Essential Oils for Keratosis Pilaris --Sugar Scrub--

The Mayo Clinic

According to the Mayo Clinic, Keratosis Pilaris develops when keratin forms a scaly plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle. Usually plugs form in many hair follicles, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin.

This skin condition started with my youngest boy when he was about 4yrs old. After much trial and thousands of prescription lotions, ointments, and scrubs, I finally turned to doTerra for some help. Not as a last resort per say, but a friend just introduced me to them, and was and still am, in awed surprise with how well they've helped to maintain good health and become a great form of preventative 'medicine' for my family. 

If you have a child or you yourself has Keratosis Pilaris, then you are aware that the main goal for healing is to soften the skin and clean out the clogged ducts. With that in mind, I poured through everything I could find on softening the skin, naturally, and without the burning sting of most prescription meds for this condition. I also poured over everything I could on doTerra oils: extraction method, properties, uses, application, and safety data. 

NOTE: I highly recommend that you fully research every ingredient. Blogs are great but should only be a beginning place for ideas and help. Only you have the knowledge of your (your families) allergies, sensitivities, and reactions to ingredients, products, and such. We have some severe allergies in our home so it is important for me tor know everything about and oil and carrier oil I use. 

I decided that I would make him a sugar scrub. Below are the reasons why:

Sugar: The Huffington Post  reports 3 ways sugar is good for our skin

1. Sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin.
2. Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that penetrates the skin and breaks down the "glue" that bonds skin cells, encouraging cell turnover and generating fresher, younger-looking skin.
3. Sugar's small particles make an excellent topical exfoliant, and are used to scrub and exfoliate dead surface skin cells.

Coconut Oil:  Medical Daily reports that Coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturizer because of its vitamin E content and its positive antioxidant action in the body. This helps stop the damage to the tissues in the body since oxidation is a major source of skin aging. Its anti-microbial properties can also be useful with things like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and staph infections. A 2004 study published in the journal Dermatitis found coconut oil can improve the moisture and lipid content of people with dry skin.

doTerra Peppermint Oil: Some of the therapeutic properties of peppermint include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, astringent, expectorant and stimulant.

doTerra Lemon Oil: Some of the therapeutic properties of lemon include: anti-bacterial, anti-biotic, antiseptic, anti-viral, astringent, diuretic and disinfectant.

Lemon Sugar Scrub

3 Cups of Organic Coconut Oil -Melted

4 Cups of White Sugar (Brown for Sensitive Skin)

40 Drops of Lemon Oil

10 Drops of Peppermint Oil

NOTE: You can switch 40 Drops of Peppermint Oil and 10 Drops of Lemon oil, if you want your scrub to smell more like peppemint

You Need:

Pyrex  Measuring Cup

Pyrex Pan

Glass Mixing Bowl

Metal Spatula

NOTE: You will need to use glass containers (metal spoons and spatulas) when working with Essential Oils. 

Directions: Spoon Coconut Oil into the Pyrex Cup. Melt in Microwave in 30 second increments. Once melted add drops of E Oils and stir well. Pour Sugar into glass bowl. Add Melted Oils mixture.

Pour into Glass pan when fully combined. Let sit (away from heat) for a couple hours or until completely hard. Cut into equal squares then remove from pan with metal spatula. 

Store in the freezer in a gallon sized freezer bag. I have a little container that my little one gets from his shower, brings downstairs, grabs a cube from the freezer, then takes to the shower. He first washes his hair and body, then uses his sugar cube on this arms and cheeks (that's where his KP is). 

Little Container: I do use plastic for this because he is little and I have 3 boys! Need I say more!  

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or medical professional. The information shared in my post does not constitute medical advice. Furthermore, individuals are recommended to seek professional medical assistance in the event they are suffering medical conditions. Most importantly, consider becoming your own health and wellness advocate.