Self-care looks different for everyone but at the root of it, it’s about prioritising yourself and your needs – though that’s often easier said than done. For some, this practice might look like a night in with a good book or movie, going for a run, or even a beauty routine. After all, the little things that add up.
With the reopening of phase two, personal health and wellness and home-based services are back in business and you can easily book an appointment for your next massage or favourite spa treatment. But if you’re booked for time or rather stay indoors for the time being, here’s a five-step guide to re-creating a spa experience in your very own home.
If you haven’t already, consider introducing body brushing to your routine. For those who are unfamiliar with it, body brushing is usually done dry as a means to exfoliate dead skin cells. According to experts, opt for circular motions starting at the ankles and working your way up towards the heart. This method improves blood circulation within the body and also helps with lymphatic drainage. As if these fringe benefits weren’t enough, regular body brushing can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Try: The Body Shop Cactus Brush, $20
Perfect for dry brushing or to use with your favourite body wash, this comes with a removable brush head so you can use it whichever way you prefer. Regular brushing helps to stimulate skin microcirculation and the natural plant bristles will gently lift dead skin cells.
Unlike body brush, you want to use body scrubs after your body is thoroughly wet and softened with warm water to avoid damaging your skin. Using circular motions, massage the scrub into your skin. Regular exfoliation primes your skin and prepares it to better absorb the ingredients from body creams, oils, and serums effectively.
Try: The Body Shop Spa Of The World African Ximenia Scrub, $56.00 (350 ml)
The African Ximenia Scrub is infused with rich oil extract that leaves the skin feeling silky soft. Gently exfoliate any impurities and ready your skin to absorb the next parts of your home spa ritual.
Compared to their shower gel counterparts, shower oils are nourishing to the skin and will replenish moisture. To use a shower oil, simply work it into the skin with warm water and let it lather and coat over the skin until luxuriously soft. Use this in replacement of your shower gels to keep your skin feeling moisturised and protected.
Try: L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $39 (250 ml)
Formulated with sweet almond oil and almond extracts, this shower oil feels like a milk cleansing lotion upon contact with water. Lightweight and non-greasy, it also comes with eco-refills to eliminate unnecessary packaging.
Body creams tend to be heavier compared to lotions, but it’s that consistency that allows the cream to penetrate the skin deeper and prevent more moisture loss. Creams have a tendency to veer on the more buttery end of products so once you’re out of the shower, massage this into your body (don’t forget the elbows and knees) to let the product sink in fully.
Try: A’kin Replenishing Body Cream, $34.90 (200 ml)
Combining certified organic shea butter with echium oil and provitamin B5, this body cream deeply moisturises the body and leaves it smooth and radiant. Even if you aren’t making time for a DIY body spa treatment, you can reach for this on a daily basis to keep the skin healthy.
The best way to take the stress off a long day and truly relax is to get a good night’s rest. As you wrap up your DIY body spa day and wind down for the night, use a pillow spray to mist over your bed and let yourself unwind.
Try: This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, $34 (75 ml)
Made with a calming blend of lavender, vetivert, and chamomile, this pillow spray helps you relax. Simply spray your pillow before you sleep and you’re set for the night.