DIY Cleansing Grains

As promised, I'm bringing you my super secret recipe on DIY Cleansing Grains. (And by super secret I mean anyone can figure it out). As belated as this post is, I think I deserve a break--a pair of clueless newlyweds preparing for the holidays is bound to spell disaster.

But without further ado...(drum roll please)

What You'll Need:

1. Organic Adzuki Beans

You can purchase organic adzuki beans online at iherb.com for $3.78 per 16 oz. or find them at a Whole Foods Market near you.



2. Coffee Grinder

If for some reason you do not own a coffee grinder (or do not like the idea of using your grinder for anything other than coffee), you can purchase one at any home goods store, including Macys; Bed, Bath, and Beyond; JC Penny; or Williams and Sonoma.



3. Mixing Spoon and Bowl

Pretty self-explanatory, right?

4. Any combination of the following ingredients

Unless you just want a basic, exfoliating scrub to add to your normal face wash (just add a sprinkle of adzuki bean powder to whatever face wash you normally use), you should add other ingredients in order to achieve your desired results. Here are some great options...

BENTONITE CLAY

Where to Find It - Like organic adzuki beans, bentonite clay can be found at any Whole Foods Market or Sprouts Farmers' Market.

Why You Should Consider It - Bentonite clay has skin softening and exfoliating properties and draws impurities from the body. You usually buy it in bulk quantities--but don't worry! It's super inexpensive and can be used not only as a facial cleansing powder but also as a face mask. If your skin is looking a little red and bumpy, just mix some of this clay with water and spread a thin layer on your face.



VARIOUS HERBS AND FLOWERS

Where to Find Them - www.mountainroseherbs.com (mentioned in my previous post on cleansing grains) is absolutely THE best site to find a wide variety of herbs and flowers in large quantities. You're supporting a really conscientious company when you purchase from them!



Why You Should Consider It - I add things like Matcha Green Tea Powder for antioxidants or Lavendar Flowers (run through the coffee grinder to make them into a powder) for soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Adding lavendar flowers or green tea powder will make your cleansing grains smell divine and will add that extra somethin' somethin' to keep your skin happy and healthy.



5. Glass Jar with sifter lid

Glass is the most stable material you can use to store your cleansing grains. Unlike plastic, it won't contaminate your product and can be reused over and over again. This feature makes it more environmentally friendly, too!

Where to Find It - You can buy glass sifter jars in a variety of sizes. It all depends on how much product you plan to make. The Spice House
sells simple glass jars at reasonable prices, but you can also buy them at The Container Store. Look under KITCHEN / SPICE STORAGE.




DIRECTIONS

1. Grind up the adzuki beans until they are a fine, powder consistency.

2. Grind up any additional ingredients that are not already in a fine, powder form. For example, lavendar flowers are too bulky to be used as a facial cleansing grain whereas lavendar powder is already just right. Matcha green tea powder and bentonite clay already come in a fine, powder form.

3. Add all ingredients into a bowl and mix well.

4. You might want to use a funnel to add the ingredients to your reusable sifter jar unless you don't mind spills!

5. Place the sifter jar full of your personalized cleansing grains in your shower or restroom. When you're ready to clean your face, add water or your favorite face wash and scrub a dub dub!

Tip: Your cleansing grains can double as a deluxe face mask. Add honey to make a very rich, moisturizing mask that also kills acne-causing bacteria. (Ever wondered why you don't need to store honey in the fridge and yet it still stays fresh for ages?)