If only we all had the time and budget to indulge in the luxury and relaxation that going to a spa offers. Spending four figures on a full day of beauty treatments may not be realistic for most of us, but sometimes, a few truly pampering at home tricks can be even better. After all… the service is free and you don’t have to go anywhere!
Skin
Dr. Nina Naidu, board certified plastic surgeon and founder of Anokha, says that she frequently uses the home remedies that her mother taught her, many of which provided the impetus behind her South-Asian-inspired product line. “I raid the dairy aisle for some of the best fresh skincare treats imaginable,” says Dr. Naidu. Some of her favorite skin treatments come from the kitchen:
- There is truly nothing more luxurious than cold yogurt for the face. It is an excellent cleanser that will not rob skin of its natural moisture and it will not irritate sensitive skin. Both milk and heavy cream also make great non-stripping cleansers for the face as well.
- Milk baths are an indulgence that everyone should be enjoying. Just pour a cup right into your bath water and let the milk proteins work their magic.
- Put one to two drops of pure almond oil in water for a fantastic non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- My favorite simple yet incredibly luxurious toner is easy to make by boiling a few rose petals in water. Next time someone sends you flowers, snip a few petals for your at-home spa needs!
Hair “There are many wonderful essential oils for the scalp that we use for so many purposes from adding luster and shine, to fortifying the scalp and hair, to offering astringent or anti-bacterial properties,” says Dickey, celebrity hair stylist & founder of Hair Rules. “That’s why we offer several special essential oil “Ting” treatments at the salon for the hair and scalp. Here are a few of Dickey’s favorite essential oils for at home hair and scalp spa treatments:
- Almond oil is a wonderful moisturizer and scalp soother. Not only does it contain protein and important minerals, but it acts like you own sebum, encouraging moisture retention.
- Eucalyptus oil has significant antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities. Its active germicidal agents prevent infection, and it leaves your scalp feeling cool, tingly and soothed.
- Comfrey is a powerful healing herb. It can aid in destroying bacteria and healing cuts and abrasions. It contains a natural hormone called allantoin which is known for its cell-restorative properties and may also serve as a natural retardant for hair loss.
Nails “Nail and hand care needs always make for perfect at-home spa treatments,” says Shari Gottesman, founder of Perfect Formula. “It is so easy to do things to care for these workhorse body parts that are inexpensive, effective and incredibly pampering all at the same time.” Shari’s top at-home spa tips for hands and nails:
- Drop your bottle of cuticle oil into a glass of hot water for a few minutes before applying to maximize penetration and effectiveness. It’s the cuticle version of a hot oil treatment!
- Nothing beats a warm foot soak with some Epsom salt. It is such a great thing to do for foot health, and it makes it so much easier to buff away the dead skin. Epsom salt is detoxifying, it soothes aches, reduces swelling and is exfoliating. It is literally the perfect gift for tired, unhappy feet!
- Mix some olive oil and sugar for a luxurious and wholesome DIY exfoliating hand treatment.
