Body scrub
Regular exfoliation removes dead cells that can accumulate on the skin's surfaceand lead to dull, dry skin. For a nourishing body scrub, mix brown sugar and olive oil, using roughly double the amount of brown sugar as oil. You can also add manuka honey, which is beneficial for both dry and acne-prone skin types, and some lemon or orange essential oil for an uplifting scent. Use the scrub in the shower, rubbing in circular motions over the body and paying attention to rough spots such as elbows.
Refreshing foot mask
Feet deserve a treat from time to time, particularly after a long run or training session. For an invigorating treatment, mix together equal quantities of oatmeal, cornmeal, sea salt and olive oil. Add a few tablespoons of aloe vera gel to get a mask-like consistency then add a few drops of peppermint oil. Apply to feet and massage in. Leave for a few minutes then wash off.
Steam facial
Steaming your face cleanses your pores, promoting clear and glowing skin. Fill a bowl with boiled water and leave to cool slightly so it is not hot enough to burn your skin. Add a couple of drops of essential oils, such as tea tree oil for acne-prone skin, lavender oil for oily skin or rose absolute oil for dry skin. Lean over the bowl for a few minutes with a towel covering your head to trap the steam. You can follow this with a purifying clay mask, or simplytone and moisturise.
Hand treatment
For a softening treat for your hands, try using a moisturising scrub made from a tablespoon of olive oil, a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of almond or grapeseed oil. Massage into hands in circular motions all over. After a few minutes, rinse off the mixture with warm water and pat dry. Finish with a moisturising hand cream.
Hair treatment
You don't need to splash out to get perfect lustrous, shiny locks. For a natural conditioning treatment, mash an avocado and applyit directly to your hair. Alternatively, for a protein-rich treatment, apply a beaten egg to hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.
Milk bath
Take a leaf out of Cleopatra's book and relax in a cleansing and nourishing milk bath. The lactic acid in milk will soften your skin and milk baths can soothe eczema and psoriasis. Add a few cups of whole milk or some milk powder to your bathwater, mix in essential oils and honey (optional) then float rose petals on top for a luxurious and indulgent treat.
Aromatherapy shower
Baths are perfect for relaxing, but if you don't have one or you aren't much of a bath person, you can still create a spa-like experience for your shower. Choose a relaxing essential oil such as lavender or an uplifting one such as neroli and add a few drops to a damp flannel or sponge. Placeit on the floor of the shower to allow the steam to release the scents.
Skin brightener
Papaya and pineapple are great natural exfoliators and skin brighteners due to the alpha hydroxy acids they contain. To tighten and brighten skin, blend papaya with yoghurt and honey and apply as a face mask. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse off. Alternatively, pour pineapple juice into ice trays and leave in your freezer overnight. Pass the pineapple ice cubes over your skin and leave for five minutes before rinsing.
Eye treatment
If you have puffy, dry or irritated eyes, try a homemade remedy to soothe and refresh. Cool chamomile tea bags and cucumber are good traditional remedies to soothe the eye area, and cool potato slices are good for puffy eyes. Light some candles, put on some relaxing music and lie back with the tea bags, cucumber or potato slices over your eyes for 10 minutes.
Purifying facial
For the ultimate at-home facial, begin by cleansing and lightly exfoliating your skin using oatmeal and water. Follow this with a soothing, moisturising or cleansing mask made with natural ingredients such as yoghurt, avocado, strawberries or honey. Finally, pamper yourself with a facial massage using a natural oil such as jojoba, grapeseed or almond. Apply the oil to your hands and massage your face using gentle upward circular motions. This will help nourish the skin and boost circulation.
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