DIY lightening body scrub from Lemon and Baking Soda.

For my exfoliating granules, I use baking soda as an exfoliant because it’s a very fine grain that doesn’t cause my face much irritation. For brightening, cleansing, and removing dead skin cells, I add 

lemon juice, which contains citric acid. Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, many of which have become popular skincare ingredients. For moisture, I add coconut oil,which prevents my skin from getting too angry after being exfoliated and negates the need for additional lotion after the scrub. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil is optional, and I only add them when my skin is in the midst of a particularly problematic phase.

METHOD

1 tablespoon baking soda.1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (from a bottle is okay if you don’t have lemons).1/8 tablespoon coconut oil, 2 drops tea tree essential oil (optional—good if you are prone to breakouts)Small bowl, stirring spoon, and measuring spoons. 

Step 1: Mix 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice with 1 tablespoon baking soda. It will fizz. Stir until it becomes a paste.

Step 2: Add coconut oil—preferably in liquid form or tea tree oil. 

Step 3: Stir well and apply. I put a layer on my dry face, let it sit for about 30 seconds, add a bit of warm water and scrub into my skin for another 30 seconds, and then wash off.

Note: I find it’s easier to make a new mixture each time I want to use this scrub, but you can double the measurements above and store in and air-tight container for future use. I would not recommend making a big batch because it might start to dry up.

Remember: Over-exfoliating will irritate your skin. Most store-bought exfoliants recommend exfoliating once or twice per week. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you’re going outside after using citric acid on your skin!