DIY Spa Treatments

With the colder weather coming I find it extremely important to give a little extra attention to my skin. After recently going to an overnight spa, I was inspired to research at home ways to keep up with these amazing spa treatments. Any spa related professional treatment can cost a fortune to be doing all the time, so why not try and do some yourself? Below are some easy “do-it-yourself” pampering remedies that will make you feel and look rejuvenated all with products found around the house. We all deserve to pamper ourselves every once and a while and this is the perfect way. 

(photo via Care2)

Yogurt & Honey Face Mask (for all skin types)

This mask is one of the easiest DIY face masks that I have ever tried (recipe by About: Beauty). It is extremely soothing and refreshing, and with an extra little bit of honey, can be a wonderful moisturizer for dry skin (speaking from experience).

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 2 tbsp  runny honey (microwave for 15 seconds to soften the honey)
(original source called for 1 tbsp of each, but I found that was not enough mixture)

How to
- Mix the ingredients together  in a bowl and let sit for 15-20 minutes
- In the mean time, open your pores with a steam treatment for your face: Boil water and place into a large bowl. If you have any herbs like lavender or camomile add those to the water, if not don’t worry the steam is more than enough! Then take a towel and drape it over the back of your head and stick your face into the bowl but not touching the water. Allow the heat and steam to unclog your pores. Do this for 1 minute, or less if the heat is too much
- Then apply mask to your face, avoiding the eyes, and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes, or until hard
- Gently rub off with a luke warm wash cloth
- Apply your favourite moisturizer directly after

* for dry skin: add 1 tbsp extra of honey & for oily skin: add a couple drops of lemon juice

Eye Soothers

Feeling like your eyes look more tired than usual, or you’re just in need of a pick me up? Eye soothers are without a doubt invigorating and can make you look like you’ve gotten 10 hours sleep, when lets face it, it’s more like 6. (All recipes and below photo found on Whole Living)

1. Cucumber Slices (the “oh so classic” eye soother)

*Contains vitamin C and caffeine acid to help with tired, puffy eyes

- Cut 2, 1/2 inch slices and place on ice to cool
- Place over closed eyes
- Lay back and let sit for 10 minutes
- Remove and rinse face with cold water

2. Tea Bags – Camomile, Black or Green

*All 3 teas will be great for reducing inflammation and swelling (green and black due to the caffeine, and camomile is a natural anti inflammatory and will also reduce redness)

- Steep two green, black or camomile tea bags in boiling water for 3 minutes
- Place in fridge until cooled
- Place one over each eye and let sit for 15 minutes
- Remove and rinse face with cold water

Milk Bath

Milk baths are said to have been used for ages by Queens like Cleopatra and Elizabeth, and who doesn’t want to feel like a Queen even for 20 minutes? Milk contains lactic acid which not only exfoliates the skin, but is able to sink deep into your skin and cleanse it. This bath is perfect because winter is coming and I know personally, I love nothing more than relaxing in a hot bath with some tea and a book. (Recipe found at Whole Living)

Ingredients
- 2 to 4 cups of milk or buttermilk

How to
- Pour milk into bath as it is filling
- Soak for 20 minutes
- Take a loofa and scrub skin to get rid of dead skin
- Rinse body thoroughly after

DIY Spa Treatments are not only easy, but fun as well. Make sure you’re taking time out of your busy schedule to relax and pamper yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with life try and take half an hour to whip up a face masks and laying in a hot bath for even 15 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how de-stressing the simplest pampering treatments can be. Another tip is if you have lavender oil laying around, add it to your bath (or the milk bath from above) and allow the scent to relax you. So what do you say? Go mix yourself a mask, grab some tea and a book and relax. You deserve it!