Posted 5 years ago
Spa Treatments At Home
Spa Treatments at Home!
OK, this is your “me” time so no significant other, children, dog, or cat interruptions. Light candles or dim the lights, listen to soothing music. Grab your coziest robe, softest towels, and some clean washcloths. Have a pitcher of cold water spiked with lemon slices and mint or cucumber to sip. Then suspend all judgment about your so-called flaws. Perhaps you would like to do some treatments during the day or in the evening. Take this time for a beauty reboot – rejuvenate your body and your mind.
Below are some options for you to choose. Combine treatments, put hair and facial mask on and relax in the tub. Using the body scrub at the end of the soak will loosen all the dead skin, increase circulation, and stimulate rejuvenation!
After the tub you can combine the foot and hand treatments leaving the hair and face mask on.
Rejuvenating Body Scrub
Regular exfoliation is important for removing dead cells which can accumulate on the skin’s surface, leading to dull, dry skin. This is a great spa treatment at home. For a nourishing body scrub, mix some brown sugar and olive oil, using roughly double the amount of brown sugar as oil. You can also add in some manuka honey, which is beneficial for both dry and acne-prone skin types, and some lemon or orange essential oil for an uplifting scent. Use the scrub in the shower, rubbing in circular motions over the body and paying attention to rough spots such as the elbows. Cautionary Note: please be careful in and out of shower as oil can make things slippery!
Refreshing Foot Mask
Our feet are often neglected, but they deserve a treat from time to time, particularly after exercise or from wearing flip flops. For an invigorating treat for your feet, blend equal quantities of oatmeal, corn meal, sea salt and olive oil. Add a few tbsps. of aloe vera gel to get a mask-like consistency then add a few drops of refreshing peppermint oil. Apply to feet and massage in. Leave on for a few minutes then wash off.
Note: For a quick pick me up and detox for extremely dry skin apply Castor Oil on the feet and immediately put socks on. Wear for at least 8 hours and your feet will be softer!
Steam Facial
Steaming your face is a good way to cleanse your pores, helping to promote clear and glowing skin. For a steam treatment at home, fill a bowl with boiled water and leave to cool slightly so that it is not hot enough to burn your skin. Add a couple of drops of essential oils, such as tea tree oil for acne-prone skin, lavender oil for oily skin or rose absolute oil for dry skin. Steam your face for a few minutes by leaning over the bowl with a towel covering your head to trap the steam. You can follow a steam treatment with a purifying clay mask or simply some toner and moisturizer.
Note: This treatment is also wonderful to decongest the sinus area! It is OK if you do not want to do this step – the steam from the shower or bath will help to open your pores!
Softening Hand Treatment
For a softening treat for your hands, try using a moisturizing scrub made from 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp sugar and a teaspoon of almond or grapeseed oil. Scoop some of the mixture on to your hands then massage in circular motions all over. After a few minutes, rinse of the mixture with warm water until most of the oil has been washed off, then pat dry. Finish with a moisturizing hand cream or lotion.
Note: Sitting and relaxing with a foot (put plastic bags on) and hand treatment (put gloves on) will help to soothe the mind while softening your skin!
Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment
For a natural conditioning treatment, try mashing up an avocado and applying directly to your hair for a shot of moisture and nourishment. Alternatively, for a protein-rich treatment, apply a beaten egg to hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. If your hair is extremely dry apply a layer of olive oil and wear a shower cap for up to one hour. You would rinse and
Relax in a steamy (but not too hot) tub. Just add two cups of mineral salts such as Epsom Soothing Lavender Bath Salt. Rich in magnesium, bath salts help reduce water retention that bloats breasts, tummy, or ankles while it soothes achy muscles.
Aromatherapy Shower
While baths are perfect for relaxing, if you do not have access to one or aren’t much of a bath person, you can still create a spa-like experience for your shower. Choose a relaxing essential oil such as lavender or an uplifting oil such as neroli and add a few drops to a damp cloth or sponge. Place this on the floor in front of you as you shower to allow the steam to release the scents.
Skin Brightener
Papaya and pineapple are great natural exfoliators and skin brighteners due to the alpha hydroxy acids. To tighten and brighten your skin, blend some papaya with yogurt and honey and apply as a face mask. Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse off. Alternatively, pour some pineapple juice into ice trays and leave in your freezer overnight. Once frozen, pass the pineapple ice cubes over your skin and leave for five minutes before rinsing.
Soothing Eye Treatment
If you have puffy, dry, or irritated eyes, try a homemade remedy to soothe and refresh. Cool chamomile tea bags and cucumber are good traditional remedies to cool and soothe the eye area, while cool potato slices are also good for puffy eyes. This treatment should be on your eyes for 10 minutes for a soothing and relaxing treat.
Purifying Facial
For the ultimate at-home facial, begin by cleansing and lightly exfoliating your skin using oatmeal and water. Follow this up with a soothing, moisturizing, or cleansing mask made by natural ingredients such as yogurt, avocado, strawberries, or honey. Finally, pamper yourself with a DIY facial massage using a natural oil such as jojoba, grapeseed, or almond oil. Apply the oil to your hands then massage your face using gentle upward circular motions. This will help to nourish the skin and boost circulation, giving a vibrant and soft complexion.
Rinse or shower off and moisturize. Shampoo and condition your hair last to remove excess mask residue. Apply a body moisturizer while skin is still damp. Remember to trim and file toenails now, while they are soft. Mineral Fusion nail polish is free of chemicals and recommended!
Doing this pampering at night? Spa treatments at home mean turn off your mobile devices. Try some meditation to get yourself centered, keep the bedroom cool — using a diffuser with lavender helps to calm and hydrate. Note: be mindful of oil in shower or tub (do not want to slip getting in or out … also blow the candles out).
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About Ann Sherman, MBA, LE, CMLT, LSO
Ann is a licensed Medical Aesthetician and Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician, bringing 20 years of experience working in the medical field. After graduating from the Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics, she completed continuing education courses in advanced medical skin care, chemical peels, dermaplaning, specialized facials, and product knowledge. She then took her skin care knowledge to the next level by achieving certification through Oncology Aesthetics International.
About Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers (ICRC) is the largest multi-specialty oncology network in the Greater Metro Phoenix area. They have over 100 medical providers, a robust Integrative Services program and a dedicated clinical research department. Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers has 15 valley locations and five comprehensive cancer care centers that offer a multi-disciplinary approach for expedited personalized patient care. For more information, please visit www.ironwoodcrc.com.