DIY Skin Savers
Friday, February 25, 2011
Our bodies and skin have been bundled, bustled and hidden from view for most of the winter. Prep your skin to be free in spring and summer with some easy at-home treatments!
Scrub
It is easy to scrub your way to soft, smooth skin and you can use ingredients right in your own home! Grab some olive oil and sea salt and spread it over dry skin and rub lightly in circular motions. Or grab brown sugar, oatmeal and some honey to create a sweet scrub that will slough off dead skin and leave you with glowing, radiant skin that feels amazing. If mixing is too much work, pick up Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish ($65, Facing Thayer, Providence) and give yourself a spa treatment right in the shower!
Mask
Once you've exfoliated, a mask helps to detoxify, cleanse and enhance your skin. You can take the good old avocado and mash it and put it on your body or face for hydration and healthy oils to moisturize. Or puree your favorite fruits (power fruits like blueberries or strawberries provide antioxidant benefits) and apply to your skin and rinse in the shower. Blender not handy? Try Mario Badescu Papaya Body Lotion ($10-$22, The Apothecary Newport) which is fragrant and fruity and has exfoliating properties and shea butter.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMoisturize
Finally, you need to infuse your skin with moisture. Try Desert Essence 100% Jojoba Oil ($6, Whole Foods) all over, including the face, for a non-greasy and all-natural moisturizer. Or go for gold with Dermalogica Ultrarich Body Cream ($47, Kenneth Cote Renewal Center), which is a liquefying formula, oil-free, for instant penetration and absorption.
At-Home Tips
- Before any body treatment, it is best to shave or use another hair removal method to get your skin smooth and ready for treatment.
- If you are using a store bought product, do a test on your skin and wait 24 hours before a treatment to be sure you will not have a bad reaction.
- When scrubbing, go easy...a little goes a long way!
- Moisturize everyday to keep skin smooth and supple
- Drink water throughout the day to hydrate skin from the inside out
