I was diagnosed with Keratosis Pilaris at the age of 6. This is a very common skin condition that is also called “chicken skin” (and by the way, if anyone ever calls my epidermis “chicken skin” it will be ugly…what a horrible nickname for this condition!). I’m sure you know someone who has this, and perhaps you have it, too. It usually manifests on the arms and legs, and looks like really bumpy skin that is also quite blotchy.
I’m 33 years old now, so it has been a part of my life for 27 years. And I can tell you already that little Layah is going to have it. Not sure yet about Darah. It’s very normal for me, and it doesn’t cause me too much grief. I mean, it is what it is. I can’t remember what it is like to have smooth skin on my arms and legs. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t REALLY like to have smooth skin again! So when I heard folks on a oils facebook group talking about how using essential oils is helping with Keratosis Pilaris, I was ALL OVER IT. Treating the condition with oils typically involves two steps: using an exfoliating scrub, followed by a moisturizing cream. I made both of these concoctions about 10 days ago.
My Results After 6 Uses
So I’ve used these products about 6 times now, and I will say this: visually, my skin doesn’t look any different. Still splotchy. Still bumpy in appearance. Again, I’ve only used this combo 6 times, so it is too early to determine what the final result is going to be. But was I hoping for a miracle? Of course I was. And so, it was a bummer not to be able to look at my arms and tell a difference.
BUT…my skin feels VERY different! I have been touching my arms so often over the last week, because I just can’t get over how smooth they feel. Do they feel like the arms of someone who DOESN’T have KP? No, at least not yet. But do they feel like the arms of someone who DOES have KP? No, not anymore! They are in this in-between place. And I for one absolutely love it!! And even if you don’t have KP, this is a great scrub for dry skin, too!
DIY Sugar Scrub for Keratosis Pilaris
So the first step is to exfoliate. And you need to exfoliate with the right stuff, friends! I’ve bought TONS of exfoliating over the years, and none have come anywhere close to working as well as this homemade version.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut oil (buy the good stuff
…not the cheap version…it matters!)
- 1 cup cane sugar
(I chose cane sugar because it seems slightly less fine that regular white sugar so it has more grit)
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
I cut the recipe in half for my first attempt (just in case I didn’t like it…but I LOVED it, so go ahead and make the whole thing!). Use a medium sized glass bowl. DON’T use plastic, as essential oils will eat plastic! True story.
Add the sugar, and then the coconut oil. Coconut oil is solid at room temp. I microwaved it for 8 seconds to soften it a bit. That’ll all you need for it to work with you…it melts very quickly. Do not fully melt your coconut oil before making this, ‘k?
Now it’s time to add your lavender. Your skin goes through quite an ordeal when it is being exfoliated, and the lavender is there to soothe. It is important to get the good stuff so that the impact you are seeking is there, and not just the scent. I have used Young Living in the past, but I also feel comfortable recommending Plant Therapy.
Mix all of your ingredients together with a fork until well combined. Then transfer to a glass container with a lid
And if this whole oils thing is all new to you, I’ve got some other great articles you can check out to learn more. I got into the whole thing as a skeptic, myself, so if you have your doubts about it, I TOTALLY relate!
Trying Essential Oils as a Skeptic
How to Get Started with Essential Oils
My TV segment on natural allergy relief and Young Living
DIY Shower Disks for Congestion
Essential Oils for Weight Loss
How to Get Free Essential Oils Without Starting a Business (It’s EASY!!!)
Use Lemon Essential Oil to Safely Remove Crayon Marks
How to Get Rid of Hiccups with Peppermint Oil
How to Strengthen Brittle Nails with Essential Oils
Back-to-School Germ Relief with Thieves
How to Neutralize Bathroom Odors in a Flash