Spoil Me...Please
~ by Callum Mostyn

Rebirth in Spring or Autumn

In the northern hemisphere the first spring festivals are occuring - although it may not seem very spring-like in parts. After the stress of Winter, the dry flaky skin, the itches, the excessive oiliness (or lack), the dandruff and red eyes, and so on, your body is crying out for some pampering. Something to help shrug off the lethargy of the winter and welcome in the vibrancy of early spring!

On the other side of the world, autumn is looming near. Tired, over-sun-kissed skin, dry hair, and the calluses of bare feet linger as reminders of the summer. Unfortunately these things also set your body up to suffer in winter. Calluses crack, dry hair splits, and sun-tans rob skin of its protective moisture barrier.

Let me offer some simple recipes you can whip up in the kitchen in 5 minutes or less from common ingredients to help combat seasonal effects upon your body and help get you in the mood...whether it be for spring fun or autumn feasting and parties.

Citrus Massage Oil

And, regardless of which hemisphere your skin is in, it will love being pampered with this mild and rejuvenating massage oil:

• 50 ml almond oil
• 5 drops wheatgerm oil
• 4 drops lemon oil
• 10 drops mandarine oil
• 10 drops neroli oil

Mix the ingredients together in a squirt-top bottle and shake thoroughly to blend. Warm in a bowl of heated water before using.

Springtime Treats

The theme for this issue is rebirth - when it comes to your skin that happens regularly as you grow new cells and shed the old. Post-winter those new cells are at risk of damage from overly dry and conditioned air combined with extended periods of time outside as you soak up the sun. So let's look at recipes for spoiling and enriching your skin.

Note: Store these in the fridge for a maximum of 2 weeks and use within that time (unless indicated otherwise). The fresh natural ingredients mean that the products will 'go off' in about 2-3 weeks and that's not good for your skin. So mix up small batches as needed.
   

Cleansing Cold Cream

One of the issues many people face with cleaning their faces, especially when the skin is damaged, is excessive dryness. This cold cream is rich and moisturises as it works to cleanse your pores and skin. The lemon helps to strip away dirt and bacteria, and the essential oils help to soothe and nourish:

• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup light olive oilk
• 1/2 cup safflower oil
• 10 drops essential oil

Choose the essential oils you wish to use - good choices include rose, chamomile, thyme, lemon, lavender - and blend them to create 10 drops. You can stick to one oil alone if desired.

Whsik the yolk and lemon juice and then slowly add the olive oil letting it thicken. If it needs further thickening, add the safflower a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a good consistency (you should be able to scoop up a dollop with a spoon and have it hold its shape and not trickle from the spoon). Stir in the essential oil/s. If the mixture seems too thick, add a small amount of lemon juice (while whisking) to thin it.

Protein Moisturiser

This recipe sounds gooey and not so tantalising - after all who wants to rub raw egg over their own face? But the protein rich egg combined with the milk's lactic acid creates a wonderful moisturiser. If your skin is especially dry consider using this as a pick-me-up:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup whole milk

Mix the ingredients together and apply to face and neck. Relax for 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water and follow with a light moisturiser if you skin is especially dry.

Cucumber Facial

The soothing quality of cucumber is well known. This masque will feed your skin while gently cleansing and toning it. Use full-fat yoghurt to obtain the maximum benefits. Do not store this product - discard any unused parts:

• 1 tbsp instant nonfat dry milk
• 1/2 peeled cucumber
• 1 tsp plain yogurt

Blend everything until smooth and creamy and then smooth over your face and neck and relax for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water, pat dry, and apply a light moisturiser.

Rose Potion

Spring and roses go together like, well, spring and roses. This lotion, which will last for at least 3 months in the fridge, smells delightful and is rich and beneficial for your skin. Use it on hands and arms to soothe dry skin, and shoulders to get the maxium aromatherapy benefit:

• 2 cups rose water (available in many alternative or Eastern markets)
• 1 cup glycerin
• 10 drops lavender oil

Mix the ingredients together in a squirt-top bottle and shake well. Shake before each use. Apply at night and sleep well...
   

Autumn Rejuvenation

Rebirth - doesn't sound terribly autumn-like does it? But if you think about it it is applicable. This is the time to reassess who we are. To prepare for winter's cold. To be grateful for the earth's bounty. This is a spiritual rebirth as we shed old habits and strive for new ones. It's also a time to gather in the bounty and enjoy. So, let's apply that to our skin.

Lavender Steam Treatment

Lavender is a remarkable herb that soothes, destresses, and brightens. Yes, lavender brightens up hair in a rinse, and skin in a steam treatment. Very versatile as well as fragrant. This treatment is best done at the close of the day as it will leave you relaxed and ready for a quiet evening while also toning your skin:

• 1/4 cup lavender flowers
• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers
• 3 drops lime or lemon oil
• 4 cups boiling water

Pour the water over the flowers, add the oil, and lean over the bowl. Cover your head with a towel and relax in the scented steam for 10 minutes. Wet a washer in the water and wring it out - use this to wipe over your face and neck before rinsing with cool water.

Herbal Facial

Egg white is a common facial ingredient due to its tightening and cleansing properties. Combined with the nourishing quality of the yolk, this masque is dual-purpose. The honey is anti-bacterial as well as rich in vitamins. The mint and chamomile soothe the skin:

• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp crumbled dried chamomile flowers
• 1 tsp finely chopped fresh mint

Mix everything together and then smooth over face and neck. Leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water and patting dry.

Peaches and Cream Lotion

The scent of a ripe peach is so evocative of late summer and early autumn. Rich and juicy, the peach offers so much for your skin. I like to chill this before using the first time as the coolness adds to the soothing quality:

• 1 ripe peach
• 1/2 cup double cream

Peel and destone the peach. Mash it through a sieve and then mix the resultant juice with the cream to form a rich lotion Slather it over your face before a bath and relax.

Soothing Bath Oil

After a long summer skin can feel dry and rough. With winter ahead this is not what you want. The skin is your body's best defense against winter illnesses in many ways and keeping it supple and healthy is important. Plus soft smooth skin feels nicer:

• 1 cup honey
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 5 drops of essential oil

Mix the honey, milk, salt, and baking soda and add to a full bath tub. Stir in the olive oil and your favourite essential oil and climb on in. Use a loofah or bath mit to scrub your body all over and then lay back and let the lotion do its magic.