Do-It-Yourself Spa Therapies
Tips for Glowing Skin and a Calm Spirit
Hydrating baths, exfoliating agents, masks, and moisturizers are the key ingredients for rejuvenating the skin. Protection from the elements, which is especially important in winter, is also essential, and a well-planned skin care program is crucial for protecting the skin.
Hydrating Baths
Bath tubs, Jacuzzis, and hot tubs are all skin savers. The steam generated by hot water helps hydrate the skin. Products especially designed for the body, such as sea salt scrubs, mud treatments, and foaming bath oils, can be used in the bath. In general, these products are too abrasive for the delicate skin on the face. Origins, Sabon, and Bliss make body scrubs rich in emollients that exfoliate and soften the skin.
Tea tree and lavender essences are available for hot tub soaks. Adding a few drops of an essential oil to the bath enhances the experience.
The whirling jets of a hot tub or Jacuzzi work wonders on sore, tense muscles, promoting relaxation. Jetted bathtubs enhance the effects of foaming bubble baths.
Soaking in a hot bath, Jacuzzi, or hot tub relaxes the body and promotes sound, restful sleep. After bathing, apply a body mask or moisturizer.
After stepping from the tub pat yourself dry with a fluffy towel. Lie back into the tub and cover your skin with a mineral, clay, mud or other hydrating mask or body wrap treatment. These products work best on warm, hydrated skin. Leave the product on for 10-20 minutes and rinse off.
Moisturizers containing shea butter are especially effective for sealing in moisture and keeping the skin soft and smooth. Creams are generally richer and penetrate the skin better than lotions. While body moisturizers are excellent for the skin on the hands, it’s a good idea to have hand lotions available near each sink.
Home Facials
Home facials performed weekly are essential for glowing skin. Look for exfoliating products designed specifically for the face. Thymes Essential Face Polish and Fresh’s Brown Sugar Scrub work exceptionally well. Avoid using exfoliants if skin is irritated or sun burnt. Use as directed and rinse well.
Apply a mask especially designed for your skin type. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask, Fresh’s Umbrian Clay, and Zia’s Oceanic Clay Rejuvenating Mask all work well. Leave on for the recommended time and rinse well. Home masks can also be made using oatmeal, eggs, lemon, and other products. Many recipes for home masks are available online.
Pat skin dry with a soft, clean towel and apply a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type and the time of day. Good examples include Aveeno’s Positively Ageless Multidefense Daily Moisturizer, Olay Regenerist, and Clinique’s Daily Defense. See Sephora’s list of top moisturizers.
Protection
With proper care, skin is better equipped to cope with the elements. Still, proper protection is key. The skin on the hands is a regular barometer of the body’s health. Regular use of hand lotions after hand washing can keep the hands looking young and feeling soft.
The skin, including skin on the ears and neck, should be covered and protected from wind, cold weather and sun. Before you hit the ski slopes or the beach, use sunscreen and moisturizer.
Humidifiers, like baths, can hydrate the skin. Using a humidifier at night can make the difference between dry and supple skin.
With a regular program of do-it-yourself skin care, adequate hydration, and good nutrition, your skin can look as if you’d just spent a week at your favorite spa.
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