Home Spa Therapy

There are definitely ways you can get similar effects. It still takes a modest upfront investment in equipment and products, but you can use those products any time you like without an appointment. If we focus on the face, there are several categories of products you can use to recreate a spa facial at home:

• Masks
• Peels
• Scrubs
• Equipment

If you've stepped into a drugstore in the last decade, you've probably seen the hundreds of spa masks that are now available for less than $5/bottle. Some of these are very effective, some aren’t effective at all. Unfortunately, that takes some trial and error on your part. Before going to the store, do some research online. See what other people are saying about different brands and try to have an idea of what you'd like before you set foot in the store. Masks are typically made of clay or another oil-absorbent material that sets on your face, dries, and can be rinsed off. The best contain moisturizers that work in conjunction with the clay while the clay seals the materials against your skin, the moisturizers can penetrate your pores for 10 minutes or until the mask is rinsed off. Some brands now offer warming masks that are activated when mixed with moisture and create a gently warmth that spreads across your face. These are wonderful for relaxation and decreasing stress, especially when combined with a warm bath. You should never experience redness or irritation from a mask. If you do, stop using it and try a different brand or speak with your spa professional about his or her preferred products.

Peels may also come in the form of masks, but rather than being rinsed off they solidify to a sheet form and are peeled from your face. Many of these contain cooling ingredients like alcohol to give you a subtle tingle. While they’re great for energizing you and giving you a fresh feeling, they can be damaging to dry skin. If you have dry skin or a flaky skin condition, do not use peels until the dryness has been treated sufficiently. If you feel comfortable using peels, they can provide excellent light exfoliation as needed but should not be strong enough to extract blackheads.

Scrubs are usually crushed nuts or other natural materials in a creamy base. They're widely available and are now also made with small synthetic spheres suspended in liquid. When used on a weekly or monthly basis, scrubs are a great addition to a skin care routine as they provide deeper exfoliation than a washcloth or peel. Use them with caution, though, and with a light touch. Do not grind them into your skin or press too hard, because the crushed material in the scrub can actually tear your pores and cause damage to your skin. Don’t use them on a daily basis, either, as too much exfoliation strips your skin of the necessary protective layer of dead skin and can cause breakouts or excessive dryness.

When it comes to equipment, you'll have a wide range of selections in a wide range of prices. You can purchase home facial steamers, facial massagers, blackhead extractors, and more. The problem with this equipment is that it often takes up a lot of room and is hard to store… plus, most of the equipment is unnecessary when you know how to perform simple manual techniques that can accomplish the same goal.

Facial steamers: Follow the instructions later in the book for an herbal steam mixture. Pour it into your bathroom sink or a large mixing bowl, then add extremely hot water. Pull up a chair, tie back your hair, and lean over the sink/bowl. If you have someone available to help, have them place a towel over your head that drapes over the sides of the bowl. Inhale deeply. Let your mind drift. Keep the towel in place for at least five minutes. When finished, your face should have a plump feeling, and from there you can apply moisturizer. If this is uncomfortable, either soak a towel in water of a tolerable temperature or soak a towel in tepid water and toss it in the dryer for 10 minutes. Sit back in your favorite chair and lay the towel over your face for at least 5 minutes for a similar effect.

Facial massagers: These are even easier. After you've washed and steamed your face, use your fingertips to lightly rub your face in a circular motion. Pay close attention to your temples and the front of your scalp. Don’t tug or pull on the face, just lightly rub and pat. If you have someone else available to help, ask them to give you a facial massage in exchange for one of their own.

Blackhead extractors: These can actually be dangerous to use at home anyway, so a simpler substitution is a package of the blackhead strips you can find in any drugstore. In addition to helping clear your pores, they also often contain a small amount of menthol or mint for a nice tingly feeling. If you don’t find that these work, check in your toolbox for a roll of duct tape. That's right, duct tape. Smooth it over a blackheaded area and pull off slowly many of the blackheads that were present should now be on that trusty silver roll. See, you really can use duct tape for anything!

For the full spa experience, combine these treatments with soothing music, low lighting, aromatherapy candles, and unplugged/turned off phones. Your skin will feel fantastic within the hour.