Janell Loving
Spa treatments allow us to escape and be in the moment, away from everything that depletes our inner peace and calm. To create the wellness, balance and pampering we deserve it is important to encourage at least a monthly maintenance appointment to the spa. What can we do in-between scheduled appointments to help maintain our wellness, balance and well – ultimately our sanity? Below are a few things I have found that help keep me going between those treasured spa times.
Use any of the following tips to extend and create the wellness you deserve between spa trips.
Natural Exfoliants
I love body scrubs. There is nothing better than silky smooth skin, and the feeling that my body is comparable to the touch of silk. If you are like me, that amazing feeling doesn't stay as long as I would like on those very dry and over looked areas of the body – heels, knees and elbows. In between my monthly trips to the spa, I have found an amazing pick me up to any weekday shower to keep those rough dry spots soft & smooth . Cut a fresh orange in half and apply to the area in question. The orange works to slough away dry skin, and gives a fresh citrus wakeup to start the day. Try this on one of those particularly trying Monday mornings – it doesn't require more than 3 to 5 minutes of additional time in the shower, and you will be surprised by the softness of your skin and the enhancement to your mood!
Essential Oils
Signature scents are part of the aromatherapy experience at most Day Spas. My favorite day spa's signature scent is a delicious blend of essentials oils and herbs. For me, a great way to extend the spa experience is to immerse myself in the signature scent of the spa. I purchase the massage oil that they use in most of their signature treatments and use it to refresh and renew my senses in-between spa treatments. The massage oil can be used as a hydrating oil after a bath to enhance relaxation and create a sense of calm or to create your own ayurvedic treatment by using the spa oil to give yourself a head to toe warm oil massage before crawling into bed. I love the way the aromatic presence of the oil creates a sense of quiet and calm and helps renew the spirit after a long day.
Herbal Facial Steam
Skin has a tendency to become dry during the winter months. A steam treatment can bring back the glow of summer. Moist heat hydrates skin and boosts circulation, bringing oxygen to the facial area. It also helps promote skin clarity. Work with your esthetician to determine the best herbs to use for your skin type and try an at home steam in between facials to help maintain the skin's beauty. I prefer a combination of Lavender & Calendula blossoms with several drops of Geranium essential oil. At least once a month I turn my bathroom sink into my personal sauna to rejuvenate my attitude and keep my face and neck hydrated between facials.
Staff Picks
The next time you are in your local day spa ask your therapist or esthetician what their favorite product is. Speaking as a former day spa employee, I can tell you, most of us are product junkies, and guaranteed, we have something that we love. When you are inquiring about the latest love, be sure to ask how they use it and what they love about it. Some of my favorite products were discovered because my massage therapist or esthetician couldn't live without it. The product I can't live without right now – The Dead Sea Face & Body Mud Masque by amber, http://store.amberproducts.com/browse.cfm/4,796.html the Damiana, Marigold, and German Chamomile infused mud make my body feel like silk, and I've already told you how much I love that!
There are many things that encourage the relaxation and extension of your spa experiences. Think about the things that you enjoy most and treat yourself to something that can help re-create the experience at home. In the spirit of conserving and making the most of each experience we have, I hope that these tips will allow you to find a little peace and wellness in each and every day.
Here's to extending your spa experience until your next appointment.....