Francesca Biagioli Homemade scrubs keep skin soft, glowing, and hydrated long after summer. From coffee to honey, discover simple recipes and tips for a radiant post-vacation look.
Summer is winding down, and with it, the sun’s natural glow on our skin. But don’t worry—soft, radiant, hydrated skin doesn’t have to disappear with the last beach day. With a few mindful rituals and some tried-and-true “grandmother’s remedies,” you can carry that glow into the fall.
One of the easiest and most effective ways is the body scrub. Exfoliating not only smooths the skin, it helps it absorb moisturizers more effectively and keeps that tan looking fresh a little longer. And the best part? You don’t need a spa or expensive products. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.
Salt scrub
- 10.5 oz (300 g) coarse salt
- 1.75 oz (50 g) avocado pulp, or sesame oil, or jojoba oil
- 0.9 oz (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 drops of vanilla essential oil
- honey to soften (optional)
Mix the dry ingredients first, then add the avocado or your chosen oil until you get a creamy yet firm consistency. If it feels too dry, stir in a little honey for extra nourishment, or, for a vegan version, more oil. A few drops of essential oil will finish it off. Vanilla is sweet and comforting, but rose, rosemary, lemon, mandarin, lavender, or chamomile also work wonders.
coffee scrub
- 1.4 oz (40 g) ground coffee or used coffee grounds
- 3.5 oz (100 g) raw sugar or table salt
- 2–3 tbsp massage oil
Combine the coffee and sugar, then mix in the oil until you have a thick paste. The caffeine in coffee isn’t just for your morning energy boost—it helps reduce cellulite and can even minimize the appearance of varicose veins. Of course, don’t expect miracles after just one treatment. For a warmer scent, add a teaspoon of cinnamon.
Mint scrub
- 3.5 oz (100 g) salt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- a few drops of peppermint essential oil
This one smells like summer itself. Mix the oil and salt, then add the peppermint oil. Refreshing and invigorating, it’s especially soothing after a hot day.
Brown sugar and lemon scrub
- 1.6 oz (45 g) raw brown sugar
- 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) grapeseed oil (or almond oil)
- 1.6 oz (45 g) grated lemon peel
Stir everything together and let the citrusy aroma whisk you back to vacation vibes.
Oatmeal scrub
- 2.8 oz (80 g) peanuts or sesame seeds
- 1.4 oz (40 g) oatmeal
- a few drops of milk, water, or yogurt
- 1 tsp dried herbs such as lavender
Grind the dry ingredients in a blender until coarse. Store the mixture in a glass jar with a screw-top lid. When needed, scoop some out and add your preferred liquid—milk, water, or yogurt. The rest keeps well in the freezer.
Honey and white sugar scrub
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
Mix until you get a soft yet grainy paste. Perfect for sensitive skin, as honey soothes and hydrates.
Banana and sugar scrub
- ½ ripe banana
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Deeply nourishing and ideal for dry or flaky skin. It leaves your body soft, smooth, and lightly scented.
The rules for a perfect scrub
Scrubbing isn’t just about rubbing a paste on your body in the shower. Done right, it’s almost a ritual. Beyond removing dead cells, a scrub stimulates circulation, preps the skin to better absorb creams and oils, and keeps that sun-kissed glow alive.
But here’s where many go wrong: scrubbing too often or on completely dry skin. The right way is simple. Step into the shower, dampen your skin, and massage the scrub in gentle, circular motions. Don’t press too hard. Once or twice a week is enough. Always follow with a lightweight cream or oil; otherwise, your skin might feel smooth but a bit tight.
Different areas deserve different attention. Elbows and knees tend to roughen and need extra care. Heels respond beautifully to salt and oil scrubs, while arms and back benefit from exfoliation that helps clear those pesky summer bumps.
And because every skin type is unique, the choice of ingredients matters. Dry skin thrives on honey, avocado, or banana. Oily skin loves the freshness of lemon, mint, or even green tea. Sensitive skin does best with oatmeal, yogurt, or aloe vera—gentle, but effective.
A ritual to share
Homemade scrubs aren’t just about self-care. They can be playful, creative, and even a thoughtful gift. Imagine blending a batch, adding a hint of ginger or sprinkling dried rose petals, and sealing it in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon. Suddenly, it’s not just skincare—it’s a small gesture of care and attention.
Fall, after all, is the perfect season to slow down and reclaim your beauty routine. Why not start with something as simple, affordable, and personal as a scrub made by you?
Happy return from vacation—your skin will thank you.
