DIY Salt Scrub with coconut oil takes minutes to make and will leave your skin feeling exfoliated and super soft!
This post in sponsored by NOW Foods. Free product and compensation was provide, however all opinions are my own.
It is important to be mindful of what you put on your body such as lotion, sunscreen and other beauty products in addition to what you put in your body. I discovered the NOW beauty line when I went to visit the company last year. I wrote about my experience in this post.
I was thrilled to discover all of their natural products aside from food- from bug spray to essential oils to hair care products like shampoo and conditioner. I started using their Shea Nut Oil at that time and have fallen in love with several of their oils. I thought I would share several of the ways I use them with you plus share this simple DIY Salt Scrub made with coconut oil that will make your skin feel amazing.
But before I get to that, I want to share the different ways I use their carrier oils….and make sure to stick around to the end and grab the recipe for the DIY Salt Scrub and enter the giveaway where someone will win some NOW solutions oils!
5 Ways To Use Carrier Oils (Carrier Oils- “base oil or vegetable oil, used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy. They are so names because they carry the essential oil into the skin”. Wikipedia)
Moisturizer
- This might be the most obvious, but I always assumed applying oil would leave my skin so greasy. I have come to find out that is not the case at all! It absorbs in no time and really keeps the skin moisturized well. Using the oil right out of the shower especially helps your skin from drying out. Several of the oils are odorless, a benefit in my opinion as opposed to harsh smelling fragrant lotion. However, a drop off your favorite essential oil mixed in will allow you to customize the fragrance if you prefer.
Deep Conditioner
- Several of the oils are amazing for dry, damaged hair. I especially like Jojoba, Coconut oil and Shea Nut oil which can be used two ways. 1) as a deep hair moisturizer- apply a generous amount until dry ends are coated and leave in a loose bun or clip for the day or even overnight if possible. When you shower just rinse well, shampoo and condition as usual. 2) apply in the shower mixed into your shampoo- about 1 tablespoon of oil mixed with a dollop of shampoo will leave your hair feeling softer immediately.
Skin Lightener
- This is a personal experience, but I have found the use of oil on a regular basis can help lighten dark spots on the skin, especially after exfoliation. Castor oil seems to be especially good for this.
Bug Repellant
- Living in mosquito populated Texas, bug spray is essential, but I can’t stand the aroma or the ingredients for that matter. On a whim I tried mixing some Shea Nut oil with a few drops of essential oil, I used this blend made from a combo of Bergamot, Orange, Lime, Grapefruit and Lemon Oil and it worked for me! I still had to reapply after about 1 1/2 hours but this is coming from someone who averages a dozen bites every 10 minutes. I don’t think the mosquitos like the essential oils. Yay!
Exfoliator
- Sugar salt scrubs are easy to make and act as a natural exfoliator for your skin. I find the older I get, the dryer and more scaly my skin becomes. I love making this DYI Sugar Salt Scrub with NOW Solutions Coconut Oil and Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil. Grab the recipe below!
As you can see there are so many great benefits to using oils, but the one I love the most is that you aren’t absorbing any of the junk that they add to the majority of store-bought products. I am talking about potentially toxic chemicals, color dyes- stuff you don’t want in your body.
Let me quickly give you an overview of the carrier oils I’ve tried and love:
- Avocado Oil– 100% Pure Avocado Oil is a natural, hydrating, nutrient-rich oil that is a heavier in texture. It helps keep skin supple and softens stubborn dry skin with no greasy residue. It can also be used as a massage oil.
- Castor Oil– 100% Pure Castor Oil is expeller-pressed from the seed of Ricinus communis and is virtually odorless. Castor Oil is considered by many to be one of the finest natural skin emollients available today and can be found in many popular cosmetic and beauty products. It is also multipurpose and helps to moisturize and soften hair and skin.
- Coconut Oil– NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil pure fractionated oil is a versatile oil that is light, odorless and not greasy making it ideal for a variety of personal care uses. It is great in handmade skin care products, such as this DYI Salt Scrub. Coconut oil can help to soften dry skin or dry, damaged hair as well as adding extra shine.
- Jojoba Oil– a multi-purpose oil for skin, hair and body, pure Jojoba Oil is derived from the seed of the jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) shrub and is one of the most popular cosmetic oils available today due to its high stability and cosmetic versatility. Jojoba oil is ideal for all skin and hair types, and it is most commonly used to promote softer hair and skin. Jojoba Oil contains many nutritional compounds, including long-chain essential fatty acids and fatty alcohols.
- Shea Nut Oil– another multi-purpose moisturizing oil, NOW Solutions Shea Nut Oil is an expeller-pressed, fractionated oil obtained from the seeds of African Karite trees. It is ideal for skin, scalp or hair in need of intense natural moisturizing as well as protection from the extreme heat or cold. This oil absorbs quickly so you can enjoy your healthy looking hair and skin without the greasy residue. Apply it post-shower instead of lotion.
As you can see they all have similar benefits and are all multipurpose so the I recommend trying one or two and figuring out your favorite. I am sort of obsessed with them all so don’t think I could just recommend one!
Before you go, let me tell you briefly about this DIY Salt Scrub- 5 simple ingredients- salt, sugar, coconut oil, fresh rosemary and essential oil. You take it in the shower or bath, rub it all over your skin and feel the silky aftereffect. It makes a great gift too!
Interested in trying them? Enter to win my giveaway which will include a variety of NOW Oils (Avocado oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Nut Oil, Jojoba Oil, 2 Essential Oils- all subject to substitutions based on available):
a Rafflecopter giveaway
[Tweet “#ad Try this amazing DIY Salt Scrub + Learn 5 Ways to Use Carrier Oils @NOWFoods + #Giveaway “]
- ½ cup sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 5-7 drops of NOW Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Transfer to jars with tight fitting lids. To use: apply to skin in the bath or shower, rubbing gently to exfoliate. Rinse clean.
Caution: NOW® Essential Oils are highly concentrated and can be irritating to the skin. Avoid direct contact with skin and always dilute essential oils before topical use. Discontinue if rash appears after skin contact. Not for internal use. Avoid contact with eyes. Consult healthcare practitioner before using if pregnant/nursing
Leslie says
I love salt scrubs! They help me keep a semi good looking body after running and working out! I love the oils, they help me with my migraines and if I’m in pain from running/working out they help ALOT! Thank you for sharing this easy DIY !
Leslie recently posted..Our Rustic Romantic Beach Wedding in Roatan
Rana Durham says
I HVE NOT USED CARRIER OILS BEFORE BUT I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW HOW TO USE THEM MORE.
Margot C says
I do use Essential Oils, I love them. Sometimes I make my own cleaners.
Lucy says
Love this post. I’ve just started experimenting with essential oils and so far have made a deep conditioning mask for my dry hair. I also love using coconut oil on the ends of my hair where it is especially dry. I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Melanie says
I have never used carrier oils but would like to know more about them. I have used essential oils for a few DIY projects, and my experience with them has been positive. I entered the giveaway- fingers crossed!
Bridget @ Antics of a Nutty Hiker says
Pinning this for later, I have wanted to make salt scrubs for a while now! I’d rather make my own than buy it!
Bridget @ Antics of a Nutty Hiker recently posted..Miller Springs Nature Center
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
This Texas girl says “Amen” to the part about bug repellent! 🙂 That salt scrub looks amazing, and your information about all the oils is so thorough. Thank you!
Marisa says
Thanks for the lesson! I love essential oils and can’t wait to try your recipe.
Gennifer Rose says
Beautiful photography! And I learned something new today, I never knew about “carrier” oils. I have very sensitive skin so I am always looking for natural products without chemicals. Thanks!
Gennifer Rose | http://www.GenniferRose.com
monica y says
I have tried the Now products before and I love them. I am gong to try your recipe and see how it leaves my skin. Everything with coconut oil is great. I also want to make the recipe to give teachers at the end of the school year as presents. I know they will appreciate it
Farrah Less G. says
Perfect I have plenty of rosemary plants in our backyard. And I don’t know what I’m gonna do with it except adding it to my meal. I have a personal spa at home and my main ingredients are coconut oil and sea salt. This DIY salt scrub is perfect addition on my home spa.. I can’t wait for the weekend to try this.
Farrah Less G. recently posted..The 4 Best Towers To Scale, On The Planet
Bites for Foodies says
I have had a DIY salt scrub on my list of things to do for the last 6 months – and still haven’t gotten around to doing it. Also, I’m just getting into essential oils…I have never even heard of this brand!
Nikki says
I love making my own salt scrubs, it’s such an easy and fun way to pamper myself. I’ve seen NOW foods a lot on Amazon, I have them on my list of things to buy when I run out of my current batch of essential oils and carrier oils. I am glad to see they’re so awesome!
Ali Rost says
NOW products are a staple at our house. There’s nothing better than all natural products. I love the avocado oil as a moisturizer and use coconut oil in my hair. I’m definitely going to try your salt scrub recipe this weekend!
Kristen M says
I’ve used eucalyptus oil in laundry; that’s the extent of my experience with oils.
Heather S says
I use essential oils but would love to know more about carrier oils
Rosie says
I have used essential oils from Now Foods, just starting out with trying some DIY concoctions, but I haven’t yet used carrier oils. Oh, I would so love to try this. I want to make gifts, too!
iamalighthouse says
Yes, I do! I love using essential oils!
Deanna m says
Yes I daily use essential oils.