Scrub away pollution

A study published last week, in a peer reviewed journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, showed that the great lakes in North America are being polluted by tiny beads of plastic. The beads are showing up in floating clusters in the water, on the beaches and are being ingested by fish.

These beads are commonly used in skincare products like face wash and exfoliating scrubs. Washing our faces shouldn't be an act of pollution. Especially since there are alternatives available in the market that use natural products like apricot and walnut shells or cocoa beans. Better yet make your own scrub in five minutes with material available in your kitchen.

White sugar, brown sugar, sea salt and regular table salt are all great exfoliants. Brown sugar crystals are small in size and softer so they are more suitable for the delicate facial skin. Sugar is full of glycolic acid that helps condition and moisturize the skin on its own. White sugar and salt can be used for skin and coarse sea salt is great for feet. Give them a try, lets do our part in keeping the plastic pollutants out of our fresh water resources.

Brown Sugar and Honey Facial Scrub:

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar
 1/2 cup honey
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. grated ginger

Method

1. Grate fresh ginger, and squeeze fresh lemon juice.
2. Mix all ingredients together and place in a jar.
3. Use the scrub on dry skin before washing.
4. In winter you can substitute half the honey with olive or almond oil.

The scrub can be kept in an airtight jar for several days, just use a spoon or spatula to take it out.

Citrus Salt Body Polish:

Ingredients

1/2 cup sea salt
1/2 cup sweet almond oil
(can substitute light olive oil)
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients in a dry bowl.

2. Pour mixture into an airtight container and store in a cool dry place.

3. After cleaning the skin, just before exiting, apply Citrus Salt Body Polish to body in a firm circular scrubbing motion with hands or a soft washcloth. Rinse off the mixture and pat body dry with a clean towel.

Recipe courtesy of Paula Dean