Who says you need to book an expensive spa day to pamper yourself? You can create your own spa experience right at home! In this article, Vikki Gerrard Of La Crosse shares DIY recipes for beauty treatments that will help you relax and give your skin the nourishment it needs.
Banana Face Mask
Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them great for treating dry, dull, or aging skin. To make a banana face mask, mash up one ripe banana until it forms a paste-like consistency. Add honey, mix, and apply to clean skin in gentle circular motions.
Coconut Oil Lip Balm
Coconut oil is one of nature’s most potent moisturizers and can be used as an all-natural lip balm. Simply mix equal parts of coconut oil and beeswax in a heat-safe container and melt them over low heat until they are thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into small containers or tubes and allow it to cool before applying it to your lips as needed throughout the day.
Coffee Scrub
Coffee scrubs are excellent exfoliators that help remove dead skin cells while providing essential moisture. To make a coffee scrub, mix two tablespoons of ground coffee beans with two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of your favorite carrier oil (coconut oil or jojoba oil works great). Massage into damp skin using gentle circular motions before rinsing off with warm water.
Honey Facial Cleanser
Honey is a natural humectant that helps keep moisture locked into the skin while acting as an antibacterial agent to help fight acne-causing bacteria. To make this facial cleanser, mix one tablespoon of raw honey with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and half a teaspoon of tea tree oil (optional). Apply gentle circular motions to clean the skin before rinsing off with warm water.
Avocado Hair Mask
Avocado is rich in proteins and fatty acids, which makes it perfect for helping repair damaged hair from heat styling or coloring treatments. To make an avocado hair mask, mash up one ripe avocado until it forms a paste-like consistency, then massage it into damp hair from root to tip before wrapping your head in a shower cap or plastic wrap for 30 minutes (or longer if desired). Rinse out thoroughly with warm water before shampooing as usual.
Coconut Oil Lip Balm
Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer that can be used virtually anywhere on the body, especially on the lips! To make this lip balm, you only need one tablespoon of melted coconut oil mixed with ½ teaspoon each of beeswax pellets and Shea butter (optional). Place all ingredients in a small container, then set aside until solidified; this should take about 20 minutes at room temperature or 10 minutes if placed in the refrigerator or freezer for faster results!
Cucumber Eye Mask
This cucumber eye mask significantly reduces puffiness around the eyes and diminishes dark circles under the eyes caused by lack of sleep or stressors throughout the day!
For this recipe, you will need two slices of cucumber that have been refrigerated at least 10 minutes prior, so they are extra cold when placed onto the face! Place cucumber slices gently onto the eyes, ensuring they cover the entire eye area, including the lids and brow bone area. Leave them for 10 minutes before discarding and rinsing any residue left with warm water and patting dry carefully afterward!
Oatmeal Facial Scrub
Oatmeal has long been used in beauty treatments as it helps soothe irritated skin while gently exfoliating rough patches without stripping away moisture, as harsher scrubs can do.
In a blender or food processor, combine ½ cup oatmeal, two tablespoons plain yogurt, one tablespoon honey, and ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice until everything is incorporated into a paste-like consistency. Apply it directly onto your face in gentle circular motions before rinsing off with warm water for soft, radiant skin!
Milk & Honey Soak
Nothing beats relaxing milk & honey soak after a long day! Fill your bathtub with warm water, then add ¼ cup whole milk powder (or powdered goat’s milk) and two tablespoons of raw honey or agave nectar for extra hydration benefits! Soak for 15-20 minutes for softer, smoother skin from head to toe!
Brown Sugar Scrub
This scrub is perfect for exfoliating the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Simply mix brown sugar and coconut oil until the mixture forms a paste. Massage onto wet skin in a circular motion, then rinse with warm water. Add a few drops of lemon juice or essential oils for added benefits for fragrance.
Aloe Vera Face Mask
Aloe vera gel helps to reduce inflammation, soothe redness, and protect against sun damage! To make this face mask, blend a tablespoon of aloe vera gel with two tablespoons of honey. Apply to clean skin and leave for 15-20 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer!
Final Thoughts
From hydrating face masks to exfoliating scrubs, you can give yourself a spa-like experience without breaking the bank or leaving home! These DIY recipes from Vikki Gerrard Of La Crosse can help provide much-needed nourishment & care that our bodies crave without costing us an arm & leg. Try them out today if you are feeling adventurous today!
