Guest Author - Lisa Lambson

More and more people today are juggling the demands of full time jobs, extended families and the daily stress of reading the paper, watching the news, pulling up to the gas pump or trying to keep your children safe. In today's society it is even more difficult to find the time or the money to just do something for yourself. Spa treatments can be an oasis in a busy day leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed.

We have all seen the commercials, heard the cry of "Calgon, take me away". There is nothing better to help you feel more calm and relaxed than a nice warm bubble bath. So, put on some soft music, light some candles and add a few drops of essential oil to your bathwater. Read our article The Aromatherapy Lifestyle find which oils work best and which ones to avoid. Herbs can also enhance your bath and add to the calming effect. Just choose the herbs you would like to use and put them in an old sock with a knot tied in it. Put the sock over the faucet and let the water slowly flow through the sock to release the power of the herbs.

A facial is not only beneficial to your skin care but can be extremely relaxing even if done on your own. Start with a very clean face. It may be best to perform your facial right after you get out of the shower. The steam helps to open your pores and soften your skin. Now use a headband or something to hold your hair back off of your face. Remove any make up and cleanse your face thoroughly with a mild face wash. Use sweeping, circular motions in an upward direction with your fingertips. Remove the cleanser with clear water. If you would like to exfoliate your skin, you would do this after the cleansing. There are many products on the market you could choose for this or create or own by blending oatmeal in a blender and adding sugar. The sugar crystals will help remove dead skin and loosen any acne you may have. Again, remove the product will clear, slightly warm water.

After exfoliating, use a lotion or massage cream and gently massage it into your face, neck, and chest. It may feel strange at first to massage your own face, but with a little practice it will be well worth your while. Relaxation can be achieved through light, but firm, slow, rhythmic movements. Massage will help nourish the skin, improve circulation and stimulate the muscles in your face. A mask is applied next depending on the type of skin you have. You can choose a clay type mask or you may want to go with something using fruit. Many of the things you have in your home can be used as a mask like apple, banana, oatmeal, cucumber, egg whites or lemon. Whatever you type you choose, let it dry on your skin and then wash off with cool water and apply a toner. This will help to close your pores back up and increase the benefits of your facial.