Create Skincare Products at Home
August 21, 2008

Celebrities spend thousands of dollars every year on skin products that pamper them in luxury. Guess what? You can get products that work just as well for a fraction of the price. In fact, most of the ingredients for home beauty treatments can be found in your pantry. Saving bucks isn't the only benefit. The ingredients of your treatment will be all natural and free of preservatives- a guarantee that's almost impossible to find on the store shelves. The internet is a ripe resource for spa product recipes that are a breeze to assemble. 

There are a few products you can keep on hand so that making your own spa products will be a snap. Witch hazel is a good astringent and can be used on its own as a toner. A large bottle (big enough to last for years) can be purchased at a drug store for under $5. Moisturizers and sugar scrubs have an oil base. Olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil and vegetable oil can all be used- or combine a few of your favorites. Honey is a good additive to facial and body products as are oatmeal, strawberries and bananas. To add some aromatherapy to your face and body products, essential oils can be purchased at a health or natural foods store. The oils carry a strong scent so you'll only need two or three drops per eight ounces. 

Below are two simple, but super effective at home spa treatments you can make for yourself. The type of oil listed in each recipe can be replaced with another type, if you have a favorite. The recipes are a guideline you can use to build a product to your customization. You won't find that kind of personalization at the cosmetics counter!

Homemade Sugar Scrub
(makes about 8 oz.) 
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
½ c. olive or almond oil
2-3 drops of essential oils (lavender is good for relaxation, orange or peppermint for revitalization) 
Mix ingredients together in a clear plastic container that has an airtight lid. Apply to skin, avoiding any tender or injured areas. Rinse off with cool water.   

Homemade Moisturizing Lotion
(makes about 3 oz.) 
Ingredients
1 tbs. olive oil
1 tbs. coconut oil
1 tbs. vegetable oil
2 tbs mashed strawberries
1 tsp. honey
1-2 drops of Vitamin E oil
Mix ingredients together in a clear plastic container with a lid. Apply to skin and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.