The busier your life becomes, the more important it is to balance the hectic pace with personal time to recharge your batteries. For many women, a day at a spa serves the purpose, allowing time to escape for a few hours of renewal and rejuvenation. If your schedule or your budget doesn't allow for a full-fledged spa facial, set aside some time for yourself and give yourself a spa-quality facial at home.
Exfoliate
Step 1
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, and then apply an exfoliant. Use a commercial product or make a homemade exfoliant appropriate for your skin type. Combine 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal and 1 tbsp. honey if you have sensitive skin. If your skin is oily, mix 2 tbsp. corn flour with enough apple juice to form a paste. Stir together 1 tbsp. brown sugar and a few drops of olive oil if you have dry skin.
Step 2
Moisten your skin with warm water. Dip your fingers into the exfoliant and massage the exfoliant gently onto your face for two to three minutes, avoiding the tender area around your eyes.
Step 3
Rinse your face with warm water. Dry your face with a soft towel.
Herbal Steam Treatment
Step 1
Bring 1 qt. distilled water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Bundle a few of your favorite fresh or dry herbs in a piece of cheesecloth, then drop the bundle in the simmering water. Chamomile, lavender, geranium, jasmine, rose and fennel are all options.
Step 2
Turn the heat to low and allow the herbs to steep for five minutes. Move the saucepan to a stable, heat-proof surface.
Step 3
Smooth a few drops of olive oil or sweet almond oil on your face. Drape a towel over your head, then lean over the saucepan and allow the herbal steam to penetrate your pores for five minutes, then pat your face dry.
Facial Mask
Step 1
Apply a commercial facial mask formulated for your skin type, or make your own simple apple facial suitable for all skin types. To make an apple facial, peel and core an apple, then chop the apple into quarters. Chop the apple in a blender or food processor.
Step 2
Stir in 2 tbsp. honey, then refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes. Pat the apple facial onto your skin.
Step 3
Allow the facial to remain for 30 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water, followed by a splash of cool water to tighten your pores.
Tips and Warnings
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before beginning your spa treatment so that dirt and bacteria won't be transmitted to your face. Apply a facial toner to remove all traces of your exfoliant and facial mask. Use a commercial toner or apply a mixture of one part witch hazel and two parts rose water or orange blossom water. Saturate a cotton cosmetic pad or a cotton ball and smooth the toner over your skin. A moisturizing massage will complete your spa facial treatment. Massage your favorite moisturizer into your skin, concentrating on areas where stress causes tight muscles, such as your mouth, forehead and cheeks. Massage a drop of sweet almond oil or olive oil into the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle facial cleanser
- Commercial exfoliant (optional)
- 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal (optional)
- Honey
- 2 tsp. corn flour
- Apple juice
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- Olive oil
- Soft towel
- 1 qt. distilled water
- Saucepan
- Cheesecloth
- Fresh or dry herbs
- Olive oil or sweet almond oil
- Commercial facial mask (optional)
- Apple
- Blender or food processor
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