What is a Brown Sugar Scrub?

Sugar scrubs have gained popularity as natural skin smoothers that help the skin get softer and slough off dead skin cells. This process is called exfoliation and in addition to cleaning the skin it is thought to stimulate the production of new skin, and thus reduce aging. There are many types of sugars that could be used as exfoliant, but it seems the most popular of these is the brown sugar scrub.

A brown sugar scrub usually has at least three ingredients: brown sugar, some form of oil, and some type of scent of flavoring. Commercial brands may have many more ingredients, including things like glycerin, detergent or soap chemicals, and others. Directions may vary on how to use them.

Most often people are advised to use the scrub on the body, once a day, after a quick soaping. Rubbing the skin in circular motions enhances exfoliation. Since many of these products also contain oil, it may be necessary to soap and rinse off after using them. People are also advised to be careful when showering because the tub may get a little oily, and it could easy to slip. This advice could vary by product ingredients.

On the subject of ingredients, the simple nature of many brown sugar scrub recipes may make people wonder if it wouldn’t be much cheaper just to make a scrub at home. Actually, it usually is far less expensive and there are a host of online recipes. The simplest ones are a combination of brown sugar, olive or almond oil, and a little flavoring like vanilla for scent.

Some more complex recipes include honey and oats. The oats are a great idea. Rolled oats, finely chopped in a blender or food processor, are one of the best homemade exfoliant ingredients. When mixed with oil, they soften slightly and are easier to manipulate.

One question people might want to ask is about the shelf life of brown sugar scrub. It is, after all, food. The oil can get rancid, though sugar is a good preservative. Most people who make their own brown sugar scrub at home recommend throwing out any leftovers in about four weeks.

In addition to brown sugar scrub being a good exfoliant, many people rave about its smell. Some folks find that the sweet smell of brown sugar encourages them to remember to exfoliate. The smell is homey and sweet; a powerful inducement to maintain a skin care regiment. On the downside, even commercial products can be a little messy to use, and some people prefer exfoliating scrubs of other kinds.