Can’t find time in the day for a spa treatment? Bring the spa to the relaxing environs of your home! Komal Soni has a few easy DIY tips
Nothing spells relaxation like a soothing day at the spa. But, between a back-breaking work schedule, punishing deadlines and crazy domestic demands, fitting in a spa run seems near impossible. However, creating a spa-like experience at home is easier than you think. Just follow these steps to soothe and calm your nerves.
Prep beforehand
Line up the oils and lotions, pull out all the ingredients from the kitchen for the rejuvenating masks and figure out the order of treatments before you start. As far as possible, prepare the various masks and keep them ready at hand before beginning the pampering ritual. However, try not to overdo the skin treatments; too many will harm your skin rather than help it.
Take the fluffy white towels out of the cupboard, fold them in half lengthwise and roll them up. Position them next to you before you begin. Now, don the comfy, soft robe and get set for some pure, unadulterated spa time — all in the comfort of your very own home!
Disconnect
To ensure that the experience is as close as the one provided at the spa, put off your phone — or keep it far, far away so that it doesn’t interrupt your routine. Also, stay away from your laptop and work. The only way you are going to completely relax is if your mind is at peace, without the chaos and clutter of everyday rigours getting in the way.
Set the mood
Part of the charm of a spa experience is the fragrant surroundings that welcome you when you enter, instantly putting you at ease. You can mimic it by lighting your favourite scented candles and placing them around the room. Try lavender if you are particularly stressed, jasmine is a great relaxant and citrus can be especially invigorating.
Put on some calming instrumental music, dim the lights and set a tall glass of a cool, refreshing drink next to you — lemonade or cucumber water are good choices and will keep you hydrated. You are now ready to engage in an indulgent, sensual spa session.
Keep hot towels handy
Before you begin with a facial, soak some cotton towels in hot water. Add a few drops of essential oils to the water since these will revitalise your skin. Use only natural oils — synthetic oils aren’t as beneficial as the natural ones.
Use the slightly damp towel to wipe your face clean of any product used during the facial. You will breathe in the essence of the oil when the towel is on your face, receiving its therapeutic benefits. Apart from the facial, you can even use the towel as a compress. Leave it on your face and neck for five minutes, then dry your face with another towel. Watch how your skin glows with this quick trick!
Steamy session
To get that squeaky clean spa-like effect, include a 10-minute steam treatment in your routine. Boil a small pot of water. While the water is getting ready, clean your face with your regular cleanser and pat it dry. Pour the steaming water into a clean bowl and place it on one of those neatly folded towels. You can also add a few drops of a natural essential oil to the water if you like. Now, hold your face over the bowl, draping a towel over your head and the top of the bowl, and let the steam clean out all the dirt and grime from your pores. Make sure that your face isn’t too close to the water.
Face mask on
No spa regimen is complete without an effective face mask to invigorate your skin. Since you are doing it at home, fashion a mask for yourself. If blemishes are the bane of your skin, mix one tablespoon each of turmeric, raw honey and milk until it forms a thick paste. Rub this on to your skin and rinse it off after 10 to 15 minutes for a clearer complexion.
For glowing skin, add three tablespoons of orange juice to honey and apply it on your face. Rinse with cold and lukewarm water after half an hour. Follow this up with a homemade moisturiser made from two tablespoons of oats mixed with yoghurt or water. Leave the mixture on your face for five minutes, then rinse. This is perfect for a quick perk-me-up for your skin!
Scrub-a-dub-dub
It’s easy to make a body scrub of your own. All you need is some granulated sugar and coconut oil. Mix the sugar and coconut oil in equal quantities until it has a paste-like thickness. Use this scrub all over your body. Wash the scrub off under the shower. Go from hot to cold water to increase blood flow to your skin. Do a final three to five-minute rinse with the water at your regular temperature. This will bring your body temperature back to normal.
Pamper your peepers
Your eyes need as much loving as the rest of you. So, refrigerate two teabags of chamomile tea after boiling them in milk and place these cool aromatic teabags over your eyes for 10 minutes. Your eyes will thank you later for this strain-relieving routine.
Pedicure pleasure
Your feet have to bear your weight and they deserve some quality treatment too. Soak them in a bowl of warm water mixed with two to four tablespoons of sea salt plus your favourite essential oil. You can leave them in for as long as you like. Envelop your relaxed feet in one of your fluffy towels to dry them. Finally, to round it up, add some pretty nail paint to your toes for truly happy feet.
Magic of a massage
Don’t you just love the head massage that a professional at the spa gives you? You can feel the stress and tension ease out of you as the attendant presses, kneads and rubs your scalp. Ask your best friend or spouse for a similar massage to enjoy an equally blissful experience.