Sweet Skincare Hacks Using Sugar

When it comes to indulging in a sweet treat, sugar is often a primary ingredient. And while this sweetener has a bad rep for its link to diabetes and weight gain, it’s not all bad—and it’s not just for eating! Sugar has a multitude of uses, and it can be a beneficial ingredient to add to your skincare routine. In fact, The Daily Makeover recently highlighted the many benefits of making this sweet treat a staple in your DIY skincare products.

Say “So Long” to Dull, Dry Skin

With its small particle size and ability to prompt skin cell turnover, sugar is a great natural exfoliant. The sticky residue helps remove unwanted dead skin cells with ease, and the compounds in this natural ingredient help to moisturize your skin. Many stores carry moisturizing scrubs that contain various types of sugar, but you can make your own at home just as easily for less than half the price.

Here’s what to do: Mix one cup of organic sugar (swap with brown sugar for sensitive skin) with ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix until all of the ingredients are well-combined. Rub the mixture all over your skin with medium pressure using a circular motion. Rinse the sugar scrub off well with warm water, pat dry, and bask in the softness of your skin!

DIY Disclaimer: While sugar makes a great exfoliator, make sure you are not being rough with your skin. Because of sugar’s irregular edges, scrubbing too hard or too frequently can cause discomfort, redness, and microscopic scrapes on your skin (which will leave you open to infection). It’s good to use any home exfoliator carefully, whether it’s DIY or store-bought.

Sweeten Up Your Hairstyle

The natural “beach waves” hairstyle is a popular go-to for no fuss tresses all year long. Most people think of salt sprays when wanting to achieve the beach-blown look; however, salt may dry out your scalp and dehydrate your hair, leaving you with split ends, dandruff, and a tangled mess. Luckily, sugar has the exact same curling effect on your locks, with the added bonus of conditioning effects. Opting for a sugar spray will strengthen the hair while making it slightly sticky and textured, which can be great for braiding and controlling flyaways throughout the day.

Here’s what to do: Making your own sugar spray is easy; simply combine and mix ½ cup very hot water (almost boiling!) with 1 teaspoon of sugar, let cool, and funnel into an empty spray bottle. You can even play around with the recipe to make it better fit you and your hair—try adding a few drops of essential oil for a lovely fragrance, or up the conditioning factor by adding in ½ teaspoon of coconut or argan oil.

Our Top Tip: Talk to a Skincare Expert

Having an effective skincare regimen can turn back the hands of time by greatly reducing the appearance of fine lines, age spots, and sun damage. And while there are lots of great DIY skincare tips out there, it’s best to work with a skincare expert to ensure you aren’t harming your skin.

There are many Little Rock skincare treatments that can improve the condition of your skin. If you’re not sure which treatment plan is right for you and your skin, we can evaluate your skin and make personalized recommendations during a consultation. Contact us today—we’d love to help you achieve the soft, smooth skin you’ve always dreamed of.