At Home Spa: How to Make Your Own Goodies!

You love the pretty colored bath salts, wonderfully scented body scrubs, and simply heavenly candles that you can buy at the spa but you absolutely hate the high prices of them? Don’t worry because you have the solution to this at home and what you don’t have on hand won’t be horribly expensive to add. If you garden, it becomes even easier!

Skin

Spas are incredibly well known for their skin treatments and skin products. With a weekend, it is possible to whip up your own special line of skin products for a fraction of the cost. In the store, we see hundreds of liquid bath soaps, bath salts, bath beads, and bath oils in a mind boggling array of scents and colors. Below are recipes for a scented liquid bath soap, bath salts, bath beads, bath oil, body scrub, and an herbal bath.

Liquid Bath Soap

The important thing to remember is to start with an unscented and dye free mild body soap. There are two different methods that can be used according to your preferences and supplies available. The first method is to steep herbs in the soap. The second method is to add an essential oil to the liquid soap. Both methods, when completed, yield a scented soap that must be stored away from light, in a cool dark place like the medicine cabinet.

Herbal Method:

Equipment needed

• 1 sterile 2 quart jar with a lid
• herbs sufficient to fill half the jar, loosely packed
• unscented, dye-free liquid soap
• steel or other non-reactive material mesh strainer
• sterile glass jars or bottles sufficient to hold the scented soap

Fill the jar half full with the herbs and then pour in the liquid soap to fill the jar. Cover and place in a cool, dark location. Shake slightly every three days and allow the herbs to infuse into the liquid soap for three weeks. Depending upon the herbs, a slight color change will also occur with the infusion of the herbal essence. This does not impact the quality of the soap. Once your herbs have fully infused, strain the herbs out of the soap as you pour it into the containers which will hold it.

Essential Oil Method:

Equipment needed

• 1 sterile 2 quart jar with lid
• Essential herbal oil
• Unscented, dye-free liquid soap
• Steel or other non-reactive material spoon with a long handle
• Sterile glass jars or bottles sufficient to hold the scented soap

Fill the jar with the liquid soap. Add three to five drops of the herbal oil. Stir gently with the spoon and cover. Place in a cool, dark location for two to three weeks, stirring gently every three days. If you wish to color your soap, add a two to three drops of food coloring when you add the oil to the soap. When the oil is fully incorporated into the soap, pour into the containers for storage. Label and tightly close your containers of soap. If you wish to seal the containers, take an unscented candle and cover the lids with wax, allowing the wax to drip down the sides enough to cover where the lid is secured to the container. I prefer to use a white taper candle because they are least expensive in my area, you may find something that works better.

Scented Bath Salts

It is possible to make herbal bath salts and bath salts that are scented like some of your favorite foods. Scented bath salts make an excellent gift and a wonderful way to relax at the end of a stressful day. It is important for women to remember when using bath salts (or their herbal liquid soap for a bubble bath) that they should not remain in the bath for too long or they’ll risk feminine hygiene problems due to the disruption of the pH of their genital region.

Basic Bath Salts

Ideally, it is best to use sea salt because it makes the most picturesque presentation. When this is not possible, use a measure of table salt combined with a half measure of Epsom salts or borax. The effort, I have found, of attempting to color the bath salts is generally is a source of frustration and I’ve yet to find a method that allows even distribution of color to all the crystals. Again, essential herbal oils are used. It is important to remember to research the oil you wish to use in your bath salts and related skin products. Certain oils will cause people with sensitive skin to have a reaction. Others generally are going to cause a reaction regardless of skin type.

Take one and a half cups of rock salt (or one cup table salt and one half cup borax) and add 40 drops of essential oil of your herb of choice. Stir gently to combine with a steel or other non-reactive spoon. Place this scented mixture into sterile glass jars or bottles large enough to hold it. Label and store away from heat and light. When using the basic bath salts, use a quarter cup to a full tub of water.

Gourmet Bath Salts

It is a luxury to have bath salts scented like chocolate, vanilla, or something else delicious. While the idea of making them may sound quite intimidating, it is actually a simple process. As with the herbal essential oils, it is important to make sure that what you are using to scent your bath salts is not going to cause a negative reaction for your skin. The bath salts scented like food, such as vanilla, uses a combination of the extract you use in cooking with an equal amount of oil. It is important to mix the extract and oil prior to adding it to the salt. Below is a recipe for vanilla scented bath salts.

Ingredients:

• 1 C. Epsom salts
• 1 C. Sea salt (can be substituted with table salt)
• 1 Tsp. Vanilla extract
• 1 Tsp. Mineral oil

In a non-reactive bowl, mix together the salts using a non-reactive spoon. In a separate, non-reactive bowl with another non-reactive spoon, mix together the vanilla extract and oil. Make sure they are completely blended before adding to the salts. This vanilla-oil mixture must be completely mixed into the salt mixture before transferring to your glass jars or containers for storage.

Bath Beads

Bath beads need not be the glossy pearlescent things sold at the store. With approximately fifteen minutes of effort and a day of drying time, you can have your own bath beads. It is possible to use things such as vanilla extract or other extracts from the kitchen in these with and no need to add oil, as seen above in the recipe for the vanilla scented bath salts.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbs Baking soda
• 1 Tsp Shortening
• 10 drops of Fragrance (Yes, this can be perfume if you wish!)

In a non-reactive bowl, mix together the ingredients completely. Using a kneading motion appears to work best, however you may find a slightly different technique is better for you. Remember, if you’re using tools use something that will not react with your chosen fragrance source. Once your ingredients are completely blended together, pinch off small amounts and shape into balls approximately 2 centimeters in diameter. Arrange on a flat surface and allow the balls to dry in a cool, dry location for 24 hours.

Body Scrub

Scenting the body scrub is the same process as scenting bath salts. Ideally, the scrub would remain unscented because this would provide the least amount of potential irritation to your skin.

Basic Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Salt
• 1 Cup Mineral oil

In a non-reactive bowl, mix together the salt and oil until all salt is coated with oil. Transfer to sterilized glass jars or containers. Label and store in a cool place away from heat and light.

Gourmet Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Sugar (I use white sugar because it is less expensive then others available.)
• 1 Cup Mineral oil

As with the basic body scrub, mix the sugar and oil in a non-reactive bowl until the sugar is completely coated with oil. Transfer to sterilized glass jars or containers. Label and store in a cool place away from heat and light. The gourmet body scrub is generally best stored within the refrigerator to ensure there is no bacterial growth. It should be used within three months of being manufactured.

Making one’s own perfumes, aftershave, and body splashes can be a rewarding way to prolong the joys of the garden from Summer’s blooming into the depths of Winter. It also ensures that your products are not tested upon animals or use harsh chemicals that may provoke allergic reactions in sensitive skin. It is important to make sure that all of the herbs and flowers that are used in making your own perfumed products are free from pesticides and similar chemicals. I prefer to use my own organically grown herbs and flowers.

While the expense of purchasing organically grown herbal and floral components for your homemade spa products can add up quickly, the health benefits are well worth it. Organically grown and pesticide free plant products prevent one from having reactions to chemicals that are applied to the plants or from absorbing them into their body via the skin. When purchasing essential oils for use in the home, it is vital to read the labeling of the product you are purchasing. At times, retailers will market a product as an essential oil but when reviewing the label you will find that it is not 100% pure.

It is also important to remember that essential oils and herbs can impact your health beyond the stress relieving benefits of your home spa experience. If you are pregnant, have asthma, or other health conditions, it is important to consult with your doctor prior to using them. When the scent of a given herb or oil is desired and it is not possible to use the essential oil, it may be worth the expense to purchase a synthetic substitute in the form of a commercial perfume of the same scent.

Perfumes

The most basic perfume is an infusion of herbs into alcohol which is then diluted with water. A good idea is to use the most inexpensive vodka that you can purchase at your local wine and spirits store. Rose-water is one of the oldest forms of perfume known to man. (Coincidentally, it is also something that can be used in various recipes but it must be rose-water that you use.) Below is a recipe for rose-water that is safe for use in the bath and the kitchen.

Rose Water

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Water
• 4 Tbsp Vodka
• 1 Cup Dried rose petals

Combine ingredients into a sterilized glass jar, stir gently with a non-reactive spoon, and cover securely. Place in a cool, dark and dry location (such as a cupboard or closet shelf) and steep for one to three weeks. When fully infused, pour the rose-water into sterilized glass jars or containers for storage, straining the rose petals out with a non-reactive strainer. Label and store the finished product in a cool, dark location. This is good for up to a year when stored on a shelf in a cool dark place and for over a year when stored in the refrigerator.

Body Splashes/Sprays

A body splash and a body spray are functionally the same product applied in two different fashions. A splash is applied by pouring or splashing it onto the skin where as a spray is misted on to the skin via a spray bottle or atomizer. They can be made in several different ways, however the question to be answered in considering how you make your product is what is the objective you wish to accomplish with it.

Many body splashes and sprays are used as an alternate method of applying perfumes. Others are designed to act as a mild astringent and to encourage the closing of pores following a shower or bath. Some products are designed to accomplish both objectives. In either case, it is wise to make sure that the components you use do not irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you have a skin allergy to certain products or a sensitivity to certain plants, it is wise to avoid things that can have those items as components.

A basic body splash/spray that is just to act as an astringent can be made by combining 3 parts witch hazel with one part water. This should be stored in a cool location away from light, as heat and light will degrade the effectiveness of the witch hazel. While this is not a very pleasantly scented body splash/spray, it is very effective. If you desire to incorporate another scent into the body splash/spray to mask or complement the scent of the witch hazel, it is good to add a small amount of perfume to the spray.

If you are using the 3:1 ratio of witch hazel and water, it is good to add a 1/8th part of perfume (at most) if you are seeking to mask the scent of the witch hazel. Some scents, however, are not strong enough to cover the scent of the witch hazel. In this case, wait until the witch hazel solution is evaporated off of your skin and then apply the perfume. When you add perfume to the witch hazel and water solution, it is wise to avoid applying the astringent to sensitive areas of the body, such as the genitals. It can prove irritating to the sensitive skin at the least or trigger an allergic reaction, at the worst.

When choosing a spray bottle or atomizer for your body spray, it is best to use something that generates a very fine mist. This makes it easier to apply the solution to your skin in an even application. It also makes it easier to avoid using too much of the body spray at one time. While some people choose to use a body splash or a body spray after every shower or bath, it is important to remember that astringents, however mild, are drying to the skin. Using a body splash or body spray three times a week helps to avoid the problems of dry skin while still allowing you some measure of frequency if you desire it.

Finger & Toe Nails

Perhaps one of the absolute favorite parts of a spa treatment is getting one of those lovely manicures or pedicures that are available. While making your own nail polish is not generally an option for folks at home, making up your own special nail oil or soaks to resolve minor nail problems are easy and economical options.

Nail Oils

Nail oils are much like other moisturizing oils used upon the body. The commercial nail oils generally have a strong concentration of vitamin E in them because this vitamin has been shown to be healthful for one’s nails and skin. It is possible to make a nail oil that is unscented or one that is scented. When storing your homemade nail oil, it is important to store in a cool location away from light, such as the refrigerator.

In making homemade nail oil, there are several options available for the base oil used. Most cooking oils are safe to use for making nail oil, though the scent of the cooking oils may not be pleasing. A scentless and flavorless oil, such as grape seed oil, makes for an excellent base in making your own nail oil. Some oils have strong color inherent to them and it is possible to locate a relatively colorless cooking oil. The oils that are free of scent, flavor, and color are more expensive then most others. The truly expensive aspect of making nail oil is not the base oil used, but rather the vitamin E.

While it is not necessary to add vitamin E to your nail oil, it is quite popular to do so and a common requirement in recipes for nail oil. Most drug stores carry vitamin E liquid capsules. These can be broken open and added to the nail oil. If you are uncertain about adding vitamin E to your nail oil, consult your doctor as to what the safest amount is for you to apply directly to you skin via nail oil. As I mentioned earlier in this article, take care as to what you apply to your skin because this organ does absorb chemicals and transmit them into the blood stream.

Basic Nail Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 Tsp Olive oil
• 1 Tsp Vitamin E oil

In a non-reactive bowl, combine the oils and stir together with a non-reactive spoon. Massage into nails and cuticles. If you wish, you can massage this into the skin of the rest of your hands as well. It is often preferred to warm the oil to slightly over body temperature before applying. If you wish to do so, set the bowl of oil into a larger bowl filled partially with hot water. Take care not to let the water of the larger bowl spill into the bowl of oil. Remove when the oil has warmed to the desired temperature and then apply. Never heat oil in a microwave. This is a fire hazard, as can heating oil on the stove. Use caution in applying warmed oil to your skin because there is the potential of being burned if it is heated too much.

Gourmet Nail Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 Tsp Grape seed oil
• 1 Tsp Vitamin E oil
• 2 Drops of Lavender essential oil

In a non-reactive bowl, combine the oils and stir together with a non-reactive spoon. Apply as with the basic nail oil. Lavender has a well established reputation for being a soothing essential oil for use in aromatherapy and is one of the gentlest oils on the skin. If you (or any person using this oil) are pregnant, use the basic nail oil. The essential oil of Lavender can potentially trigger uterine contractions and induce miscarriage. Nail oils can be used as massage oils. If necessary, increase the ingredients proportionally until the required amount is desired.

Hand and Foot Soaks

The use of a luxurious soak to soften the skin and prepare one’s nails for their trim is probably one of the most iconic elements of a spa experience. There are many different things that can be added to the warm water used for soaking to make it a little more special. Aside from bath salts to draw out impurities in the skin, it is possible to add something to whiten the nails or assist in eliminating fungal problems. It is important to remember that discolored nails and possible fungal problems may be a sign of greater health concerns. Before self-treating any condition, consult with your health care provider.

If your nail discoloration is purely cosmetic, perhaps a result of nail polish soaking into one’s nails a little bit, the solution is shockingly simple. In a non-reactive bowl, add 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to 3 tablespoons of warm water. Soak your nails in this mixture 10 minutes and then apply nail oil. The mildly acidic quality of the water not only leeches the stains out of your nails but also moisture out of your hands. If you have no lemon juice available, use 3 tablespoons of cider vinegar and 4 tablespoons of water. Soak for 10 minutes and then apply nail oil. Vinegar is a more potent acid compared to lemon juice.

If your goal is not to remove discoloration but rather scent the water that you are soaking in, in addition to bath salts, it is possible to make an herbal sachet to infuse the water with a pleasant scent. A rose scented sachet or a lavender sachet can make for a relaxing soak. An oatmeal sachet can help sooth and invigorate tired, itchy skin. To make a sachet, place 3 tablespoons of your crushed herb into a square of cheesecloth. Bring the corners together and tie securely with a piece of twine. Submerge the sachet into the water you are going to use for soaking and enjoy. For the oatmeal sachet, grind rolled oatmeal into a coarse powder in a mortar and pestle before adding to the sachet.

Face

The most iconic image of a day at the spa is a person lounging in a chair with a masque of some sort generously applied to their face. Masques are not as complicated as they seem and can be made at home for a fraction of the cost. The recipe for a basic oatmeal masque is given below. Oatmeal has a well established reputation for soothing the skin and drawing out impurities. It may sound funny to be putting oatmeal of all things on your face, but it does wonders for the complexion and is mild to most skin types. Herbs can be added to the oatmeal masque for other uses, however the same caution used in herbal oils should be used here as well.

Basic Oatmeal Masque

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Rolled oats, ground fine (The blender makes short work of this.)
• 1/2 Cup Warm water

In a shallow bowl, mix the oats and water until a paste forms. The thickness of the paste is dependent upon your preferences. Apply the paste while still comfortably warm to the face and neck, taking care to avoid the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Allow the paste to sit upon your skin until dry. With warm water, a mild cleanser, and a soft washcloth, remove the dried paste from your skin. Pat dry and apply your favorite facial moisturizer.

Gourmet Oatmeal Masque

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Rolled oats, ground fine
• 1/4 Cup Dried Marigold blossoms, crushed fine (This can be done in the blender as well.)
• 1 Cup Warm Water

In a shallow bowl, mix the dried Marigold blossoms and oats together. Add the warm water until a paste forms of the desired thickness. Apply as with the basic oatmeal masque. Marigold, also known as Calendula has a long and venerable reputation as an herb that is highly beneficial to your skin. It gently assists the oatmeal in drawing toxins and impurities out of your skin even as it helps to infuse moisture into you skin. This said, the step of applying the moisturizer should still be followed upon removing the masque.

Home Spa Tips

A day at the spa has various other lovely extras that go along with the experience. Taking the time to make yourself a nice cup of tea, arrange some pretty flowers, and light your favorite scented candle can make the at home experience just as special as going out to a spa. A little preparation goes along way towards making the at home spa experience a success. It can also make a gift of a home spa treatment a truly amazing thing for the recipient.

It is wise to have all of your supplies together in once place. If you are giving a home spa kit as a gift, a basket lined with pretty fabric can hold everything and make for an attractive presentation. To the kit, add a special set of linens that may be needed, a cup, a small box of tea, and a candle that is scented in a fashion which is complementary to the scents of your home spa kit. A floral scented kit, for example, would be well complemented by a floral scented candle while a home spa kit that is scented like chocolates would be better served by a hazelnut candle.

Most importantly, make sure that you have enough time set aside to do your home spa treatment and relax. Enjoy!