Spa sensation

For the comforts, relaxation and pampering of a spa right in your own home, read on for more great recipes using local products to smooth your skin and soothe your soul.

Note: It’s always a good idea to test any skincare product on a small amount of skin before applying it to a large surface area, especially if you have sensitive skin or food allergies.

Oatmeal and Honey Facial Mask (for dry skin)

Putting your best face forward.

1 tsp (5 mL)                         olive oil
1                                             egg yolk
1 tsp (5 mL)                         Alberta honey
¼ - ½ cup (60-125 mL)      finely ground oatmeal (use blender or purchase infant oatmeal cereal)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, using enough oatmeal to make a paste. Smooth the paste over your face and leave on for 15-minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Note: make fresh and discard any unused portions of the recipe. 

Recipe provided by Alberta Egg Producers.

Soothing Milk Bath

Bathing beauty.

3 cups (750 mL)          liquid milk
2 drops                          lavender essential oil
¼ cup (60 mL)             Epson salts (optional)
2 tsp (10 mL)               canola oil (optional – great for dry skin)

Mix ingredients together and add to running bath. Soak leisurely for 20 minutes, and then scrub skin well with a louffa or a washcloth.  

Recipe provided by Alberta Milk.

Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

Great for hands or feet!

2 tbsp (30 mL)              Alberta white granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL)              canola oil
1 tbsp (15 mL)              melted commercial glycerine soap base (optional)

Mix together in a bowl with your hands. Use to exfoliate dry skin on hands or feet.

Note: You can add a few drops of pure essential oil to customize your scrub and give it a scent you enjoy.

Recipe provided by Alberta Canola Producers Commission.

Moisturizing Massage Bar

60 ml (1/4 cup)      olive oil
60 mL (1/4 cup)     Alberta bees wax
5 drops                   your favourite essential oil

Put olive oil and bees wax in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until liquefied (do not boil). Remove from heat and add essential oil. Pour into any mould (jello, soap or candle moulds will all work) and let sit until solid. Rub the bar on your dry skin or use it in your bath for a moisturizing massage.

Hint: Add more bees wax if desired to make the bar more solid. For a great gift, try a fancy or unique mould.

Recipe provided by Lather Up Canada, Lacombe Alberta: 1-866-782-3038 

Resources

There are a number of books that can help you plan a stay-at-home spa day including: Simply Spa-tacular by Erin Conley and Jennifer Worick or Massage for Dummies by Steve Capellini and Michael Van Welden. Check your local library or bookstore for more titles. A good website with directions for at-home spa treatments is http://beauty.about.com/.

Spa Emergency

For days when you just don’t have time to make your own spa products, but still want to achieve an at-home spa experience, consider purchasing the products you need. Look for locally made products with high quality ingredients. Rocky Mountain Soap Company offers an extensive line-up of skin care and therapeutic products.