The DIY Psoriasis Treatment: Body Scrubs

Essentially, a body scrub is a skincare product that mainly functions to remove dead skin cells through exfoliation. But it has other benefits to your skin as well.

Hello healthy skin!

Exfoliating soaps help lift the top layer of skin. This can help speed up the psoriasis healing process, allowing the body to replace scaly patches with smooth, healthy skin more quickly. Taking off the dead skin can also help medications and ointments work better. It can also help you feel better about how you look.

It's important to use body scrubs safely to avoid pain, infection, and bleeding. As with anything, a health professional or dermatologist can help a person choose the right product for them.

Let's DIY

There's nothing quite like a homemade body scrub. Sure, you can splurge on fancy exfoliants (and there's nothing wrong with that), but there's something satisfying about crafting your own bespoke homemade blend, whether the goal is to help boost circulation, exfoliate away dead skin or just improve the overall look and feel of your skin.

Doing all of this on a budget is just the icing on the cake. Below, are five body scrub recipes I found helpful in treating my psoriasis skin.

Simple sugar scrub

Sugar may be something we all want to avoid in our diets, but when it comes to our skin, you may want to consider using a sugar scrub in your skincare routine. Sugar is an excellent natural exfoliant.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil (you can also use a nut or seed based oil such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil)
• your favorite essential oil
• a jar with lid

How to make your scrub: Place sugar in a bowl and add your olive oil, mix. Add 4-6 drops of essential oil (you can add more or less depending on how strong you want the scent to be). Using a spoon, fold the ingredients into each other. Don't stir or mix. Scoop into jar and seal lid.

Dead sea salt scrub

Dead Sea salt is said to improve blood circulation, resulting in healthier skin cells and a lower number of skin scales. Not only does coconut oil moisturize dry skin and hair, but it can help with psoriasis, too. That's because it helps to hold in moisture.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of dead sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups of virgin coconut oil
• essential oil (optional)
• a jar with lid

How to make your scrub: First, heat your coconut oil so that it becomes a liquid. Pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or in a pot on the stove. Fill 3/4 of the jar with the sea salt. Carefully pour the melted coconut oil into the jar of sea salt. Mix well.

Depending on the size of your jar, you can add or subtract the amount of sea salt and coconut oil. You want your scrub to be wet but not mushy and overflowing with oil. You can add a few drops of essential oil but you can definitely forgo it with this recipe.

Refreshing lemon and olive oil scrub

Thanks to its high fatty acid and vitamin E content, olive oil makes a great moisturizer for dehydrated skin partnered with lemon that can get rid of dead skin cells. The theory is that it might also alleviate skin patches attributed to psoriasis and dandruff.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup of olive oil
• juice of one lemon
• zest from two lemons
• a couple drops of essential oil (I love rosemary for this one but you can also omit essential oil if you want)
• a jar with lid

How to make your scrub: First, combine sugar and olive oil. Add lemon juice and zest. Add a few drops of essential oil (optional). Scoop into jar and seal lid.

Himalayan pink salt scrub

Himalayan salt scrubs can be used therapeutically for chronic pain. Many people rely on this scrub to treat sunburns, calluses, and painful cuts. Its exfoliative properties help cleanse the skin's pores.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of finely ground himalayan pink sea salt
• 1/2 cup of extra virgin coconut oil (you can also use avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, or sweet almond oil)
• 10-15 drops of lavender oil
• a jar with lid

How to make your scrub: Pour the Himalayan salt and oil in a bowl and mix with a fork. Add lavender oil and mix. Scoop into jar and seal lid. If your mixture is too wet, add more salt to thicken.

Well, how do I use it?

Keep your newly made scrub in the shower. This allows for easy access and an in-your-face reminder to use it more often. To avoid damage to your skin, make sure you are applying the scrub to a wet surface.

Use warm water. Applying to a dry surface could create damage to your already psoriasis-speckled skin. Hot water will just further dry out your skin.

Use your hands. Use an adequate amount and move in circular motions over your body. You can also use a gentle loofah, brush, or exfoliating gloves. If you choose any of these options, make sure the tool is soft and gentle on your skin.

Be gentle. The exfoliating property in the scrub should be adequate enough to do the scrubbing. Wash the scrub off and moisturize.

Happy scrubbing!

DIY body scrubs are quick and easy to make, and an affordable option compared to store-bought scrubs.

These natural homemade exfoliants can be used to cleanse, soften, and nourish your skin. Always be gentle when exfoliating your skin, and use extra caution if your skin is sensitive or very dry.