Spa at home tips

In our popular newsletter, Spa Index News, we share terrific spa at home tips, including easy and affordable "Spa Treatment Recipes." By popular demand, we've gathered those recipes here for easy access.

DID YOU KNOW ...

...that the best time to bathe is when the stomach is empty?
...that salted water will help alleviate light-headedness some people experience when soaking in hot water?

...that baths deprive you of body fluids, and drinking alcohol before or during a bath increases the dehydration.

...Any substance applied to your skin, will also be absorbed by it? Choose your cosmetic and beauty products with this simple rule in mind: If you wouldn't eat it, don't wear it or use it on your skin. Use the BEST and freshest ingredients, not the least expensive or those which have "crossed over."

FOR THE FACE

Almond Faclal Milk

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

1/2 cup rose, lavender, or distilled water

1 teaspoon pure vegetable glycerin

1/4 to 1 teaspoon cold pressed organic almond oil

12 drops grapefruit seed extract

Make the rose or lavender water by placing a small handful of dried organic rose petals or lavender in a pint mason jar and adding boiling water to cover. Let steep overnight, then thoroughly strain. Combine the remaining ingredients in a glass jar and shake to blend. Dab some on your fingers or a cotton ball and massage into your skin. Rinse with warm water. Keep stored in the refrigerator for no more than a month or so. Discard at the first sign of mold.

Apple Face & Neck Gelee

Yield: Approx. 2 applications

Ingredients:

4 teaspoons hot distilled water
1 teaspoon freshly juiced apple juice
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
1 heaping teaspoon powdered pectin

Add the glycerin to the water/juice/gel combination and stir to fully incorporate. Add the pectin while the liquid remains quite warm (if it cools, place it in the microwave or a double boiler to raise the temperature) and use a hand held electric mixer to

blend, or stir vigorously to dissolve the pectin. Once the pectin has fully dissolved, a light gel will begin to form. This may take from 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. Once the gel sets, Apple Face & Neck Gelee is ready to use. Apply the gel in a layer to your clean, damp face and neck.

Rest for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer if desired. Leftover product can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Enjoy!! The shelf life of this product is necessarily limited by the fresh apple juice. It should be used within a few days after it is made.

Apple Cucumber Facial Mask

1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon apple mint leaves
1 drop lime essential oil

Combine all 5 ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the essential oil last and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes.

Apply a layer to your clean face and neck area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Apple Cucumber Facial Mask is best when used immediately as the ingredients are perishable. The leftovers can be refrigerated in the coldest section of the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days but should be discarded after that.

Cucumber eye gel 1

Ingredients:
1/4 large cucumber
1 ounce aloe vera gel

Puree the cucumber in a blender (Ieave a little pulp), strain the mixture into a glass bowl until you have at least 2 ounces. Spoon in just a tad of the pulp from the strainer). Add the aloe vera to the cucumber puree in the bowl and mix lightly. Pour into a clean, sterilized container.

After cleansing face, stir mixture gently and apply with a cotton ball to undereye area. Avoid the eyeball. The shelf life of this product is very limited by the fresh cucumber. It should be used within a few days, and kept refrigerated between uses.

Cucumber eye gel 2

1 Tbs. aloe vera gel1
tsp. fresh cucumber juice
¼ tsp. cornstarch
1 Tbs. witch hazel

Mix together aloe, cucumber and cornstarch. Heat until just boiling, about 1 minute in microwave. Remove from heat source and stir in witch hazel. Stir well and allow the mixture to cool completely. You should have a clear, jelly-like cream. Spoon into a small clean jar. To use: Dab a small amount under your eyes and be careful not to rub or pull the delicate skin under your eyes. Keep in cool place. Makes 1 oz.

QUICK CUCUMBER EYE SOOTHER

You can purchase a $12.00 bottle of cucumber-lookalike eye pads infused with cucumber extract and then kicked up with a list of chemicals. Or you can simply use a real cucumber. Even if you used a fresh cucumber each week, it would take a long time before you spent $12.00 on this simple and soothing treatment.

2 wafer thin slices of cucumber
1 warm, damp, clean washcloth

While reclining in the tub (and perhaps while using the Quick Cucumber Parsley Facial, above, place one cucumber slice over each eye. Cover your eyes with a warm washcloth and relax for 10 minutes. Fine lines will smooth out and your eyes will feel refreshed and soothed, preparing you for a night's rest. We recommend this particularly if you've had yourself a crying jag that day.

GRAPEFRUIT & PARSLEY FACE MASK

Grapefruit and parsley are both effective and refreshing astringents, perfect for oily skin.

3 tablespoons very fine oatmeal (whirl oatmeal in a food processor, if necessary)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/2 large grapefruit
olive or sunflower oil

Mix 3 tablespoons of very fine oatmeal with two tablespoons of chopped parsley in a bowl. Add juice from half of a large grapefruit until you have a soft paste. Let the mixture rest 5 minutes. Spread soft mixture over your face and let dry for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Follow with toner and moisturizer.

PINEAPPLE OLIVE OIL MASK

Pineapple contains bromeliad, a protein-digestive enzyme which helps rid the skin of dead cells and dirt. It also counteracts histamines, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a mild astringent. Olive oil has excellent healing properties and is a good source of vitamin E, which restores the skin's surface. Use only the highest quality cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil -- it should go without saying that bread dippers and flavored oils ought be left on the shelf. Reach for the good stuff!

In a blender, combine 4 large pineapple chunks or 1/2 cup canned, drained pineapple and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Blend until almost smooth. Apply mixture to face with fingertips and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse face with warm water and pat dry.

OATMEAL BLUEBERRY MASK

This easy mask, used once or twice monthly, will both deep clean and exfoliate your face. It's particularly beneficial for oily skin, as it drying and pulling effect.

1 cup oatmeal
1 cup blueberries
1 tablespoon honey
5-6 almonds, whole

Puree all ingredients in a blender until finely blended. Spread mixture over your face, and allow to set and dry (10-15 minutes). Rinse with warm water, and splash your skin with cool water or toner. This mask be may stored in your refrigerator for up to one week, covered tightly.

FOR THE HAIR

Beer Hair Rinse

1 oz distilled or clean catch rain water2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar7 drops lemon essential oil1 ounce beer (stale works fine)5 drops rosemary essential oil5 drops calendula essential oil (optional, but recommended for blondes) Mix all ingredients together. Use as a final rinse, rinse well. Beer adds protein to make hair shiny and make it feel thicker.

Cucumber Hair Drench

If you swim in a chlorinated pool for exercise on a regular basis, the same damage you've noticed happening to your skin and bathing suit, is happening to your hair, as well. Try this treatment at home to keep chlorine damage to a minimum.

1 egg
1 half-eggshell's worth of olive oil (i.e., one portion of the eggshell you broke apart)
1 quarter of a peeled cucumber

Blend the egg, olive oil and peeled cucumber in a blender or food processor until smooth. Spread evenly through your hair, leave on for 10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse. For the best results year-round, continue this treatment monthly.

ROSEMARY HONEY OLIVE OIL HAIR CONDITIONER

This nourishing conditioner blends two ingredients from nature -- honey for shine and olive oil for moisture -- and is enhanced with essential oil of rosemary to stimulate hair growth.

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup warmed olive oil (2 tablespoons for normal to oily hair)
4 drops essential oil of rosemary
1 teaspoon of xanthan gum (available in health food stores)

Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a snug-fitting cap.

To use, apply a small amount to your slightly dampened hair. Massage your scalp and work the conditioner through your hair until it is completely and evenly distributed. Next, cover your hair with a warm towel (your microwave or dryer can heat it up) or shower cap; leave the conditioner in place on to nourish and condition for 30 minutes. Remove the towel or shower cap; shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water. Dry as normal and enjoy shinier, softer and healthier hair the natural way.


FOR THE BODY


COFFEE BODY SCRUB

2 cups of coarsely ground coffee
1/2 cup raw sugar or sea salt
2-3 T massage oil

Mix all ingredients together. Take a hot shower to moisten your skin and open your pores. Using wide, circular motions, rub the coffee exfoliant onto your skin with strong, even pressure. Shower off, pat skin dry, and apply a thin layer of your favorite body lotion.

DRY SKIN CREME

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sesame seed oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
2 tablespoons grated beeswax
3 drops essential oil of grapefruit
2 drops of aroma oil (optional, your choice)
a pinch of borax

Blend the vitamin E oil, beeswax and sesame oil. Heat on low until melted. Combine the water, oils and borax. Heat for a few minutes (until warm) but do not boil. Combine the water mixture with the beeswax mixture. Mix well (at least 2 minutes). For a fluffier cream, use an electric mixer or a blender. Pour the cream into a clean container after it has cooled completely.

*FYI: "Creme" is a commonly used term to describe a creamy substance without dairy additives. For instance, heavy whipping cream uses actual "cream" whereas "Mock Whipped Creme" does not.

DRY SKIN CREME

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sesame seed oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
2 tablespoons grated beeswax
3 drops essential oil of grapefruit
2 drops of aroma oil (optional, your choice)
a pinch of borax

Blend the vitamin E oil, beeswax and sesame oil. Heat on low until melted. Combine the water, oils and borax. Heat for a few minutes (until warm) but do not boil. Combine the water mixture with the beeswax mixture. Mix well (at least 2 minutes). For a fluffier cream, use an electric mixer or a blender. Pour the cream into a clean container after it has cooled completely.

*FYI: "Creme" is a commonly used term to describe a creamy substance without dairy additives. For instance, heavy whipping cream uses actual "cream" whereas "Mock Whipped Creme" does not.

Fruit Salad Body Mask

This may sound as if you're pouring a smoothie for the skin -- and you are -- but for good reason. Pineapple contains bromeliad, a protein-digestive enzyme which helps rid the skin of dead cells and dirt. It also counteracts histamines, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a mild astringent.

Grapes are rich in PCOs which provide protection against harmful UV rays, and, are anti-oxidents. Bananas have loads of vitamins, calcium and essential nutrients which keep the skin smooth and soft. Kiwi is high in vitamin C and has enzymatic properties. Honeydew is both soothing and hydrating.

2 slices pineapple - rind removed
1/2 med. honeydew melon - rind removed
1 doz. green grapes
1 med. banana - peeled
1 med. kiwi fruit – peeled

Puree all ingredients in food processor. Mixture will be slightly lumpy. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Smooth onto body and/or face, leaving on for half an hour. This is an ideal treatment to use poolside, where lounging is assuring. Rinse off with tepid water, or an outdoor shower.

GINGER SKIN CREME

Ginger invigorates, and oil soothes. Try this double dose for dry skin.

2-inch piece of fresh ginger
2 teaspoons light sesame oil
2 teaspoons apricot kernel oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
½ cup cocoa butter

Preheat oven on lowest setting. Finely grate the ginger just enough so that you have about an 1/8 teaspoon of ginger "juice." To obtain the juice, squeeze the freshly grated ginger over a small bowl. Place the ingredients (including the ginger) in a glass container and heat just until the cocoa butter is melted and the oils are blended. Pour into a clean, dry container and store in a cool dry place. You can add a few drops of orange or other essential oil for a nice twist.


MOISTURIZING BODY SCRUB

1/2 cup liquid glycerin
1/2 cup water
2 1/2 to 3 cups sugar or salt (white sugar, brown sugar, or table salt)
1 teaspoon solid coconut butter or solid coconut oil
6 drops of essential oil of your choice, or combine several (not to exceed 6 drops)

Combine glycerin, water, and one cup of sugar or table salt until the salt/sugar has mostly dissolved. Add the remainder of the sugar/salt until you have a rather pasty mixture, at a consistency you prefer. Meanwhile, melt the coconut butter or oil in a small container, in your microwave. MELT, but do not overheat.

Stir the melted coconut oil into your sugar mixture, and stir well. Last, add the six drops of essential oils of your choice, stirring to blend. Melt and add more coconut butter or oil to reach your desired consistency. Transfer your mixture to an airtight container or jar, and cool until slightly thickened. Use as an after shower or after bath moisturizing body scrub.


FOR THE HANDS AND FEET

ATHLETE'S FOOT TREATMENT

20 to 30 garlic cloves, minced
2 to 4 tsp. ground cinnamon2 to
4 tsp. powdered cloves
5 oz. 100-proof vodka

Add garlic, cinnamon, and cloves to vodka in a dark-colored glass jar or bottle with lid. Seal tightly. Store out of direct sunlight for two weeks, shaking to mix every few days. The tincture will be ready to use in 14 days.

To treat athlete's foot, use cotton balls or a cloth to apply the tincture to the entire sole of the foot as well as between all the toes. Apply twice a day, morning and night. Let dry, then dust the entire foot with cornstarch. If a rash or any unusual irritation develops, discontinue using Athlete's Foot Treatment.

If, after having used this treatment for two weeks and athlete's foot symptoms continue, consult your physician.

Avocado Hand and Foot Treatment

Mix together 1/4 to 1/2 mashed fresh avocado, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice bran, and 10 drops of oil of evening primrose. Gently massage this treatment onto your hands and feet, and leave in place for 20 minutes. Rinse.

This natural treatment will revive your dry, wrinkled and rough hands, feet, elbows and knees. The avocado and egg nourish the skin with proteins and oils; the rice bran exfoliates dead skin cells; the oil of evening primrose contains precious gamma linolenic acids, essential for healthy hair, skin and nails. Consider purchasing a small jar of Oil of Evening Primrose capsules from your health food store. Open one, and voila...you have the ingredient for this recipe.

Beach Sand Foot Scrub

2 Tablespoons Canola oil
2 Tablespoons dry beach sand
3-5 drops rosemary oil

The next time you decide to spend the day at the beach, take advantage of the "on location foot treatment." Brazilians, particularly, are known for scrubbing their entire bodies, particularly the feet, deep into the sand while they relax on the beach.

When going to the beach, take a small vial of ingredients with you: 2 tablespoons of canola oil (or use your suntan oil!), and, a small vial of rosemary oil -- or premix and take one vial.

Once at the beach, use an empty container (a soda cup is fine) to mix the ingredients together. Mix into a paste. Massage sand scrub onto feet (and elbows), concentrating especially on problem areas. Rinse off in the foamy waves, pat dry with your beach towel.

Overnight Foot Masque

1/4 cup Almonds
1/4 cup Dry Oatmeal
3 tablespoons food grade Cocoa Butter
2 tablespoons Honey

Process almonds in a blender or coffee grinder until finely ground. Set aside. In the same blender, pulse your oatmeal until of the same consistency. In a bowl, combine ground oatmeal, cocoa butter, honey and ground almonds. Rub into your clean feet, step into cotton socks, and leave on overnight. The next morning, remove the socks and rinse feet in cool water. Pat dry. We recommend you not remove the socks until you're standing in the tub