Pucker Up

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The winter months can be harsh on delicate skin - especially the lips. This sugar scrub is an all natural alternative to store bought products that may contain harsh ingredients. This recipe calls for ingredients safe enough to eat and helps retain much needed moisture in the lip’s epidermal layer - thanks to a light coating of virgin coconut oil

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Pucker up!

I grew up in an old historic home in Detroit with boiler heat. People either love them or not. Yes, I’ll admit, they are very bulky and noisy. However, radiators produce a delightful moist heat that fills the room and lasts much longer than dry heat. I found that radiators are not only efficient at creating a cozy home, it also helps minimize the potential for dry skin.

Fast forward to adulthood - ever since I moved out of my childhood home, I’ve missed the sound and warmth of radiators. I also quickly noticed that forced air (HVAC systems) are not kind to my skin. It leaches moisture from even cell - creating brittle nails, scaly skin, static cling hair, and chapped lips! Recently my teen and I both noticed that our lips were incredibly dry and cracked - to the point they were peeling and sore! We spent the day monitoring our hydration, setting a simmer pot on the stove, and slathering on commercial balms to no avail. Fed up with the discomfort, we went into the lab (aka our kitchen) and whipped up the most deliciously emollient lip scrub. We had a ball experimenting with the formula and were pleased with the results. It’s made with all natural ingredients from our pantry, smells amazing and it works!

Lemon Sugar Scrub (an all natural exfoliant for dry, chapped lips)

Ingredients:

2 T virgin coconut oil (food grade)

2 T organic cane sugar (or turbinado sugar)

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp finely grated lemon peel

Directions:

  1. Zest lemon and squeeze juice measure and set aside (save extra peel & juice for delicious lemon bars or tea!)

  2. Melt coconut oil over very low heat until liquified (do not boil).

  3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to incorporate - the mixture should be the consistency of a granular paste. Place your sugar lip scrub in an air tight container - to help maintain freshness, store in the fridge.

  4. NOTE: If you have eczema or citric acid allergies/sensitivities, omit the lemon juice and peel and opt for a drop of all natural food grade flavorings like vanilla, almond, or mint.

Application & Usage:

With a clean spoon or small makeup spatula, scoop out 1/2 tsp of scrub onto your fingers and gently massage your lips to help exfoliate dry / scaly patches. Avoid over scrubbing or using on injured, cracked lips or open sores - because the lemon juice will sting! Let sit for a few minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water to remove the sugar granules, leaving behind a light coating of coconut oil.

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