Spa at Home

How to create a relaxing, indulgent spa day without leaving the house

A trip to the spa is a rare treat, but you don't need the professionals to feel pampered. Creating an at-home spa is a great way to give yourself the royal treatment and save big bucks. Set aside just 30 minutes a week for one of these relaxing alone-time rituals. The results? Softer, smoother, younger-looking skin and less stress.

Set the Mood
Think about the little touches that make your favorite spa a must-visit and see if you can re-create them at home. Brew a soothing herbal tea or make a refreshing citrus water (just add thinly sliced lemons, oranges and ice), and stock up on healthy snacks like dried fruit and nuts you can enjoy during your DIY treatment. Play soft music (or loud rock—hey, it's your choice!), dim the lights and light a scented aromatherapy candle. Don't forget a few clean, fluffy towels, a luxe bathrobe and a bathtub pillow.

Treat Yourself to a Body Scrub
For supersoft, smooth skin, experiment with this spa fave at home. Body scrubs are known to give a gorgeous glow, exfoliate dead skin cells and boost circulation—plus, it's just plain relaxing. First, choose a gentle scrub to exfoliate rough patches. Swisa Dead Sea Salt Mineral Treatment or the brightening fruit enzymes in 100% Pure Organic Virgin Coconut Body Scrub are great for removing dead tissue while

softening skin. Apply the product on dry skin, using your hands (if skin is simply too dry, lightly mist with cool water and pat). Gently rub the scrub in slow circles. For a deeper exfoliation, rub a little longer but with the same light pressure (a spa secret—don't rush!). When you're finished, rinse off in the shower. Your skin may be a little pink momentarily, but it will quickly fade—and your skin will be soft as a baby's bottom. Once you get into the habit, repeat the treatment a few times a week.

Take a Tranquil Spa Soak
Even if you don't have an oversized hydrotherapy tub at home, a candlelit bath is a charmed way to end the day. Run the water in the tub at a comfortable heated temperature, about 80 degrees (this helps stimulate circulation and relax muscles). Add favorite bath salts—try the rejuvenating and fatigue-relieving Aromafloria Ocean Mineral Bath Salts, or inhale the sweet-smelling suds of Bliss Vanilla and Bergamot Soapy Suds. Soak for about 15 minutes. If the water gets a tad too warm, pull the plug and add cold water to gradually bring down your core temperature, and remember to get up slowly. Rest for 15 minutes afterward—relax in your fluffy robe, flip through a magazine and hydrate with your chilled citrus water. Serenity now.