In her first installment guest author Ellen Cox of Atlantic Aromatics (Ireland’s premier essential oil supplier) describes a simple technique for putting together gorgeous home-made body scrubs. Take it away Ellen (and thanks for the contribution)…

Care for Your Skin

Consider your skin to be like a unique fabric, as with a delicate silk garment if you want it to last any length of time and remain in good nick you should pay attention to the care instructions. You don’t fire it in the washing machine on a hot wash with heavy-duty detergents or if you do it may be the last time you get to wear it. You can’t replace your skin so taking care of it is a start. Luckily it has the most amazing capacity to repair itself and with some extra help from Nature that process can be greatly enhanced.Â

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Body Scrubs

An essential oil salt scrub is an excellent way to exfoliate, energise and help to detoxify your skin. It’s so easy and affordable (approx €9.00 for 200ml) to make without any nasty or undesirable additives ~Â

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6 Tablespoons Epsom Salts

4-5 Tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil (or Organic Body oil)

50 Drops Essential oils (= approximately 2%, half this amount for pregnancy, children, sensitive skin)

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Choose from the blends of essential oils (below) and mix thoroughly with the salt and vegetable oil. Store in a water tight container, this will keep for approximately 6 weeks. This quantity makes about 200ml. Ideally use scrub once or twice a week on dry skin (or barely wet) while standing in the shower, work up the legs, arms, shoulders, neck and torso, rinse off. Do not use shower gel or shampoo. Pat skin dry and enjoy softy, silky skin.

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Essential Oil Combinations

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Restore / Rejuvenate Blend

Rose Otto (5%) or Absolute (7%) – 25 drops

Frankincense – 10 drops

Sandalwood – 15 drops

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Relax / Calm Blend

Lavender – 20 drops

Roman Camomile (16%) – 20 drops

Imortelle or Carrot Seed – 5 drops

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Revitalise / Detox Blend

Geranium – 25 drops

Juniperberry – 20 drops

Grapefruit – 5 drops

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Quick Fix

For an even more affordable salt scrub select a Massage / Body oil from Atlantic Aromatics range of ten blends (all under €12.50) and add 6 tablespoons of oil to the 6 tablespoons of salt. Costs. Approx. €6.00 for 200ml.

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Epsom Salts

The main active ingredient in Epsom Salts, Magnesium Sulphate helps to reduce inflammation and relax muscles. Renowned for its ‘drawing properties’ it helps the body to eliminate toxins.

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Empty Jars are available from Al Pack Ltd in Sandyford (01 2957137) (€1.77 for 100ml)