At home spa treatments – a step by step guide
Few can deny that a trip to the spa is a luxurious treat we may afford ourselves. However the truth is, in the current recession and the reality of huge budget cuts for everybody will mean even the cheapest of spa deals is likely to leave a dent in our pockets.
Fortunately the Natural Health and Beauty Hub is about to give you some ideas about how to create the best DIY spa in town. And the location? Your home!
At home spa retreat
You can make it as long or short as you like depending on the time that you have available to you. Our recommendation is to put aside around 2-3 hours so that you can focus on your spa day.
First we are going to look at the spa products that you can choose from. Each beauty manufacturer has their own version of traditional spa products and they of course vary widely in price.
Next we will give you some tips on how you can create these from your own kitchen.
1. Decide what you want to do. Think about how you are feeling to decide what spa treatments are best. Do you want a detox? Beauty treatments e.g. manicure, pedicure or facial?
2. Prepare your area. Once you have decided on your spa treatment you will need to gather some equipment to enhance your spa experience. This can include nice soft plump towels hung on the radiator to keep it warm, soothing music (don’t take electrical items into the bathroom or shower room, use it outside the room) and a refreshing drink of your choice such as water with lemon and lime wedges in it. The list is endless so it depends on what makes you feel good and relaxed.
3. Below are some spa treatments you might want to include:
Body scrub - Basic recipe – Mix 4 tablespoons of sugar or sea salt with 2 teaspoons of oil of your choice (olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil). Excellent for sloughing off dead skin and improving texture and circulation. Add a maximum of 12 drops of essential oils for example 8 drops of orange and 4 Patchouli. Or 3 drops Spearmint, 5 drops Orange and 4 Lavender.
Scented candle - Tea light candle, oil burner and essential oils such as jasmine, lavender to create a relaxing environment – try this mix to reduce stress, 6 drops of Lavender, 6 drops mandarin. Blend to lift & balance your mood - 1 drop Geranium, 2 drops frankincense, 2 drops orange.
Facial steam - Herbal facial steam with calendula petals, lavender or geranium – fill a bowl with boiling water (be careful not to spill it) and add the herbs, petals or essential oils of your choice. Place the bowl on a flat surface and drape a towel over your head and the bowl. Make sure your face is at least 12 inches away from the bowl to prevent scolding. Stay there for 5 minutes and splash your face with cold water to finish.
Face mask - 2 tablespoons of yoghurt & 2 tablespoons of honey mixed with a strawberry.
Eye soother 2 pieces of cucumber sliced, cotton wool soaked in natural witch hazel placed over the eyes (not dripping), teabags.
Manicure - hands in milk, wash off and push back cuticles using an orange stick, remove rough bits, file nails, buff, use a cuticle oil or balm (olive oil is fine), undercoat and polish of your choice.
Pedicure - Same as above, but you can soak your feet in water instead of milk and moisturise your feet with an intensive balm once they are dry.
4. Finish off with a cup of Red Bush, Camomile, or Green tea to provide you with natural antioxidants to support the treatments you have provided yourself with.
5. Lastly, if you have a willing friend or partner, ask them if they will give you a massage. There. The ultimate spa treat!
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