ALOE VERA MASK

Here is a treatment that produces a cool sooth­ing effect while toning the skin.

Mix one-quarter cup of aloe vera gel with the contents of two capsules pure vitamin E. Add one-half teaspoon of tea tree oil with the leafy contents of one slightly steeped chamomile tea bag. Let set for thirty minutes to one hour. Apply to clean face using upward strokes and avoiding the eyes. Allow to warm on face for fifteen min­utes and then rinse off with cold water.

BEFORE BATHING OR SHOWERING, BRUSH YOUR BODY WITH AN EXFOLIATING BATH BRUSH. IT’S USED IN SPAS TO BOOST CIRCULA­TION, DELIVERING MORE OXYGEN AND NUTRIENTS TO THE SKIN AND GIVING IT A ROSY GLOW.

PUMPKIN MASK

Here’s another one from the spas that is an excellent moisturizer, skin conditioner, and smoothing body mask. It’s rich in vitamin A, plus it contains fruit acid enzymes which work even better than some of the store-bought alpha hydroxies. Pumpkin also has anti-inflammatory properties

Take three cups of fresh pumpkin flesh with seeds and blend for two to three minutes. Stand on some old newspaper and rub the pumpkin mixture into your skin, starting at your feet and working your way up. Let rest for five to ten min­utes, then rinse all over. Shower and pat dry.

YEAST AND WHEAT GERM MASK

Mix together a teaspoon of egg, a teaspoon of dried brewer’s yeast, one teaspoon of wheat germ, and the contents of one capsule vitamin E. Pat on face and let dry for about fifteen min­utes. Rinse with a soft cloth and warm water.

OATMEAL MASKS______________________

You can bet that spas use oatmeal, a lot of it for every skin type. Oatmeal nourishes the skin while providing soothing and calming benefits. They’re pricey at spas but mere pennies when done at home. Plus they’re easy and quick to prepare.

OILY SKIN

Combine one-half cup of cooked oatmeal with one egg white, one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and one-half cup of mashed apple. Mix together into a paste and let set for ten minutes. Wipe off mask with a wet, coarse washcloth.

DRY SKIN

Take a half cup of cooked oatmeal and mix with one teaspoon honey, one egg yolk, and one-half mashed banana. Leave on for fifteen minutes. Then rinse off with cool water.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Combine one-half cup of cooked oatmeal with one whole egg and a teaspoon of almond oil. Leave on face for ten minutes, and then rinse off with tepid water. Pat dry.

GELATIN MASK

Combine one packet of unflavored gelatin or one tablespoon of gelatin with one-half cup of fruit juice (orange, grapefruit, or pineapple). Heat in microwave until warm. Place mixture in the refrigerator and cool until almost set, about thirty minutes. Spread a thin layer of the gel over your face and allow to dry. Peel mask and rinse with cool water.

CHOCOLATE BODY WRAP

Here’s a spa treatment that costs $175.00 at a day spa. You can easily do this at home and not even feel guilty while enjoying the rich aroma.

Mix one-quarter cup of honey with three – quarters cup of cocoa powder. Heat the mixture in the microwave until warm but comfortable and apply all over your body. Shower off after twenty minutes.

FRUIT BODY WRAP

As you have probably heard or experienced, there are many natural fruit treatments being used at spas. I love to do the fruit body wrap when I can, not only for the way it makes my skin feel but also for the aroma.

Combine one cup of coconut milk with three cups of crushed pineapple in a blender. Place the mixture in a bowl, then heat in the microwave until warm. Line the bottom of your tub with a blanket, and then put a plastic sheet or shower curtain liner on top of it. Take a seat on the sheet and rub the moisturizing mixture all of your body with your hands or a vegetable brush. Wrap the sheet around you and relax. You will begin to perspire, which is caused by the pineapple. After twenty minutes, remove the plastic and take a shower with cool water. You’ll feel wonderful!

Updated: July 8, 2015 — 6:59 pm