I don't know about you, but my experience in spas has pretty much been limited to two chair massages and one body massage where I spent the entire time terrified that I was, at any moment, going to flash my butt cheek (or worse). 

That doesn't mean, however, that I don't know how to pamper myself. Whenever my skin needs a bit of a pick me up and I don't have the time or funds to make it to a spa, I have an at home DIY spa! 

It's easy to do and you probably already own everything you need. Also, it's a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon for some me time, or bonding with a girlfriend or family member (hint hint: Mother's Day is coming up!). 

Here's how: 

Step #1: Exfoliate 


Start your spa experience with an exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and to improve your skin's appearance. 

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to create a scrub at home is to add baking soda to your favourite cleanser. You can also create a scrub with a few ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard like sugar and honey. Here's a great DIY recipe for a scrub. 

Step #2: Steam 


After exfoliating, open your pores with an old fashioned steam facial. While you can purchase steaming machines like (top right) HoMedics Facial Refresher Facial Sauna (C$29.99) or (bottom right) Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Steamer Solutions (C$125.00), you could also try the bare bones version of hot water and a face cloth. Or, let the steam of a freshly boiled pot of water open your pores by (carefully) putting your face over top and putting a towel over you. This is also a great remedy for clearing the sinuses!  

Step #3: Masks


My skin loves a good mask/facial. I like to picture my skin cells doing a little jig every time I use one. That's how much my skin loves masks. 

After opening your pores, give your skin a little TLC with a mask catering to it's needs. If you are acne prone with oily skin, try a clearing mask made with uncoated Aspirin. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which is the active ingredient to help with acne. 

For those looking for extra hydration and soothing properties in a mask, we recommend this warming oatmeal and honey mask.

For a glowing complexion, try this deep cleansing cocoa and coffee mask or this pumpkin mask which has apple cider vinegar in it. The apple cider vinegar acts like glycolic acid and helps reduce dark spots. 

Step #4: Toner 


I'm not a huge fan of toner. I rarely use it, and instead just swipe a bit of witch hazel on my skin. However, this DIY toner is great to have on hand because it helps with break outs. It contains tea tree oil (i.e. my acne secret weapon) and green tea to help soothe.

Step #5: Prep and Moisturize 
 

Before I moisturize, I use a vitamin C serum which gives me a more radiant and even skintone. Here's a simple DIY version for you to make! If you need to spot treat blemishes, I recommend dabbing on some lemon juice to dry it out. As a final step in your at home spa, moisturize your skin using a rich oil like argan or coconut oil. 

Note: While I know plenty of people who swear by coconut oil, I've found it a bit too heavy for my skin (which means breakouts) so I stick to my regular, everyday store bought moisturizer.

Do you spa often or are you a DIY'er spa lady like myself?