Simple At-home Spa Remedies

A day at the spa can be costly in terms of time and money. You can achieve similar results using ingredients found in your home or local grocery store at a fraction of the cost. In addition to the cost benefits, at home spa remedies can be performed at your leisure, without the need to book an appointment or travel outside the comfort of your own home.

Body Scrub

Body scrubs, sometimes called body glows, are spa treatments that scrub away dead skin cells. When the layer of dead skin cells is removed, skin takes on a fresh, healthy appearance. Body scrubs are generally more abrasive than facial scrubs, so don't use them on sensitive parts of the body. The spa at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai offers a body scrub spa treatment using sugar and green tea. Sugar is mildly exfoliating, while green tea has a tradition of use as an astringent, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Brew a cup of green tea. Mix half a cup of green tea with two cups of sugar. The finished mixture should have the consistency of a paste. Rub the paste on problematic skin areas for spot-treatment or all over for a whole body treatment. Rinse the paste off and apply a lotion or moisturizing body butter to replenish moisture and soothe skin.

Facial Mask

Whether you've got problematic skin or normal skin, a facial mask is a spa treatment used for relaxation and skin improvement. Pamper yourself with a homemade facial mask using ingredients found in your refrigerator. A facial mask made from egg whites, oatmeal and honey provides gentle exfoliation and a light touch of moisture. Honey contains natural antibacterial properties, according to a 1999 study conducted by the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Wales Institute. Honey is also a natural humectant, drawing moisture from the air to your skin. Oatmeal is mildly abrasive and acts as an exfoliant, scrubbing away dead skin cells, leaving your face looking healthy and fresh. An enzyme in egg whites known as lysozyme removes potentially problematic bacteria by digesting the cell walls of the microorganisms.
Mix a cup of cooked oatmeal with one egg white and a teaspoon of honey. Rub the mixture onto your face using small circles. Leave the mixture in place for about five minutes and rinse using cool water.

Cuticle Treatment

A relaxing spa treatment for the hands involves softening the cuticles, the thick layer of skin at the base of your nails that protects the area from bacterial infections. An at home spa remedy for cuticles includes a calming essential oil, olive oil and vitamin E. Olive oil is a natural moisturizer. Vitamin E, according to the National Cancer Institute, is an antioxidant that has shown promise as a substance that protects cells and possibly reduces inflammation. Choose an essential oil that you find pleasing. Common essential oils used for relaxation include lavender, clary sage and sandalwood, according to "Aromatherapy: Massage With Essential Oils."
Mix two drops of your chosen essential oil with a teaspoon of vitamin E and a teaspoon of olive oil. Rub the mixture onto the cuticles and skin surrounding your fingernails and toenails. Allow the mixture to absorb into your skin.