Spring clean your skin!

After one of the coldest winters in recent years we're finally seeing the first signs of Spring. And, what's more, we have the Easter holidays to look forward to! We all know that the harsh effects of winter can leave our skin very dry and lifeless, so I've put together a few home spa ideas that will help freshen up your skin, brighten up your appearance and give you that much deserved opportunity to relax and indulge over the holiday period!

Spring clean your skin!

Face and neck treatment for deep moisturising and intense wrinkle repair:
Place 15 ml of pure Almond Oil (1 tablespoonful) into a small dish and stand it in a bowl of boiling water until the oil reaches skin temperature. Whilst the oil is warming apply 2-3 face cloths (that have been soaked in warm water and rung out) to the area of skin to be treated. Leave in place for 1-2 minutes until the skin is slightly flushed (showing that surface circulation has been increased). Remove the oil and blend in up to 4 drops of Rose, Chamomile and/or Frankincense Essential Oil. Paint the blend all over the face, neck and lips (with a large flat cosmetic brush or natural bristle pastry brush) using upward strokes and avoiding the under eye area. Pay particular attention to the jaw line, the throat and the cheeks. If your skin is particularly dry the therapeutic blend will disappear, in which case keep adding more until you are left with a wet surface. At this stage place two cotton wool pads soaked in cold water over the eyes and lie back and relax for at least 30 minutess. Finally, remove the eye pads and massage any extra moisture into the skin. For best results leave the skin free of make up for the next 24 hours. If the skin to be treated is particularly sensitive then patch test the oil blend near the hairline before treatment. If the skin is excessively dry, carry out the treatment every 24 hours for three sessions then once weekly. For normal skin once per month will be sufficient.

For the ultimate treat why not enjoy this home facial whilst relaxing in the bath - try Potions & Possibilities Ultra Relaxing Bath Oil Blend for an extra luxurious and moisturising treat!

Hand Treatment to moisturise hands, soften cuticles, strengthen nails and treat hard skin:
Prepare a comfortable seat at a table in a warm room and spread a towel over the table to protect it. Remove any nail polish or jewellery. Place 30ml of pure Almond Oil (2 tablespoonfuls) into a small dish and stand in a bowl of boiling water until the oil reaches skin temperature. Remove the oil and blend in up to 10 drops of Lavender and/or Ylang Ylang with Tea Tree (suggested blend is maximum of 4 drops Lavender, 3 drops Ylang Ylang and 3 drops Tea Tree).
Treating one hand at a time (unless you have a helper) spread the blend all over one hand taking care to work it between the fingers, down underneath the nails, into the cuticles and up past the wrists. There is no need to rub it in just smooth it on. If your hands are particularly dry the therapeutic blend will disappear, in which case keep adding more until you are left with a wet surface. Pull on a polythene glove or sandwich bag and your hand in the bag/glove (removing any air). Then wrap up in a hand towel as if you were wrapping wet hair. Relax for 20-30mins during which your hand should start to heat up. If you have wrapped the hand securely then you will find that due to the increased circulation and moisture penetration the skin feels quite warm and looks slightly flushed when you unwrap. In the unlikely event of any oil being left on the surface simply massage it in. Repeat the treatment on the other hand. If you suffer from aches and pains in your fingers (arthritis or key board strain) then increase the proportion of pain killing Lavender and consider adding Chamomile (nature’s steroid).

Therapeutic Foot Treatment to relax the mind, rejuvenate tired feet and reduce hard skin:
Fill a washing-up bowl with ½” coarse sea salt then lay 6 smooth pebbles of varying sizes on top. Fill the bowl with hot water and add up to 8 drops of Essential Oil. I recommend Chamomile, Peppermint and Lavender. Mix with a tablespoon of milk first to help the oils disperse in the water. Then, sit, relax and soak your feet in the bowl. Press the soles of the feet onto the salt on the bottom to gently stimulate the circulation. If you wish to buff away hard skin then shuffle or rotate feet. Next, rest the feet on the stones, press them into the arches, roll them along the soles, try to pick them up with the toes and push them around the bowl to relieve pain, stimulate sluggish circulation and soothe tired muscles. When the water cools empty some out and replace with more hot. After 30 minutes remove the feet and dry with a towel. Moisturise the feet and ankles thoroughly with Potions & Possibilities' Foot Relief Cream and relax for at least an hour preferably with feet raised. Tip: For athletes foot or “sweaty feet” also include Tea Tree Essential Oil. For extra-dry and cracked, sore heels try Potions' soothing Finger & Heel Relief Balm.

So relax, indulge and have a lovely Easter!

Julie