Feeling tired and sore from your daily grind?
We feel you! We sometimes live very stressful lives, so we deserve some rest, relaxation, and pampering. What better way to get that much-needed rejuvenation than in a spa, right?
However, we may not all have the time or budget to go to one. The perfect solution to those problems is our very own at-home spa session.
But how can you pamper yourself at home?
We got you! We will share with you the essentials and extras for that relaxing and rejuvenating at-home spa experience.
The Spa Essentials
Here we’ve listed the must-haves for your at-home spa session. We have included a wide range of materials for your hair, face, body, nails, and feet. And because we’re feeling like giving you some extra bonus ideas, we will also include some essentials that you can DIY at home. Read on and prepare for that perfect at-home spa session.
Cleanser
The first step to your facial spa session is cleansing. You will need a facial cleanser that will perfectly match your skin type so that you can fully reap its benefits. Cleansing your face also helps your skin prepare for the next steps of your routine as it helps remove dirt and impurities from your skin’s surface.
Thinking of buying a new cleanser for your face?
If you already have one at home, we recommend sticking to it. You probably already use it because it matches your skin’s needs. Having breakouts from a new cleanser may stress you out instead of relaxing you, defeating the purpose of an at-home spa session.
And as a friendly reminder, don’t use hot water on your face as it may dry out and irritate your skin. Stick to warm water to help open your pores.
Exfoliants
Another essential for your at-home spa session are exfoliants! Exfoliation is a necessary routine that helps prevent clogged pores and flaky skin. In general, exfoliating can help brighten your skin and increase collagen production, which promotes skin elasticity.
You can either buy or make scrubs to use for your face and body. Aside from scrubs, here are other common materials for exfoliating:
- Pumice stones
- Dry brushes
- Cleansing scrubs
- Loofahs
If you want to give it a try, you can also make your scrub at home!
One of the benefits of DIY scrubs is that you know what is in it exactly. And the best thing is you can often find the basic ingredient for scrubs in your pantry — sugar! Make sure to do your research and find other natural ingredients you can mix and match for your scrub. Hit two birds with one stone — potentially save yourself some bucks and still get that relaxing at-home spa experience!
Body scrub for your face?
The answer to this is a big no-no. There is a significant difference between the skin on your body and your face. Using body scrub for your face can result in scarring, breakouts, and irritation. Likewise, using a facial scrub for the rest of your body can be less effective and more costly.
Masks
Face masks are another must-have for your at-home spa sesh! Use a face mask every week to clean, moisturize, and reduce oiliness and pore visibility. It also helps relax, remove fine lines, and brighten your skin.
There is another part of your body, besides the face, that will benefit from using masks. Yes, even your hair needs it!
Why use hair masks?
You may find this uncommon since we are more used to the instant moisturizing we get from hair conditioners. But hair masks give more long-lasting benefits to your hair and scalp. It nourishes and improves your hair strength. Hair masks are also beneficial if you have dry and damaged hair. Other benefits of using hair masks include the following:
- Shinier hair
- Less frizz
- Reduced hair breakage
- Healthier scalp
Like exfoliants, you can also DIY a hair or face mask at home. Eggs and honey are some of the most common ingredients you can use for your at-home spa experience. However, remember to do a skin test before applying any new or DIY product on your skin to avoid irritation.
How about masks for other parts of your body, you ask?
As an extra treat for yourself, feel free to include foot masks and eye masks to your shopping list! Eye masks reduce the puffiness and circles around your eyes. Meanwhile, foot masks moisturize your feet. And if you have hard skin under your feet, masks help soften your skin, too!
Moisturizers
To further pamper your skin, moisturizers are needed for your at-home spa session. Body lotions and face moisturizers do wonders to your skin, locking in moisture and smoothing rough spots.
Facial moisturizers also prevent acne breakouts because they hydrate dry and irritated skin. Some types even lighten and brighten your skin’s complexion. Knowing your skin type is necessary to identify what moisturizer will be the best fit for you. For example, oily skin needs light moisturizer so that your skin can easily absorb it. Here are other things to note about what moisturizer fits each skin type:
- Sensitive skin – hypoallergenic moisturizers
- Dry skin – richer moisturizers
- Combination – light moisturizer for the whole face and some heavier moisturizer for drier skin
As a rule, pick facial moisturizers that are non-comedogenic. These don’t clog your pores and increase your risk for blackheads and whiteheads.
For the rest of your body, use body lotion to make your skin smooth and silky. Daily use can significantly smoothen the rough parts, like those around the elbows and the knees. If you can, pick one that has sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays as well. And don’t forget to moisturize your feet!
A gentle reminder again: never use the same moisturizer for your body and your face. Moisturizers for these two have very different ingredients, and substituting one for the other is ineffective and harmful for your skin, especially for your face.
Essential Oils
Essential oils set the mood for your at-home spa experience and benefit your skin as well. A few drops can relax you and make your experience extra wonderful. Generally, you can forgo buying essential oils for your at-home spa, but it has many uses that we feel makes it an essential part of a fantastic spa session.
There are several types of essential oils on the market. Each has a specific benefit and effect on your skin and body. Here are some of the common variants and their uses:
- Lavender – moisturizes and repairs oily skin
- Rosemary – stimulates hair growth; keeps away extra sebum
- Neroli – balances sebum without drying the skin
- Lemon – reduces acne
- Tea Tree – prevents acne breakouts
- Carrot Seed – decreases skin scarring; reduces wrinkles
- Rose – promotes skin cell growth
Besides topical application, you can also use a diffuser to set the mood for an at-home spa session. You can also add up to ten drops of your preferred essential oil to your bathwater.
There is still not enough scientific evidence to support all the promised benefits of using essential oils. So do remember to use them with caution. Perform a skin patch test and wait 24 to 48 hours before trying out an essential oil for a large skin area. In fact, you can even try consulting a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin.
Likewise, don’t directly apply the oil to your skin! It can result in irritation; always dilute it with a carrier oil before use.
Nail Essentials
You can end your spa experience with your moisturizer and call it a night. But you can always go a bit extra for yourself and grab some nail essentials. To completely pamper your nails, you will need the following:
- Nail file
- Nail buffer
- Nail clipper
- Cuticle cream
- Nail polish
- Top coat
Vine Vera’s manicure set has most of the items from this list, and it even has hand and body lotion! You don’t need to spend the extra time to pick up each item at your local drug store — that can be exhausting, including comparing your various options. Plus, Vine Vera’s products are of the best quality, so you can rest assured that you are giving your nails the utmost care.
The Spa Extras
We’ve listed the top things you need for a pleasant and relaxing at-home spa session. Those alone can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. But there are still some items that can make your experience a bit more fabulous and refreshing.
Are you ready to feel extra rejuvenated?
Here are some extra items you can add to your shopping list!
Bath Bombs
If you are not a fan of using essential oils for your bath, then pick these extra alternatives — bath bombs! Not only is it fun to watch it dissolve in the tub, but it is also good for your skin. It has an added softener that helps moisturize your skin, leaving it soft and silky.
The two main ingredients of bath bombs — sodium bicarbonate and citric acid — significantly benefit your skin, acting together to deodorize and repair. These leave skin healthy and glowing.
This Blueberry Lemon Bath Bomb from Rachel’s Best Soaps is one of our absolute favorites! This bath bomb will surely leave your skin feeling clean and smooth and smelling good!
Aromatherapy Candles
Unlike the other items on this list, candles add more to the ambient experience than the actual pampering. However, it still creates a remarkable at-home spa experience.
Aromatherapy candles can create a relaxing environment that puts your body at ease and ready for your much-awaited spa session. Like essential oils, these can relieve stress and improve your focus, heightening the experience while soothing your nerves.
We’ve got more tips for you!
If you pair it up with peaceful spa music, you’ll be indulging yourself with a luxurious spa session in the comforts of your home.
Marbles
Marbles are also extra items you can buy for your at-home spa session. They are primarily used to massage your feet as you soak them in warm water with essential oils. This massage can stimulate your blood flow and soothe your feet muscles, making you feel rejuvenated and relaxed.
Robe
Robes are one of the constants in any spa. Wrapping yourself in a comfortable robe adds to the pampering experience. And you can easily replicate that at home by using one as you soak your feet or use face masks. Experience luxury that doesn’t cost as much!
Setting Up Your At-Home Spa Session
Now that you know what you need to create a serene and relaxing at-home spa experience, you are almost all set to begin your session. The last thing that we want to share with you is how exactly to go about the process so that you can fully rejuvenate and revive your tired body in the comfort of your home.
- Set the vibe. Light the candles or use the essential oils to set the vibe for your at-home spa session. You may also dim the lights and play some relaxing music to establish the mood. Then, prepare all the materials you need, including the robe, if you opt to use one.
- Cleanse. Before applying products to your face or body, start cleansing. Your face will be able to absorb the moisturizers better if it is a clean slate. Likewise, your hair needs to be clean before you use hair masks.
- Use the hair mask. Unlike conditioners, hair masks stay on your hair longer and need to be put on as early as possible in your at-home spa session. Doing so will ensure that you are reaping the full benefits of your chosen hair mask. After application, wrap your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap.
- Exfoliate. Exfoliate your face and body. Then put on the face mask, and if you have one, the eye mask.
- Start with your nails. Start filing and cutting your nails to the desired shape and length.
- Pamper your feet. Soak your feet in warm water. Then, add essential oils and marbles if you have them.
- Soak in the tub. Prepare your bath and add essential oils or bath bombs for a more relaxing experience. Get in and take your time to relax in the warm and pleasant water.
- Rinse and moisturize. Finally, rinse and moisturize every part of your body — from your face to toes. This step completes your at-home spa session.
- Paint your nails. Finish your spa experience with a brush of nail polish and top coat if you wish.
Now you’re ready to be pampered in the comfort of your own home! You may have had a long week but you should not deny yourself the time to relax. So go on and have a luxurious at-home spa session and be rejuvenated, relaxed, and revitalized!
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