Magickal Body Scrubs

Body scrubs... what are they and why on earth would you want to use them?!

I will give you a few reasons below...

Here's the difference between a salt and a sugar scrub:

Salt scrubs are generally more abrasive because of their sharper edges and, therefore, do a better job at smoothing the rough skin of the body. What really separates salt scrubs from sugar scrubs is that they offer therapeutic, mineralization benefits. Sea salts, are natural purifiers that remove the toxins that block the pores of the skin. It helps the skin breath easier, promotes better circulation, tightens the skin and improves skin texture. There are many sea salts used in scrubs including Himalayan, Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Dead Sea Salts from Israel. These various salts have different trace minerals, which include calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. The minerals help to promote circulation, reduce the inflammatory response, and act as a detoxifying agent and general muscle relaxant.

Sugar scrubs are gentler than salt scrubs because the granule is round and therefore doesn’t have any ability to “cut” the skin. It’s a far better choice for sensitive skin types and the only choice for the face. Sugar granules dissolve more easily in hot water, and they are less abrasive than salt scrubs. While sugar scrubs don’t have the mineral benefits of salt scrubs, they are less drying, and many natural scrubs now use natural sugars which contain the nutritive properties of sugar cane. Because of the smaller, finer granules, sugar scrubs make a gentle exfoliant that is suitable for next to all skin types and conditions. The glycolic acid content of sugar is another plus, helping to protect skin against harmful toxins. Vital for the maintenance of healthy skin, this acid works to both condition and moisturize. Even for seriously rough and dry skin, sugar scrubs are great because sugar sizes come in fine, medium and course. But choose your scrubs wisely. Do not use a body scrub on your face – it’s too rough. Sugar also has the benefit of melting as you use it, from the heat of your skin, so you can customize the product based on your personal skin type and need.

Some people use them to help with circulation, others feel cleansed, (imagine how many icky dead skin cells are removed, so that we can witness the beautiful glowing skin beneath!) There is something deeply spiritual, cleansing with a scrub and massaging your whole body. Some like the fact it has super moisturizing benefits. I love all the aromas that nature can provide, but predominantly the more earthy spicy aromas that tingle your senses. I have personally used mine as a cleansing protective agent pre-spellcasting or even just for fun. Scrubs can be used in both the bath or the shower.

Scrubs have been used for hundreds of years, for exfoliating the face and body. Chances are you have a myriad of products for your skin and hair, but you tend to forget a good body scrub. The combination of cleansing, exfoliation and massage, provides benefits that go beyond what a bar of soap can do. A decent body scrub can improve your skins health and texture simply by adding it to your bath or shower routine. A scrub works in a few ways, as you massage it over your body, the exfoliating granules Slough off dead skin, and the rubbing action boosts circulation and helps drain your lymph nodes, by increasing blood flow to the skins surface.

The Egyptian women would make a monthly ritual out of it spending whole days together massaging and scrubbing each other once the feminine moonphase was over. It was a way to be clean, to invigorate and stimulate younger looking skin and prevent wrinkles (with the oils used) from the scorching suns heat.

So what should you be putting in a scrub, well anything you would eat of course! For starters the basic ingredients are either sugar or salt for the scrubby factor. (None of these synthetic molecules, that have no health benefits whatsoever, we are talking about a 'real' scrub) Then you can add herbs, or berries and resins ground finely. then you can start to add clay's of choice, again each clay has different qualities and skin benefits, so choose as per your personal requirements.

Citrus peels are another way of getting antioxidants directly in contact with your skin, banish those free radicals I say!! (Just a note of warning here however, anything citrus-y has photo toxic qualities, meaning that you should not go out into direct sunlight right after use, so your best bet is do this at night, to allow your body to absorb all the goodness.)  Coffee granules are a perfect way of getting rid of stubborn cellulite, and toning those annoying jiggly bits on your thighs :)


After that you can then start adding your butters and oils, add these slowly as you really want your scrub to be the consistency of damp sand (see pic below). Once you are happy with the consistency of your scrub, you can add essential oils, this is not necessary but can do wonders for your mood.. think of all the times you gone to a spa or a beauty therapist and all aromas that are wafting around bring you to a sense of calm, they invigorate your senses and just basically put you in a happy place.

Each ingredient will do something different for your skin, I suggest you do your research for yourself as everyone is different.

Below is one of my favourite recipes. I like this particular one because I can share it with my partner, For me its a sensual, magickal, practice. Its not just a scrub its much much more than that. Remember that old saying...? Sugar and spice and all things nice?

Now with your Love Potion scrub I would always use a sugar base, as you want the sweet factor to rub off... literally!! So for sweetening up your lover go for sugar :) Heres a little bit about the ingredients used and why I use them.

Sugar: It acts as a humectant, which basically means that it draws in moisture from the environment around it and places it onto your skin. It is naturally occurring in AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) the high glycolic factor in sugar that helps generate skin turnover, promoting the young, fresh, youthful dewy look we all love. It helps greatly with aging and sun damaged skin. And because its granular,its a fabulous exfoliator, for body I would use normal granulated sugars, and for the face I would use brown sugar as it is softer and the granules are smaller.

Shea Butter: This is a a super moisturizing butter. It has a slight nutty smell to it. Reduces inflammation according to this study, so may be beneficial in some cases for people with acne. It's skin smoothing, by aiding the skins natural collagen production, so can be used on scars and stretchmarks to aid the healing process and minimize scarring. It also has a natural SPF of 6.

Almond Oil: This is a very light oil, it is hypoallergenic (unless you have a nut allergy),it is fully absorbed by the skin making it great for after bath application. It is naturally high in vitamin E, its one of the best natural treatments to aid in easing the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Its also fabulous for hair. 

Sandalwood essential oil: Sandalwood essential oil protects wounds from infection, soothes inflammations due to fever and other conditions, clears up spasms, tightens gums and muscles and helps stop hair loss. It can also reduce the chance of hemorrhaging, heal scars and after marks, give relief from gas, increase urination, fight infections, and it keeps skin smooth & free from infections. Finally, sandalwood essential oil traditionally cures coughs and colds, reduces blood pressure, increases memory, soothes nervous disorders and inflammations, and boosts your immune system. So as a sedative and a tonic substance, it is the perfect addition to your love potion :)

Patchouli essential oil: This can be used to fight depression and uplift mood, soothe inflammation resulting from high fevers, does not allow wounds to become septic, increases libido and cures sexual disorders. Furthermore, it helps to tighten gums and muscles, and it stops hemorrhaging, heals scars and after marks, promotes cell growth, eliminates body odor, increases urination and removes toxins. Finally, it is well known for its ability to cure fever, kill fungus and insects, as well as reduce emotional and nervous disorders.

Ylang Ylang essential oil: It fights against depression and uplifts mood, stops sebum secretion, protects against sepsis, increases libido and cures various sexual disorders, while also reducing blood pressure, curing nervous disorders, soothing inflammation and reducing the severity of nervous disorders.

Sage essential oil: It has been known to inhibit viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections, and thus protects wounds against becoming septic, heals damages done by oxidation, soothes inflammation, clears spasms, increases the production of bile, and promotes digestion. Furthermore, it fights infections, opens up obstructed menstruation, cures coughs and colds, reduces fever, helps clear the bowels, stimulates discharges and generally boosts systemic functions

Red Kaolin Clay: This clay is rich in iron oxide and copper and low in aluminum and it was traditionally used in treating joint pain and washing to protect oneself from infections and disease. Red Kaolin clay has anti-inflammatory property good in treating skin that is inflamed and gums. It relieves pain caused by contusion, hematoma and bruises. It’s also reduces swelling on affected areas. Like the other Kaolin clays, it also stimulates blood circulation

White Kaolin Clay: White kaolin clay is rich in silicon and aluminum silicate and it is known to be the mildest of all clays. It provides a silky slip, a property that makes it ideal for sensitive skin and this mainly why it is often used in soaps and shave-creams. 

Here is the recipe below for those who are the DIY-ers out there, but if you dont have the time or the resources to make this let me do it for you! Just click here and purchase from my Etsy shop

Love Potion body scrub:

Add 1 cup of granulated sugar 

2 tbsp shea butter

2 tbsp Almond oil
1/3 cup of dried sage
1/8 cup red kaolin clay
1/8 cup white kaolin clay
1/8 tsp sandalwood EO
1/8 tsp patchouli EO
1/8 tsp ylang ylang EO
1/8 tsp sage EO

So go ahead and add a touch of magick alone or with a partner... I dare you :)

But most of all have fun!!!!!

Please be wary as the oils in this scrub may make surfaces slippery, take extra care.