Did you know you are supposed to exfoliate your legs? I always assumed that the very act of shaving your legs was exfoliating enough. Oh silly me! Turns out exfoliating before you shave sloughs off any dry, dead skin, so you can get a closer shave, and ultimately, smoother legs. :-)
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When I saw this idea for a pre-shave leg exfoliating scrub I knew I had to try it. Now I feel like I’ve been missing out all these years! I couldn’t be happier about discovering this stuff. After using it, I would venture to say my legs have never felt softer or smoother. No kidding. The recipe is super simple. The most challenging part for me was actually finding time to take a bath! Well, unfortunately I never did find that time, so I made do and used it in the shower instead. I’ve never really been a fan of shaving in the bathtub anyway, so this worked well for me.
Exfoliating Scrub For Silky Smooth Legs
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup oil (I used olive oil, but you can use any oil, coconut oil, baby oil, canola oil, etc.)
- 3 tablespoons citrus juice (lemon or lime) OR 20 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Start by mixing all the ingredients together. I put mine in a mason jar and just shook it all up.
Then I transferred the mixture to a plastic squeeze bottle for easy application.
Soak your legs in the tub for 5 minutes. Or if you’re taking a shower, wash and conditioner your hair first, then after your legs have had a chance to soak for a few minutes, apply the mixture to your legs and rub it in. I was surprised at how good this felt! I ended up using it on my feet and arms as well! The abrasiveness of the sugar rubs off all the dirt and dead skin, the lemon juice (or lemon essential oil) works as a mild skin peel, revealing brighter, smoother skin, and, of course, the olive oil penetrates deep into the skin and provides long-lasting moisture.
Related: Make Your Own Pre-Shave Oil For Sensitive Skin
After rubbing the mixture in for a few minutes, it’s time to shave your legs. Feels pretty good huh? Well, we’re just getting started! Now, rinse and repeat! Yep, do it again. Rub mixture all over your legs, shave, and rinse again. This time you might want to use a mild soap to get some of the oil off. Or not, your preference!
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Note: make sure the bottom of the shower isn’t super oily when you are done, so that the next person to use the tub or shower doesn’t slip and hurt themselves.
When you get out of the bath or shower, put some of your favorite lotion on and enjoy your silky smooth legs! I guarantee you will be so amazed at how soft your skin feels, you won’t be able to keep your hands off yourself! ;-) And for more amazing homemade bath and body recipes, be sure to check out my eBook At-Home Bath & Body! You can buy it in my shop, or download it for free if you’re an OGT Plus member!
What should the consistency be like? Mine ended up sort of thick, but still a bit runny. Should it be thinner, like a gel consistency?
It sounds perfect! It’s sort of an odd texture, but it works wonderfully :-)
Hi Jillee! Just a quick question. Can a different oil be used at all? Like maybe a rose oil instead of lemon citrus oil? Thanks! This is a wonderful post!
Sure!
Would this be okay for electric shavers?
I don’t see why not! Just be sure to rinse the exfoliant well before shaving. :-) Since electric shavers don’t cut as close, it won’t leave your legs quite so soft. But it will still exfoliate and moisturize!
Okay, thank you so much!
Oil, of any kind, even liquid, is not good for your plumbing! Coconut oil is a no brainer, since it solidifies. But over time, liquid oil gunks up the pipes, causing debris to be trapped and before you know it, you have a clog! I no longer use oils in the bath or shower. And the dish soap that “takes grease out of your way”? It doesn’t magically disappear. It goes down the drain. We always wipe grease/ oil off of our dishes with a paper towel before washing them, and no longer have problems with clogs.
Thank you for sharing this. I can’t wait to try it. Should this be done in every shave? Or how often?
Every shave is best! :-)
Thank you Jillee.. I LOVE your website you have awesome ideas!
I’ve seen several ask, but have yet to see it answered.. how long does this mixture last??
About 1 week, but it will last 2 or 3 in the fridge. :-)
hOW LONG THIS cAN BE USED AFTER MAKING AND KEEPING IT IN JAR???
A few weeks :-) Longer in the fridge!
Does it separate? I’ve noticed that many things that involve oil tend to separate over time.
A little, but you can shake it before use. :-)
How long can it be made and keep it in jar?Can we keepit for 2 months or more???
I made some using lemon essential oil instead of juice, which made it less liquid. It won’t pour, so I put it in a small plastic container to use in the shower and will refill it as needed. It smells delicious and works great on my legs, feet and heels which get a lot of exposure in the summer. The one caution that I didn’t think Jillee stressed quite enough is that unless you clean your tub/shower after you use it, the tub/shower will be VERY, VERY SLIPPERY and dangerous due to the oil. Please be aware of this issue,… Read more »
hlw can u tel me how long can we use it after making and keeping in bottle
I don’t think this did much, but it was fun to try. My friend got ridiculously bad razor burn from it.