A salt scrub is a popular body treatment. Its purpose is to exfoliate your skin removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells and leaving your skin softer and smoother. Another name is a salt glow or a sea salt scrub. These are all basically the same treatment, although the texture and scent of the scrub might be different.

Try the invigorating and smoothing Winter Spice Salt Scrub recipe with spicy aromatic essential oils.

Winter Spice Salt Scrub with Essential Oils

• 1 Cup Sea Salt
• 1/2 Cup Refined Coconut Oil
• 3 Drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
• 3 Drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
• 1 Drop Clove Leaf Essential Oil

Mix together and store in a glass jar.

Benefits of a Salt Scrub

Exfoliation

Gently rubbing the skin in circular motions with a salt scrub removes dead skin cells in a process known as exfoliation. Dead skin cells harden with age. The longer they lie on the surface of the skin, the harder they get. This layer of skin will become thicker and thicker until it is finally removed. Layers of dead skin cells can make the skin look dry and flaky; exfoliation with a salt scrub reveals the moist, shiny skin hidden underneath.

Invigoration and Cleansing

The abrasive action associated with salt scrubs invigorates the skin and helps to improve circulation. Improved circulation gives skin a natural glow. Scrubbing with salt also helps to remove bacteria from the skin and unclog pores. Salt has antiseptic qualities, and when applied to the skin it may help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation along with any itching and pain associated with bacterial-related skin disease.

Regeneration

Exfoliating with a salt scrub not only removes dead skin cells and increases circulation, but it also encourages regeneration. Sloughing away dead skin cells actually promotes the growth of healthy new cells. This regeneration process tightens the skin, giving it a firmer and younger-looking appearance. Skin regeneration also reduces skin discoloration, evening out skin tone and improving texture.

Benefits of Essential Oils in the Recipe

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil - Cinnamon leaf has a “musky and spicy” smell and tends to have a light color. Cinnamon leaf essential oil can help enhance nitric oxide function, which causes increased blood flow and lower levels of inflammation.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil - Sweet Orange essential oil is obtained from the peels of oranges by cold compression. The health benefits of Orange essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diuretic, tonic, sedative and cholagogue substance. The scent is fresh and clean.

Clove Leaf Essential Oil - Clove is an evergreen tree, which produces a flower bud that has numerous medicinal properties. The health benefits of clove leaf essential oil can be attributed to its antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties. The oil is used for treating a variety of health disorders including toothaches, indigestion, cough, asthma, headache, stress and blood impurities. The most important and common use of clove leaf essential oil is in dental care.

Editor’s Note/Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Diffuser World, Inc.; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.