Time spent under the sun may improve your mood, but it can also do a good deal of damage to your skin. Even with the protection of high-SPF lotions, the sun can dry and coarsen skin (which can lead to uncomfortable and unsightly peeling). Combat summer dryness with a natural, homemade body scrub. This milk and almond mixture works to cool and soothe aggravated skin as it exfoliates and replenishes moisture.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup chopped almonds
• 1/3 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk (add more milk as needed to form a paste)

Directions:
Process almonds, oatmeal and milk in a blender or food processor until the mixture has the consistency of a coarse paste. Refrigerate in a sealed container for 30 minutes or more. Rub handfuls of the paste over the entire body to exfoliate.

Note: If desired, add a teaspoon of your favorite aromatic herb (lavender, chamomile, etc.) to the mixture before blending, or add a 3-4 drops of an essential oil to the finished scrub.