by Tracey Rich

There's no time like the present to shed your winter skin. And nothing feels better than a body scrub. Many schools of thought agree that dry brushing is great for keeping your skin conditioned and also aiding in stimulating the lymphatic system, circulation, and refreshing the body's largest organ of elimination--your skin! Some health professionals recommend dry brushing daily or at least weekly. You can do this prior to stepping into your shower using a loofa-type glove or cloth, an actual loofa sponge or a dedicated dry brush all of which you can find at most health food stores. Although for some dry brushing takes getting used to most people find it as life changing as tongue scraping or learning ujjayi breathing! Your skin will feel amazing...silky and soft. Exfoliating is an important part of aiding the body in getting rid of toxins and brushing helps lighten the load on the other systems of the body taking care of these processes.

You can also exfoliate in the shower using a salt or sugar scrub. The granulation of the salt or sugar roughs up your skin to eliminate dead cells and the oils they are mixed with smooth and condition your skin all in the same process. You can find numerous products to accomplish this important and delicious task or you can make your own scrub easily at home. Below is a recipe you might like to try. The olive and almond oils nurture your skin and help hold in moisture. The addition of honey to the mix is moisturizing and nourishing, and the salt or sugar exfoliate. You're going to smell great, look great and feel great! Dive in and get rid of that winter skin!

Scintillating Spring Body Scrub

1/4 cup olive or almond oil
2 Tbs-1/4 cup honey
1 cup fine salt or sugar
Optional: A few drops of essential oil of your choice (citrus is uplifting, lavender is soothing and calming)
Optional: fresh flower petals such as rose, lavender, or calendula which is considered very good for the skin

Massage scrub over your entire body using circular motions. Rinse, and glow!