Your hands and your lips are two areas where dry skin tends to become an issue. Luckily, it's easy to scrub away dead skin and moisturize these areas with homemade scrubs. When you make a hand or lip scrub yourself, you know exactly what ingredients go into it, so you don't have to worry about reactions to chemical additives and the like. The following instructions show you how to make a more delicate scrub for your lips and a rougher one for your hands.

Homemade Lip Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• A tiny drop of an essential oil (since you may lick the scrub, be sure to choose one that is safe to eat, such as lemon, orange, or peppermint)

Place coconut oil in a small glass bowl, and pop it in the microwave for about 5 seconds to melt it. Add the olive oil and essential oil to the bowl, and stir to distribute the essential oil evenly. You can purchase essential oils from a professional distributor, like Living It Out. Remember to choose an essential oil that is labeled "safe for consumption." Stay away from cinnamon because, although it smells nice, it tends to give lips a burning sensation.

Add the sugar to the bowl, and stir well. The scrub should take on a pasty consistency. Add a bit more sugar or olive oil to suit your preferences, if needed. Store the scrub in a glass jar. To use it, place a small quantity on your lips, and then rub them together. Lick or wipe it away with a warm wet cloth, and enjoy the smoothness of your lips!

Homemade Hand Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap (unscented)
• 3 drops of your favorite essential oil (feel free to use non-edible oils like eucalyptus or jojoba for this recipe)

Combine the olive oil and essential oils in a bowl, and stir them together. Add the remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Store the mixture in a jar or tub. To use it, apply about a teaspoon to your hands, and rub vigorously. Rinse your hands clean; your skin should be smooth.

These homemade hand and lips scrubs also make lovely gifts. Package them in jars, paste on some handmade labels, secure them with ribbons, and watch your friends smile.