There is nothing like a spa day to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, though as of late those lavish days feel long behind us. Regardless of the fact we’re unable to physically visit spa facilities at the moment and relish in their soothing effects, there’s still a lot of treatments that can be done right from the comfort of your own home.
From homemade face masks to body scrubs to the probably much needed hand repair moisturizer, treat yourself to a morning or afternoon at the DIY spa. We promise you you’ll feel much better for it.
With ingredients from your own kitchen, below are a few ideas to get yourself started.
Honey-Avocado Face Mask
For this homemade face mask, a dreamy mix of hydrating avocado, skin-cleansing honey and toning apple-cider vinegar delivers perfect pH balance for all types of skin.
What you need:
- 1/4 cup ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
Combine avocado, honey and vinegar in a mini food processor; process until smooth. (Alternatively, place in a small bowl; mash with a fork until smooth.) Apply a thin layer to clean, damp skin. Let dry, then rinse off and moisturize as desired. Oily skin types may not need additional moisturizer.
Makes enough for 2-3 applications. Should be used immediately.
Cucumber-Mint Body Scrub
Hydrating cucumber and cooling mint bring soothing and inflammation-quelling properties to this body exfoliator. The fine grains of sugar help shed dry skin, and skin-quenching coconut oil sweeps in to give a supple glow that lasts even after washing.
What you need:
- 1/3 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves
- Scant 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons raw virgin coconut oil, melted
In a small bowl or mortar and pestle, mash cucumber and mint into a pulp. Squeeze the liquid out into a second bowl and discard the pulp. Add sugar and melted coconut oil to the liquid and mix until fully incorporated.
Apply to clean, damp skin using circular motions to exfoliate the skin. Rinse off completely, then towel dry. Moisturize as desired. Makes about 2/3 cup. Use immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The coconut oil will harden in the fridge; bring scrub to room temperature before using.
Deep Hand Repair Salve with Coconut Oil
This homemade moisturizer is an all-purpose miracle worker-as excellent for damaged and dry hands as it is for repairing chapped lips and cracked skin. Rosemary and sage oils, steeped in nourishing coconut oil and cocoa butter, help to jump-start skin repair.
What you need:
- 1/2 cup raw virgin coconut oil
- 1/2 cup chopped cocoa butter
- 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh rosemary leaves
Melt coconut oil and cocoa butter in a small saucepan over low heat. When the oil is hot to the touch, add sage and rosemary. Let the mixture steep over low heat for 10 minutes, then turn the heat off and leave the pan on the stove to steep, uncovered, for another 1-2 hours, depending on desired potency of scent.
Strain out the leaves and discard. Pour the liquid into an 8-ounce glass jar, two 4-ounce jars, or four 2-ounce jars. Place lids on the jars and refrigerate overnight to harden. Remove from the fridge the next morning and keep in a cool, dry place. Makes about 1 cup. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Don’t forget to do a patch test first.
Store bought skin products undergo rigorous testing and contain preservatives and anti-irritants and whilst raw ingredients may seem more of a natural alternative it's always best to test them first.
While you’re at it, give yourself a manicure and pedicure, before you know it a few hours will have passed you by. Even in times like these, the luxury of a spa day is not lost. For more at home spa treatment recipes, visit the Eating Well website.
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