DIY Spa Treatments

This Thanksgiving I have a lot to be grateful for: a new home, a job I enjoy and a new way to keep the holiday expenditures under control. Instead of heading straight for the spa to unwind after this year's festivities, I plan to raid my pantry and use the leftover ingredients from my Thanksgiving feast to whip up a few DIY spa treatments that are easy on the wallet and must-haves to nourish and revitalize winter skin and hair. 

Hydrating Mask

Ingredients

½ avocado (peeled & pitted)

3 seedless grapes

1 egg

1 teaspoon of mayonnaise

1 teaspoon of honey

1 tablespoon of baking soda

2 teaspoons of apple juice

Directions

Mash the avocado and grapes until smooth; add remaining ingredients. Blend on medium speed for 45 seconds and apply evenly to face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

Revitalizing Hair Mask

Ingredients

1-2 large or 3-4 medium apples (without dents or flaws)

2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

1 tablespoon of corn flour

Directions

Peel, core and grate the apples and combine with remaining ingredients; stir well. Spread the mixture over dry, unwashed hair and leave on for 20-30 minutes. If desired, cover hair with shower cap and wrap with a towel. Rinse with tepid water; follow with a mild shampoo (optional).

Moisturizing Face/Body Lotion

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of olive oil

1/3 teaspoon shea butter

1 teaspoon of apple juice

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

1/3 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions

In a small saucepan, slowly heat ingredients until warm. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Prior to use, pour into small bottle and shake. Apply mixture to face in circular, massaging motion until absorbed. 

Hand Softening and Conditioning Treatment

Ingredients

1/4 cup of coarse brown sugar

Baby oil for paste

Directions

Stir together and with a hand-washing motion, apply the mixture to hands. Continue for a minute and then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

Soothing Foot Soak

Ingredients

Basin
1 cup of strawberries (halved)
1/2 cup of Johnson’s baby oil
Peppermint essential oil

Directions

Fill basin with warm water. Stir in baby oil and 10 to 15 drops of peppermint essential oil; add strawberries. Let cool for 5 minutes; soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes. Pat dry and follow up with a foot cream.

Remember to store all ingredients in sealed containers in a cool place to preserve. What is your top DIY spa treatment guaranteed to help you relax and unwind?

Written by Chris Schmidt, who continues to strive for anti-aging and anti-acne solutions on a shoestring budget, while doing what she can both nutritionally and fitness-wise to maintain her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.