Use Those Leftover Cranberries For This Delicious DIY Body Scrub

Updated on 12/25/2014 at 9:00 AM

Skin care products can be a tricky gift choice if you're not sure about the recipient's skin type. However, you can DIY a scrub that is perfect for everybody on your list this year — no matter their unique complexion requirements. Jamie Ahn, the creative director and owner of New York's Townhouse Spa, recommends this cranberry mint sugar scrub for relaxing and exfoliating on cold Winter days.

Made with natural ingredients like skin-brightening cranberries, exfoliating brown sugar, calming mint, and moisturizing coconut oil, this homemade scrub is a perfect pick for anybody with problem skin. "Cranberries are good for renewing both dry and oily skin and will give the complexion a bright glow," Ahn said. "They are also known for helping skin conditions like extremely dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis." The mix of berries and mint in this body recipe gives it a "fresh, vibrant scent." If you're still not convinced that this is the perfect DIY gift, wait until you see how easy it is to make!

What You'll Need

1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
6 mint leaves
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil
Storage containers

Instructions

Blend cranberries and mint into a smooth pulp, then add into the bowl of sugar.
Heat coconut oil in a pan until it liquefies. Add the oil into the bowl, and mix until all the ingredients are evenly blended.
Transfer into a container, and refrigerate after the first application.
For additional use, transfer a few spoonfuls into a Ziploc bag, seal, and run under hot water for one minute.

*Makes 6-10 applications

To Use

"It is best to apply a golf-ball-size amount in the palm of the hands and rub in a circular motion over the body," Ahn explained. "I like to heat it up for five seconds in the microwave to make it warm."