Since summer is right around the corner, and we all know that we are going to wear flip flops and flowy light dresses in this season (thank god -considering pandmeic ending). That's why I always consider that this is the best time for me to exfoliate my covered skin and specially feet.
But let me tell you one thing, I know that I am not alone in this situation, many of us ignore our skin so much in winter months because it's anyways going to be covered in tights, sweaters, or jeans. But now, we all are desperate to seek softer skin, that's why today I am making these awesome sugar scrub bars using indian skincare ingredients like Moringa and Coconut.
Another reason, I just adore products like scrub bars because it serves two purposes. Since sustainability and low-waste is always the principle of Glow & Green, I always lean towards double-duty products. These scrub bar are great soap cum scrub plus in my opinion, this scrub bars are so easy apply vs sugar scrub can be runny and messy during the application.
But before we go further, let's talk about two key ingredients in this bar:
Moringa & Coconut
Moringa:
Growing up in India, my mother used to make drumstick curry during the monsoon season! We were all compelled to eat it because during monsoon season in India, your digestion is not at its best! This curry would help you with that!
After starting Glow & Green, I heavily researched sustainable and ayurvedic Indian ingredients. And I discovered that the “drumstick tree,” aka the “moringa tree,” is a new miracle ingredient in the beauty world. NPR stated that it is a unique superfood (click here). That's why I would like to use a great Sustainable Beauty Product: moringa powder. It is a beauty superfood that comes from the leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree. It is a common species of the genus Moringa in the flowering plant family Moringaceae. This moringa tree is native to India and countries in the Himalayan region.
Its truly anti-aging properties prevent the sagging of body muscles. The moringa plant also produces cytokinin hormones. This hormone promotes sebum production, and that’s why more cells can be generated by your skin once first layer is going to ripped off thanks to Sugar.
Coconut:
As per Ayurveda, Coconut contains rare medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) that are quickly and easily absorbed, digested, metabolized, and utilized by the body. They don't clog arteries like longer chained fats or spike blood sugar levels. Coconut has a high smoking point, and it won't create cancer-causing free radicals when used for cooking or beauty. Coconut is considered to be the best massage oil for newborns and toddlers. It soothes diaper rash and dry skin in babies (new mom is speaking :P).
Coconut contains vitamin E, proteins, lauric, capric, and caprylic acids (known for their anti-fungal properties). This is great for repairing your skin's natural barrier and locking in moisture. Plus, it's naturally antimicrobial, so it will kill off any surface bacteria you may have picked up during the day.
In this recipe, we used coconut as a soap base.
Homemade Sugar Scrub Bars
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup Coconut Melt and Pour Soap Base
3/4 cup Sugar
2 tsp. Moringa Powder
1 tsp. Grapeseed Oil
Essential Oil Optional
INSTRUCTIONS
In a double boiler, melt your soap base. If you do not have a double boiler, microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between each burst until the soap base is melted.
Mix in the grapeseed oil until well combined.
Add the essential oil of your choice(I love lemongrass essential oil with moringa).
Slowly add in the moringa powder, if using, and mix well until you get a uniform color.
Mix in your sugar and stir until well combined. It will have a slushy like consistency.
Pour into your molds and allow to dry for 5-6 hours before removing.
If your sugar and soap mixture gets to thick, microwave on 10 second bursts until you are able to pour.
Voila once you take out sugar bars from the soap mold, it's ready to use.
To Use: Damp your skin with lukewarm water and rinse well. Rub a small amount of sugar scrub bar and use it over your wet skin, massaging in a circular motion as you go. Finally, rinse off well. Since it has soap inside, you don't want to use soap or body wash.
This DIY was formulated by Ruchita, who is a skincare formulator who is graduate from Formula Botanica, a London based online school. She is the founder of Glow & Green. Check out her skincare and body care line here. Learn more about her here. As always, before applying this DIY and we recommend that you do patch test.