Lana'i Pineapple Body Scrub:

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Next time you serve fresh pineapple for dessert, reserve the rinds to use later in the shower to slough off dead skin cells on your elbows, knees and heels.

Ingredients:

Pineapple rind, cut into wide slivers, Almond flour, prepackaged, or finely ground almonds (optional)

Directions:

Take pineapple peels - cupping rough side in your hand - and either using alone, or with a sprinkling of almond flour, rub the fleshy side of the rind on problem areas. Moisturize afterwards with a tropical-scented oil or cream to protect new skin and complete your spa experience.

Research shows that the unique enzyme found in pineapple, known as bromelain, has many important dermatological benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in soothing insect bites and minimizing unsightly bruises. For our purposes, bromelain's enzymatic processes have an exfoliating effect, which added to the natural abrasion from the fleshy inside of the pineapple peel works wonderfully in smoothing rough, calloused or flaky skin.

The optional almond flour/ground almonds also work gently to remove dull, dead skin cells, both through the exfoliating effect of their granular texture as well as through their relatively high beta-hydroxy acid content. Almonds are also one of the richest sources of vitamin E - an antioxidant shown to mop up free radicals while protecting other vitamins and nutrients from oxidative damage, allowing them to do their work.

Because pineapple is slightly acidic, this treatment should not be used on your face.