The warmth of summer will soon be fading, as will the humidity. The dry air of fall and winter is hard on skin, so why not take advantage of ingredients already in your cupboard, plus a few essential oils, to keep that summer glow going for as long as possible? Olive and coconut oils are wonderful skin softeners that can be found in most home kitchens.
Olive oil is naturally high in antioxidants that work to fight environmental skin damage. It’s an amazing make-up remover and helps soften dry spots. For a sugar scrub, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and a few drops of essential oil. After washing your hands, lightly rub your hands with the sugar scrub, give a quick rinse and pat to dry. The olive oil moisturizes skin and the sugar gently sloughs off dead skin cells. Once a week or so, bring it into the shower and do an all-over scrub, focusing on rough spots like elbows and knees.
Coconut oil is filled with vitamins A and E, which may help reduce skin damage from the sun. For body butter, warm 1/2 cup of coconut oil, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and keep in a covered container. The coconut oil will solidify again. Use a little to soften hands, cuticles, and lips. The body butter also makes a great oil to use while shaving.
Amy Goetz is a FoodE Expert for Lunds & Byerlys Woodbury. She helps customers with recipe ideas, teaches cooking classes and plans events. She writes about food and recipes.
