Home Made Spa Treatments for the Holidays

10. Dec, 2009 1 Comment

The holidays can often lead to a time of stress. What better way to relax then with some inexpensive do-it-yourself home spa treatments? Below are some new favorites that I have found. I just tried the coffee scrub today and it was delightful. A good rule of thumb for home made spa treatments is don’t use ingredients that you wouldn’t want to eat. Your skin is the largest organ on your body. It will absorb the properties of the ingredients you are using. Use fresh, high quality ingredients for the best results.

COFFEE BODY SCRUB

Ingredients
2 cups of coarsely ground coffee
1/2 cup raw sugar or sea salt
2-3 Tbs massage oil

Mix all ingredients together. Take a hot shower to moisten your skin and open your pores. Using wide, circular motions, rub the coffee exfoliant onto your skin with strong, even pressure. Shower off, pat skin dry, and apply a thin layer of your favorite body lotion.

SAVORY CRANBERRY FACIAL WASH
Did you know the acidity in cranberries works as a mild astringent and toner? Greeks originally considered Savory to be an aphrodisiac? Cranberry and Savory have antiseptic properties similar to those found in oregano and thyme, and help cleanse the skin of excess oils.

1 tablespoon dried savory leaves, crushed
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cranberries

Steep the dried savory in boiling water in a small bowl, for fifteen minutes. Strain the liquid and set it aside. Puree the cranberries in a blender, and strain the fruit from the liquid. Discard the fruit, and save the juice. Combine the savory water and the cranberry juice, soak into cotton pads, or a fine textured washcloth, and press against your face for fifteen minutes, avoiding the eye area. Remove pads or cloth and rinse with warm water.

CHOCOLATE FACIAL MASK
This creamy mask is an excellent moisturizer, leaving your skin baby soft. Recommended for normal skin.

1/3 cup cocoa powder
3 tbsp. heavy cream
2 tsp. cottage cheese
¼ cup honey
3 tsp. oatmeal

Mix all ingredients together (a bullet blender is ideal) and smooth onto face. Relax for ten 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

Have other at home spa treatments to share? Let us know.