6. Winter Smoothing Body Scrub
Breanna Hall, spa director of Solstice Spa at the Elkhorn Resort in Manitoba, Canada, knows a thing or two about skincare in cold climates.
“Winter in Manitoba can be very harsh and drying for the skin,” she says, “so exfoliation is key to keeping the body healthy and rejuvenated. Exfoliation helps remove old, dry, dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing. It also increases blood circulation [and is]especially effective in targeting cold hands and feet. And, when dead skin cells are removed, it allows the skin to better eliminate toxins from the body.”
To exfoliate effectively at home in the shower or bath, Hall offers the following tips:
Wet your skin first, then apply your favorite scrub, such as Rose Organic Body Scrub by Uhma Nagri, in circular movements. Work towards your heart, allowing your skin to become a rosy pink color. While daily use of a gentle scrub is beneficial, be careful, as some scrubs may be too harsh for sensitive areas such as your face. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. (www.elkhornresort.mb.ca) Or try Giovanni Organic Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub, a unique concoction that smoothes dry, flaky skin, leaving you soft and smelling like hot cocoa. (www.ulta.com)
7. Holiday Manicure
Giving presents – and opening them – puts your hands front and center. If you can’t take time out for a spa manicure, Maggy Dunphy, general manager of Aria Spa at Vail Cascade Resort & Spa in Vail, Colorado, suggests this at-home version, using Spa Ritual products.
“Begin by heating some hand cream by immersing the container in a cup of hot water,” says Dunphy. “Avoid using the microwave, as it gets too hot and changes the properties of the lotion. Next, apply the hand cream liberally, covering your hands and wrists. Place each hand in a plastic bag, and then into your warmest mittens for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove your hands from the mittens and massage in the remaining cream. Before applying your base coat and nail polish, clean off each nail with nail polish remover – the oils from the lotion need to be removed in order for the nail polish to properly adhere to your nails. Apply base coat, followed by a topcoat. Allow to dry, then spritz your hands with body glistening spray to add a little sparkle and glow. Your hands are now ready to mingle and jingle for the holidays.” (www.vailcascade.com) Also, try Priti Polish, a new line of polishes and cleansers made without formaldehyde. (www.pritiorganicspa.com)
8. Stress Relieving Bath
Simone Beitler, spa manager at The Hillcrest Valenova Inn & Spa in Port Hope, Ontario, offers these tips for creating a soothing, calming aromatherapy bath that you can enjoy any time of day in the sanctuary of your own bathroom (provided you can sneak away).
“First, choose an oil. Relaxing scents include lavender, neroli (for mental relaxation), sandalwood and patchouli (to ground the mind and invite spiritual well-being), and jasmine for a euphoric effect. Essential oils need to be in their purest form, not synthetic. Synthetic oils can actually produce the opposite effect of the pure oil. For women between 35 and 55, rose is very balancing and harmonizing. Women experiencing hormonal changes will also find geranium to be beneficial. Add a capful, or about a teaspoon, to running bath water, without diffusing it. Also adding Dead Sea salts can help the oil penetrate more efficiently. Choose a water temperature that’s comfortable for you, and plan to spend at least 20 minutes soaking. This is the minimum amount of time it takes for the oils and salts to affect the lymphatic system and bring about the desired results.”
For more mood relief, Beitler says to light an organic candle with the same scent as your oil, put on some calming music or a guided meditation CD, and add a crystal to your bath water. Amethyst, lapis, and rose quartz crystal are all balancing. Still need help? Beitler suggests adding green, blue, or purple bath crystals to your water for added color therapy benefits. (www.thehillcrest.ca) Or infuse your bath with This Works Deep Calm Bath & Shower Oil. Infused with lavender, chamomile, and vetiver, the unique blend assists with quieting both your body and mind. (www.thisworks.com)
9. Pre-party Energy Boost
“To look as though you’ve had a good night’s sleep, even when you haven’t, nothing beats a Thai massage,” says Catherine Davalle, spa training manager for the The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami. Davalle explains that Thai massage uses a combination of pressure points and assisted stretching moves to release muscles and energize the body.
When at home, Jonrak Inthata, leader of the Thai Academy at Mandarin Oriental Miami, suggests some easy neck and upper body stretches to mimic the benefits of a Thai massage. “Sitting on the floor in the lotus position (legs crossed, yoga style), focus on your breathing and slowly drop your chin to your chest. After reaching the maximum stretch, slowly turn your head in a clockwise manner several times, and then counter-clockwise. Return your head to the starting position. Finish the exercise by raising one arm up, trying to touch the ceiling. Alternate arms, ending with both arms up together, opening up to form a circle. This home remedy exercise can be done quickly in just a few minutes, and has an amazing effect on upper body tensions in the shoulders, neck, and jaw, leaving you relaxed and energized.” (www.mandarinoriental.com)
10. Nighttime Ritual for Restful Sleep
Once your daily obligations have been met, wind down for a restorative night’s sleep with this tip from Karen Watson, spa and salon manager at Skaná, the Spa at Turning Stone in Verona, New York.
“For a soothing bedtime ritual, take a few moments and reflect upon the day that has passed. Contemplating all that has gone on, and all that’s been accomplished, helps us to appreciate the energy that it’s taken to complete these tasks. Upon reflection, if you feel anything important was left undone, write them down on a piece of paper titled ‘Don’t worry, this can be done tomorrow.’ Then with a soothing cup of tea, repeat this mantra: I’ve worked hard today, the rest can wait until tomorrow.’ This helps ease the body into a state of deeper relaxation and facilitates a more refreshing night of sleep. I particularly recommend TeePee Dreams tea, which is available from the Native American Tea Company (www.nativeamericantea.com), and includes a relaxing herbal blend of chamomile, peppermint, and strawberry leaf.” (www.skanaspa.com)
November/December 2007
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