Hand Scrubs for Gardeners or excellent hand-made gifts!

I have been experimenting with making my own bath products for a while. Look here to see my lemon scrub. I became interested in it at the same time I started to make my own cleaning supplies. I like the idea of being a bit more self sufficient and hand made toiletries are easier on the environment.  I also love that I don't have to worry about calling poison control (wait until you find your child eating your lotion and you'll understand this one!), and I can't even begin to tell you about the money you can save.

Here is a scrub I made for my Mother - in - law's birthday. It has a lovely aroma and leaves your hands soft and clean.

Orange Lavender Hand Scrub

Zest of two Oranges
1 cup White Sugar
1/4 cup Olive Oil (or Grape Seed, or Sweet Almond Oil)
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

-Combine the zest and the sugar with a whisk in a large bowl ( that way you can stir vigorously and not make a mess.)
-Mix in the oils, stir to combine.
- Store in a pretty glass container near the sink where you wash up after playing in the garden!

(To finish off the gift, I took a spoon and bent the handle to fit inside the container for use as a scoop.)

Here is another version I made with sanitizing in mind:

Grapefruit Tea Tree Oil Hand Scrub

Zest of a Grapefruit
1 cup Sugar
8-10 drops Tea Tree Oil
3-5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
1/4 cup Olive Oil (or Grape Seed, or Sweet Almond Oil)

Same process as above.

As you can see, this is really easy to make. It takes less than 10 minutes. I really feel like I am using more of the fruits I eat as well. I paid for the whole fruit, so I might as well put it to work for me! Our skin is our largest organ and absorbs chemicals like a sponge. If I am making a grand effort to pay more attention to what I am putting in my body, I should match that effort and make sure I know what I am putting on my body as well!

(Disclaimer - I am a photographer, not a skin care expert! I have done my research, but it wouldn't hurt to do yours.  Also, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, please don't use them.)