7 DIY Facials and Body Scrubs

Simple Rosemary Citrus Body Polish

The Lodge at Woodloch shared their at-home spa recipe incorporating this delightful herb. Give it a try -- it’s easy and effective, and you’ll be giving yourself a sneak peek at the spa’s upcoming signature service right at home.
You’ll Need:
2 tbsp crushed rosemary
1/4 cup natural sea salt 1/4 cup oil (grape seed, coconut, etc.)
1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
Directions: Mix together and enjoy!

Cranberry & Grape Facial Recipe

Cranberry sauce may be a Thanksgiving staple but the berries can be used any time of year to create this awesome anti-aging facemask by Erika Katz, beauty expert and author of Bonding Over Beauty, a great book for mothers and daughters.
You’ll need:
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup seedless red grapes
2 tsp grapefruit juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
Directions: Mix ingredients until the mixture becomes paste-like. Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes and let it thicken. Remove from the fridge and let sit about 10 minutes. Spread the mixture on clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
The benefits of the mask come from the fruit acid, which acts as a gentle exfoliant; the grapefruit juice acts as a toner; and the cranberries are a rich antioxidant harboring a one-two punch of vitamins A and C to help with collagen production.

Pumpkin Facial

Pumpkin offers over 100 beneficial ingredients for the skin, including retinol (Vitamin A), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), beta-carotene, a natural form of salicylic acid, and more.
You’ll Need:
2 tsp pumpkin puree (see below for instructions, or substitute with canned pumpkin)
1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp milk
1/4 tsp cinnamon spice (Note: while this can be nice astringent for some, it can also create a mild allergic reaction in others. To be safe, conduct a skin patch test -- if it burns, leave the cinnamon out of this recipe.)
Directions: Mix the ingredients into a paste and apply to a freshly cleansed face. Let dry for about 15-20 minutes and rinse off with water.
For the puree: Cut pumpkin and reserve just the flesh -- seeds, stringy matter and skin discarded. Steam pumpkin for about 15 minutes, or until a fork goes in smoothly. Puree in a food processor or blender until smooth, but not watery.

Chocolate Milk Bath

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is also high in antioxidants, like pumpkin, and works as a deep moisturizer for dry skin -- something a lot of us are starting to feel more and more as the weather cools down.
You’ll Need:
1 cup bubble bath
1/2 cup milk 60 grams (about 1/2 cup) crushed dark chocolate
Directions: Bring milk to a boil, stir in chocolate bits until melted. Let cool and mix the mixture into 1 cup of bubble bath liquid. Use 1/2 a cup of the mixture for each bath. This amount can last about four days.  

At-Home Recipes to Soothe Sunburned Summer Skin

Even in the spring the sun's rays are powerful enough to give you a sunburn. As strong advocates of melanoma awareness, we hope you’re remembering to protect your skin with sunscreen on a daily basis, no matter what the season or how sunny it is, but we also know that sometimes an uncomfortable sunburn can unexpectedly creep up on you. For those days, here are some DIY recipes to soothe your skin from David Parker, co-founder and “cosmetic chef” of The Body Deli, a fresh, raw and organic skincare store based in Palm Desert, California.
Sun Worshiper Bath
You’ll Need:
2 cups colloidal oatmeal (or regular old instant oats, ground up in a blender)
1 cup baking soda
3 cups buttermilk (you can make this at home by adding 2 tbsp of vinegar to every 1 cup of milk)
Directions: Draw a warm or room-temperature bath and mix in the above concoction. Place a towel behind your neck (and even some cucumbers on your eyes) and rehab your body from your day at the beach.
Soothing Sun Tonic
You’ll Need:
1/4 cup dried milk
1 tbsp sea salt
2 cups water
Directions: Combine the above ingredients and apply with a cotton ball every hour. This will help to draw out heat and reduce the chance of skin peeling. Cider Rescue Remedy This simple remedy will help take away some of that sunburn sting: Just apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the burned area with a cotton ball, or use a compress to soothe larger areas.

Rancho La Puerta’s Recipe for Combination Skin

Clarifying Treatment Mask: Mix 1 tablespoon of finely ground almonds, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 egg white. Apply and leave on for 15 minutes. Remove by massaging with warm water in a circular motion over skin, rinse well, and follow with moisturizer.
Egg Mask: The perfect mask for combination skin. Separate 1 egg and beat the white and the yolk separately. Cover the dry areas with the yolk and the oily parts with the white. Leave on for 20 minutes and remove with warm water, then follow with a moisturizer.
For Loosening Blackheads: Cook 2 tablespoons of barley with enough water to cover, until very soft. Make a paste and apply to skin while still warm. Leave on for 15 minutes. Remove with a damp, soft face cloth, or by splashing with warm water. This is also useful for breakouts on the back.
Aloe Vera Mask: Combine 2 tablespoons of brewer’s yeast powder, 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera juice, and 1 egg white. Apply to skin and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Remove with warm water. This mask will also heal blemishes and soothe irritated skin.

Rancho La Puerta’s Recipe for Dry Skin

To Re-Texturize the Skin: Pour 4 ounces of boiling water over a handful of rosemary branches and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and cool completely. Mix with 2 egg whites and 2 teaspoons powdered milk. Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes. Remove with a damp, soft face cloth or warm water splash.
Healing Herbal Mask: Combine 2 tablespoons avocado oil and 2 tablespoons wheat germ oil. Heat very gently over simmering water until warm. Test on your wrist to make sure it is not too hot. Apply to face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. The oil may be left on the skin, or removed with warm water.
Soothing Avocado Mask: Mix 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil with 1/2 mashed avocado. Apply to skin and relax for 20-30 minutes as it nourishes the skin. The vitamin E in avocado will do wonders for the skin. Remove with a damp, soft washcloth or a warm splash of water.
Banana Mask for Dry Patches: Puree 1 peeled banana with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Apply on extra dry, scaly patches and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Remove with a damp face cloth or warm water splash.