin a healthy glow.
• Enhances skin hydration: Body scrubs contain moisturising ingredients that help your skin retain moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft.
• Reduces inflammation: Some body scrubs contain anti-inflammatory ingredients like oats, which can help soothe irritated skin.
• Promotes blood circulation: Body scrubs can stimulate blood flow, promoting circulation.
• Prevents ingrown hairs: Exfoliating with a body scrub can help prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells and other impurities that can clog pores.
• Make time for self-care: Body scrubs can be a great way to unwind and relax, especially as part of a pre-bath or shower routine.

Continue to Content

Kitchen Scrap Body Scrubs ||Coffee || Citrus Peel || Nut Pulp||

Print

Upcycle your everyday kitchen scraps: coffee grounds, citrus peel and nut milk pulp into these three easy DIY body scrubs.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

COFFEE SCRUB

• 1/4 cup coffee grounds
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, gated nutmeg or vanilla extract

CITRUS PEEL SCRUB

• 1/2 cup citrus peel, loosley packed
• 1/4 cup coarse/cooking salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or lavender, chopped (optional)

NUT PULP SCRUB

• 1/2 cup nut pulp
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 5 drops of essential oil (optional) - lavender, rose geranium, ylang ylang petitgrain are good choices

Instructions

1. Choose the ingredients for one of the above three options. Place in a clean 150 - 200mL jar. Mix thoroughly. Make sure all the oil is incorporated, and add a little more, 1 tsp at a time until it forms a scrub of the desired consistency.
2. Cap jar

Notes

Caution

Before you introduce anything new to your skin, do a small patch test on your inner lower arm to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction.

Applying your scrub

Take time out and be mindful when applying your scrub. It is the perfect time for self-care to promote relaxation and boost your mood.

Apply the scrub to the skin, starting with your lower legs. Use long sweeping motions moving up your body towards your heart. After the initial sweep, go back and give some extra attention to areas of dry, crusty skin. Give your limbs and torso a final sweep toward the heart.