Skin Problems? How to have a DIY Spa from Home
Between work and household
responsibilities, chances are you’re in need of some relaxation. A day at the spa might do the trick. In fact,
one study in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found
that spa visits were linked to better physical and mental health.
But finding the kind of time and money required for a spa day could cause more stress rather than put you at ease. So instead, set aside an afternoon in your own home and treat yourself to these DIY beauty treatments.
But finding the kind of time and money required for a spa day could cause more stress rather than put you at ease. So instead, set aside an afternoon in your own home and treat yourself to these DIY beauty treatments.
Set the mood
Your bathroom might be
the most practical room for an at-home spa experience, but it also may be the
least tranquil. Take a few minutes to get rid of anything that reminds you of
household chores, like dirty laundry or stacks of toilet paper.
Then, change into
comfortable clothes, light a scented candle and cue up some soothing tunes.
According to Australian research, music and nature sounds can help reduce
anxiety while increasing relaxation.
Kiss chapped
lips goodbye
What we put on
our bodies should be as safe as what we put in our bodies - especially
when it comes to the face, says a beauty expert. Spa treatments made from
food-based ingredients - like sugar and salt scrubs - are popular because
they’re healthy and all-natural and they’re great for the skin
To make an exfoliating
(and edible!) sugar scrub for dry lips, try this recipe: Mix 1 teaspoon of fine
castor sugar with 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil. Gently rub the mixture around
the contours of your lips for 30 seconds, then wash off with water and wipe
away excess with tissues, which are soft and won’t irritate delicate lip skin.
Go green
Avocados have
antibacterial and antimicrobial properties; when applied to your face, the
fruit can help reduce inflammation and clean pores. Plus, it can stimulate the
growth of collagen and elastin - proteins that keep your skin looking young,
shows a study in the journal Phytotherapy Research.
To reap the
skin-soothing benefits of avocado, try the favourite exfoliating mask: Mash
together one avocado (cut into pieces), the juice from half a fresh orange, 1
teaspoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil. Spread
evenly on your face and neck, leave on for 30 minutes, and then wash off with
cold water.
After all traces of
your mask are removed, a toner can help hydrate your skin and seal in moisture.
To make sure you don’t overdo it, apply toner to a tissue folded into quarters,
and then wipe the tissue across your face for an even application.
Make a
full-body exfoliant.
When your skin is feeling
dry or rough, scrub it with a mixture of almond oil, sea salt and a drop of
lemon oil. Make sure to use sea salt (not iodised salt) with small granules so
it doesn’t scratch your skin, and mix with oil until you get a grainy,
spreadable consistency.
Don’t have lemon oil at
home? Cut a lemon in half and use it: The citrus acts as a natural exfoliant to
help slough away dead skin cells. Apply to arms and legs while you’re standing
in or sitting on the edge of the bathtub; afterward, rinse off with warm water.
Put your best foot forward.
A professional pedicure
involves more than just painting your nails, but that doesn’t mean you can’t
duplicate the process at home. Fill your bathtub with warm water and a soothing
bath salt, and let your feet soak as you remove any polish that’s currently on
your toenails.
Cut or file your nails
straight across, rounding the corners only slightly to avoid ingrown toenails.
Then apply cuticle oil to your toes and use a cuticle stick or a nail file to gently
push back your cuticles. Be careful here, because you’re not a professional. Pushing
too deep, or cutting or peeling off skin, is how you can end up with scabs or
an infection.
Next, exfoliate the
bottoms of your feet with a pumice stone, allowing the other foot to soak.
Then, drain the tub and apply a thick lotion to your feet. Leave the lotion on
for at least five minutes, then rinse your feet with fresh water and dry them
off. Now for the colour: To help separate your toes, twist up several tissues
and wrap them around your toes, creating space between them. With a steady
hand, apply two coats of colour followed by a quick-drying top coat.
Leave the tissues between your toes for as long
as possible to prevent your nails from rubbing against each other; try to
remain still for at least 10 minutes. Use this time to read a magazine, call
and catch up with an old friend, or just sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet.
So simple with amazing
results!
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