KATHMANDU: We all put an extra effort to take care of our skin because in addition to looking beautiful, we all want to have that soft and glowing skin. The outermost layer of our skin accumulates dead skins which should be removed. Regular exfoliation of your skin helps remove those dead cells thus leaving you skin softer, smother and healthy.

Using a body scrub is the best way to exfoliate. Use a scrub at least once a week as it promotes blood circulation, opens and cleanses pores, removes dry itchy and flakiness and also nourishes and moisturises your skin.

If you have rashes, acne, sunburned skin, or spider veins, avoid scrubs as they might make the condition worse. Instead you can just opt for a soft body brush in the shower.

Apply a handful of scrub to damp skin before taking a bath. Massage in a circular motion, beginning with feet and legs, and work your way up. Continue massaging to allow essential oils to penetrate the skin. Bathe and rinse as usual.

You can also make your own body scrub at home. Scrubs basically have three ingredients — exfoliators, carrier oils and essential oils.

Here are some you can make at home.

Oatmeal sugar body scrub

•4 tablespoons rolled oats ground

•4 teaspoons brown sugar

•4 tablespoons aloe vera

•2 teaspoons lemon juice

Blend oats in a blender until they form a very fine powder. Put the powder into a mixing bowl and add the brown sugar and lemon juice. Mix well. Add the aloe vera and stir into a paste. Make sure there are no lumps.

Sea salt body scrub

•1 cup fine sea salt

•1/2 cup grape-seed, hazelnut, or almond oil

•10 drops grapefruit essential oil

•10 drops juniper essential oil

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir thoroughly. Spread

the mixture onto damp skin and massage in. Concentrate on the tough, rough, thickened areas of the body, such as the feet and elbows.

Almond and bran scrub

•1/2 cup very finely ground almonds

•1/2 cup coarse wheat bran

•1 cup hot green tea

•10 drops lavender essential oil

Mix the almonds and bran. Add the tea; stir until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Cool just

to body temperature. Add the lavender essential oil, thoroughly blending the mixture.