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When the seasons change, in addition to my weekly mini-facial, I like to indulge in more of an at-home spa experience and do a deeper treatment with scrubs, masks, steam and whatever else feels indulgent and nourishing for my skin. Over the years I’ve tried with a lot of DIY beauty treatments. Some were hits and some misses. A few months ago, I began experimenting with homemade scrubs based on ayurvedic principles and finally found a combo that knocked my usual store-bought versions out of the running. This scrub leveled up my seasonal treatment and is created using three simple ingredients most of us already have on hand: rice, honey and baking soda.   

Rice flour or powder is a time-honored beauty tool originating in Southeast Asian countries. It acts as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. Honey is soothing, moisturizing and hydrating and is said to have antibacterial properties. While baking soda is said to be anti-inflammatory. The combination of the three results in brighter, plumper, more hydrated and soothed skin. I use a scrub about two-to-three times per week, but if you have sensitive skin, you may want to curb it to once a week. Also, those with oily skin will want to refrain from exfoliating too often, as it can cause skin to produce excess sebum.

Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ground rice or rice powder (I grind mine in a coffee grinder or blender. Make sure it’s ground into a fine powder — smaller than white sugar or table salt — or it will be too abrasive)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• baking soda, one pinch

Directions

Combine ingredients into a paste. Apply paste to face, neck and décolletage and gently rub in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Apply serums and moisturizers as usual.

You can also experiment by adding other ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator, such as soothing oatmeal or hydrating milk, essential oils and your favorite citrus or herbs. That said, while the above recipe should be gentle enough for all skin types, be sure to test it (or any new skincare product) on your skin in an inconspicuous place before slathering it on your face.

Do you have a tried-and-true homemade beauty product? Did you try this one? Email melanie@myneworleans.com to share.