Winter pampering spa at home- body scrub, body butter and shower steamer

Exfoliating, hydrating, and relaxing through aromatherapy – sounds like heaven. Whether you decide to apply the above as a 3-step spa routine, or you pick one or the other every now and then, the results will follow. A calmer mind, relaxed body, smooth skin.

This festive season is just so different to the old ones – the constant worry about our health, looking after your home and household with the people in it – either tiny & restless or elderly and in need for care and attention – you will need to find space for some ‘me time’ in your busy schedule. With these at home spa basics, the relaxation is guaranteed, and on top, you can make some extra of each to give to friends or family as presents.

1. Shower steamers – for when you don’t have a bath tub

Aromatherapy shower steamers, also called shower tablets, shower bombs, or shower melts, are helpful for balancing your mind and emotions, relieving stress and nervous tension, and easing symptoms of headache or sinus congestion. In some homes, the bathtub is no longer an option, and if you can’t turn to the trusty old ‘soak the stress away’ relief, we have good news: you can still opt for a ‘fizzle away and release abundant fragrances that indulge your senses‘ treatment in your own shower.

The recipe is just as easy as it is with bath bombs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Baking soda
• 1/3 cup Citric acid
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 10g Menthol Crystals
• 60 drops of Essential oil of your choice
• 91% Alcohol or Witch Hazel in a spray bottle
• Silicone mould
• Mica powder (if you would like colour, this is optional)

Dissolve the menthol crystals in some alcohol or witch hazel.

In a large bowl, combine the baking soda with citric acid and cornstarch.

Mix in the menthol and essential oils.

The final mixture should resemble damp sand. If it crumbles a lot, try some more alcohol or witch hazel, but not too much, as too much moist may start the bubbling reaction between baking soda and the acid.

Add the mixture to your mould, keep it there for a minute before removing and let your steamers sit and dry overnight in a cool dry place.

Store these in an airtight container, label the container clearly so the final products are not mistaken for candies. Store them in a dry place.

Please note the shower steamers are not to be used as bath bombs. These have a LOT of essential oils that you’d not want to come into direct contact with your body in a tub of hot water for an extended period of time, however, they work great in the shower just releasing their relaxing and calming goodness while dissolving.

2. Almond Oil & Lavender Salt Body Scrub

Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just sugar scrub that does the job when it comes to exfoliating. Salt, especially Epsom salt is just as great, and you’ll have the added benefit of the salt absorbing toxins.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of Sea Salt or Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup Sweet Almond Oil
• 6 drops of floral essential oil – rose, lavender, geranium works great
• 1/4 cup lavender buds
• Fresk or dried floral petals (optional)

Mix all of the above and pour into a glass jar. Label and store or use straight away – as I am sure you will not be able to resist and hop in the shower straight away!

3. Whipped body butter

Body butter made by you? Yes, why not? Simple ingredients list, quick project and instant results. The icing on the cake of your relaxing spa day if you ask me!

Ingredients

• Half a cup of each organic
  • Shea butter
  • Cocoa butter
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Coconut oil

Melt these over a double boiler. Heat until melted, helping to dissolve with a whisk, and once done, place in fridge for about an hour to allow it to cool down.
Once chilled, mix with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, then add 1/2 teaspoon of essential oils. We used a mixture of lavender and grapefruit.
Spoon the mixture into a glass jar, label it and get ready to use!Will you try any of the above? Let us know in the comments!