Editorial

Do you love to visit a spa, but the prices are just a little “too pricy?” Then do what thousands of others have started doing – make your own spa at home!

The World Wide Web is a great place to start, but if you don’t have Internet handy, try a bookstore or library. The resources are limitless.

I have a lot of ideas right for you here. Hopefully, these low-cost spa treatments will make you feel pampered in your very own home.

Chocolate Facial Mask

This is a great mask for normal skin, leaving your face smooth, soft, and silky. The cream and honey add moisture, while the oatmeal sloughs dead skin cells.

1/3 cup of cocoa

3 tablespoons of heavy cream

2 teaspoons of cottage cheese

1/3 cup of honey

3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder

Mix together and massage onto your face. Relax 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Almond Facial Milk

Herbal waters are antiseptic and toning. Grapefruit seed extract, available in health food stores, is included as a preservative.

1/2 cup of rose or lavender water

1 teaspoon of glycerin

1/2-1 teaspoon of cold-pressed almond oil

12 drops of grapefruit seed extract 

Combine all of the ingredients and shake to blend. Put small amount on a cotton ball and massage into your skin. Rinse with warm water. Store in the refrigerator no more than a month.

Almond-Mayonnaise Scrub

A dry skin exfoliate:

1/4 cup of almonds

1/8 teaspoon of mayonnaise

Grind the almonds in a blender until they form a fine meal. Whirl in the mayonnaise. Gently massage onto your face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Use a toner afterward. Refrigerate for two to three weeks.

Apple Cucumber Facial Mask

1/2 cucumber, peeled

1 egg white

1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon of lime juice

1/2 teaspoon of apple mint leaves

1 drop of lime essential oil

Combine the first five ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Stir in the oil and mix well. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Apply to a clean face and neck area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Sugar Scrub with Honey

Hand Wrap

A soothing emollient hand wrap:

1/2 cup of olive oil

1/2 cup of sugar

1/4 cup of honey

Mix the olive oil and sugar to form a paste. Massage over your hands to lightly exfoliate; rinse with warm water. Warm the honey in microwave and apply it to your hands. Wrap your hands with plastic wrap and relax for 30 minutes.

Papaya Skin Refresher

This wonderful mixture exfoliates your skin gently with natural papaya enzymes:

Wash your face thoroughly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. While the water is heating, mash half of a papaya until it’s creamy and smooth. Move the pot to a table and place your face over the steam, holding a bath towel over your head. Steam your face for five to eight minutes. Apply the papaya mixture, avoiding the eye area. Lie down and relax for five to 10 minutes. Rinse your face and apply a moisturizer for a radiant complexion.

Aromatherapy Shower

Take a wet washcloth and a scent with four or five droplets of your favorite essential oil. Tuck into a corner on your shower floor and let the water run hot for minute or two to steam up the room and disperse the scent. Then step into a wonderful shower of scented steam. Don’t know which oil to use?

Bergamot: This citrus plant from Italy has stimulating anti-depression properties. It has a pleasant, sweet, and fruity smell, but it’s not too sweet or overpowering.

Rose: This is one of the most expensive essential oils, but its fragrance is so pleasant, it’s worth it. Aromatherapists believe the rose gives a sense of security and happiness.

Rosewood: This oil is indicated to treat stress, nervousness, anxiety, and sadness. It has a pleasant, sweet, and woody fragrance.

Sandalwood: This essential oil is used in yoga and in temples in many religions. It’s said to treat anxiety, nervousness, and depression.

Orange, tangerine, mandarin, lemon and lime: All these citric smells help to alleviate sadness, irritability, lack of energy, and depression. They are some of the lower priced oils.

Aromatherapy Facial

Cleanse your face. Pour nearly-boiling water into a bowl. Add herbs and essential oils according to the benefits you want. If you want to deep clean, add juniper, sage, thyme, or peppermint. For relaxation, add a few drops of lavender, sweet marjoram, or lemon balm. Mix them or use them one at a time. Allow herbs to steep three to five minutes for maximum effect.

Lean your face over the bowl and place a towel over your head, making a tent. The steam will open your pores and the herbs cleanse and refresh. Stay under the tent for 10 to 15 minutes. This is also a great way to relieve sinus headaches and allergy congestion.