Salt Glow Formula

This recipe is far too easy for the remarkable benefits it gives. Again, it is the simple gifts of life that are often the best. Salt glow is one of my favorite exfoliating treatments. It leaves the skin feeling silky soft and renewed, relaxed but refreshed.

I first had the opportunity to experience this wonderful body therapy while camping in southeastern Ohio. Two women friends were insistent on treating me, and being the glutton I am for goodness, I acquiesced. As they rubbed salt and oils over my body, massaging and gently scrubbing it in, then rinsing it off with warm water, I knew I had reached heaven. I know, it sounds like I’m exaggerating. Well, try it.

Similar recipes are a favorite treatment at many famous and expensive spas. But it’s so wonderfully simple, inexpensive, and easy to do that you should try it at home. Invite a friend over for a “salt glow exchange.” It’s nicest to do it outside where you can rinse off the salt and not worry about getting it everywhere. For best storage, place in a cool area.

2 cups fine sea salt
4 cups grapeseed, apricot or almond oil
20-30 drops essential oil of choice

1. Place salt in a widemouthed jar and cover with grapeseed, apricot, or almond oil. Scent with essential oil.

2. To use, dampen your entire body. Using either your hands or a loofah mit, vigorously but gently massage the salt and oil mixture into the skin. Begin at the feet and work upward in a circular motion. Be careful to avoid any scratched or wounded areas. When you have massaged the entire body, rinse with warm water. Finish with a dry-towel rub.

Read more: Beauty, Bath & Shower

Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar's Herbs for Natural Beauty, by Rosemary Gladstar. Copyright (c)1999 by Rosemary Gladstar. Reprinted by permission of Storey Books.
Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar's Herbs for Natural Beauty, by Rosemary Gladstar.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Iris P.

12:13AM PDT on May 20, 2012

A few questions:
How long does this last?
Should I refrigerate?
Would olive oil work as well?

Thank you!!

send a green star

Dakota P.

4:30AM PDT on Oct 4, 2011

wonderful ideas for men and women..........thanks

Khulood A.

1:19PM PDT on Aug 21, 2011

I want to try this for sure! simple yet great!

Jennifer C.

1:03AM PDT on Jul 21, 2011

Love it. Good to know. Thanks.

Diane S.

3:15AM PST on Mar 1, 2011

Sounds wonderful & so simple, I will try it !

Santanita G.

10:46PM PST on Nov 20, 2010

I love finding these recipes. Its nice to pamper myself without the big bill at the end of it. My husband appreciates it as well. Learning about herbs and essential oils has inspired me to start my own business.

Dixie L.

8:12AM PDT on Aug 16, 2010

Can't wait to try it.

Nona E.

6:29AM PST on Feb 7, 2010

Interesting idea to try. I also am interested in making scrubs for gifts.

Heather B.

11:24PM PST on Feb 6, 2010

Thanks, Annie.

Irene M.

10:51AM PDT on Jun 1, 2009

Could someone/anyone who makes homemade body scrubs/exfolients give me a recipe I can make and give as gifts at Christmas? Obviously, it must contain ingredients that will keep the scrub from going bad.

Thanks.