Basics To My Sunday Spa Routine

I like to treat myself to a facial at least once a week mostly on Sundays. Recently I've also incorporated steaming bi weekly, making it even more luxurious and beneficial. I use a variety of natural ingredients right from my fridge or cupboard for my facials. Pictured above have been my weekly staple ingredients that never seems to fail and always combines with many other ingredients making my weekly facials versatile for my ever changing skin.

Taking this time out for myself at least once a week is a must. It's a time where I can give myself a breather without all the fuss. Here's what I like to use.........

Honey

I can never go wrong with honey.You can combine it with virtually anything making it a great base for any facial. Not only that, but you can also reap from it's many benefits by using it alone.

Honey is antibacterial tackling bacteria caused by acne. Honey is my ultra moisturizer thanks to it's humectant properties which attracts moisture into both skin and hair.

Sugar

I use sugar mostly for my body scrubs especially right after dry brushing. Sugar can be too rough for the face so I usually opt for sugar cane syrup I find at my local market. Sugar contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid which naturally exfoliates the skin of old skin cells revealing softer glowing skin especially for my elbows and knees.

Yogurt

Another staple of mine is plain yogurt. Also another great natural exfoliant especially for sensitive skin. Yogurt contains Lactic acid an AHA as well. Yogurt also helps moisturize and soothe the skin while gently exfoliating dead skin cells off the surface of the skin.

Clay

I recently got into clays for my facials and love how clean and fresh my skin feels. Clays helps draw out dirt and oil from the skin. Which is why I like to use it since it sucks up all the excess oil from my skin, leaving it just perfect not too overly dry or oily. Clay is also a great detoxifier I gave myself late last month a full body wrap in clay to help my skin and see how it felt and it was a great treat. Messy but worth it. My skin was super soft for days.

Steaming:

Adding steam to your facial routine can instantly upgrade any facial. When looking for a deep cleanse I opt for a steam facial. Not only does it help open and cleanse my clogged pores but the steam also soothes my sinuses which have been acting up due to stress. I also add essential oils, lavender being my favorite along with rosewater and the results are instant. My skin is uber soft and I have a lasting glow for days. It's also a great way to end a long day.......

Steaming is very easy grab a bowl, add some boiling water. Let the water sit for a while to avoid the steam from burning. Then once you are sure you have the right amount of heat, place a towel over your head and let the steam circulate while you slowly breathe in for about 5 minutes, then proceed with any facial of your choice.

Essential Oils:

Soon I would like to add dried herbs to my steam facials but until then essential oils will do. I usually add 1 drop of either lavender or Ylang-Ylang.

Rose Oil: Moisturizes, aid in skin cell regeneration

Chamomile: Soothes irritated skin, Antinflammtory, Antibacterial

Lavender: Anti inflammatory, calms and soothes irritated skin

Ylang Ylang: Balances skin, antiseptic

Loofah

I've been drying brushing for a while now and glad I have. I like how buttery soft my skin is since dry brushing. I not only use it for my skin but for the health benefits you can gain from dry brushing especially the immune system.


So these are some of my basic tools for my weekly Spa Ritual. As the weather changes I'll incoroprate more richer ingredients............until then what's your ideal spa ingredients for winter?