Herbal Facial Exfoliating Scrub

This is my own version of some different recipes I experimented with.  It is so easy, and of course does not have any questionable ingredients such as parabens or sodium laurel sulfate.  Oh, and of course it's cheap!

Herbal Face Scrub

½ cup oatmeal

¼ cup cornmeal

1 Tbsp. sea salt, sugar, or poppy seeds

5 drops essential oil or ¼ cup dried sweet smelling herbs (such as mint or lavender), or pure vanilla

¼ + 1/8 cup olive oil

Place all ingredients in the blender or food processor, and grind.  Store in an airtight container.  If desired, grind the oatmeal in a coffee grinder, then stir all ingredients in a small bowl.

To use, apply a small amount to damp skin just after washing, scrub gently, then rinse well.  Use 2-4 times per week.

Using an essential oil / herb such as lavender or tea tree oil will extend the scrub’s shelf life, though you should use or toss within 4-6 weeks.  I used an essential oil blend called "Heart Song" by Aura Cacia (cheapest to buy at Vitacost or Vitamin Shoppe).  It has lavendar in it, and at first seemed too earthy of a scent.  But it really grew on me, and I plan to use it in my homemade deodorant.  Though there is a lot of flexibility with this recipe, you may want to stay away from herbs such as clove and orange for any facial treatment, as they can be overwhelming for the eyes.