Spring into Smoother Skin

Winter is finally over and the earth is renewing herself. So is your body. In fact, since passing out treats to tricksters, you’ve made an entirely new layer of skin – three times. But harsh wind, cold temperatures and arid indoor air may have left your skin feeling lifeless. Here’s 5 natural spa treatments to help you face the world again.

Sweet Orange & Honey Cleanser

Washing your face has never been sweeter. Note that this is a single use recipe because yogurt is perishable, but you could make larger batches by combining and storing the other ingredients in a jar and then mix with yogurt in the appropriate ratio just before use.

1 tablespoon organic orange peel powder

1 tablespoon raw local honey

2 tablespoons organic plain yogurt

2 drops organic sweet orange essential oil (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Apply to face using small, circular motions. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry. Tip: Let the yogurt come to room temperature before applying to your face – unless you need a wakeup boost!

Mocha Facial Mask

Try not to eat this stuff while it’s on your face! The milk and coffee components in this formula supply a ton of amino acids, while carob provides mucilage, cellulose and antioxidants.

¼ cup finely ground, dark roast coffee

¼ cup organic raw carob powder

½ cup whole milk

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until a paste forms. Spread mixture on face, taking care to avoid the eye area. Lie down and think happy thoughts for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and pat skin dry. Follow with toner and moisturizer.

Rosemary & Mint Toner

1 1/2 cups boiling water

2 tablespoons organic dried peppermint leaf

¼ cup organic witch hazel extract

6 drops organic rosemary essential oil

Place the peppermint leaf in a small ball and cover with the boiling water. Let steep for 15 minutes, then strain, reserving the infusion in another bowl or large measuring cup. Add the witch hazel and essential oil, stirring to blend. Pour into a clean amber-colored glass jar and label. To use, dab into face with a cotton ball or pad and wipe skin clean. Avoid the sensitive eye area.

Aloe & Cucumber Eye Gel

Aloe gel is soothing and has amazing healing properties for the skin. Cucumber is refreshing, cooling and astringent, so it helps to reduce under eye puffiness.

1 tablespoon pure aloe vera gel

1 teaspoon fresh cucumber juice (sans the seeds)

¼ teaspoon organic arrowroot powder

1 tablespoon organic witch hazel extract

Combine the aloe, cucumber juice and arrowroot in a small saucepan and gently heat for just 1 minute (do not boil). Remove from heat and stir in the witch hazel. When cool, scoop the gel into a small, clean jar and cap. To use, dab a few drops of the gel under the eyes with fingertips and let air-dry.

Lavender Bath Salts

Mineral-rich Dead Sea salt and organic baking soda cleanse and soften, while the lovely scent of lavender renews the spirit.

1 cup Dead Sea salt

1/4 cup organic baking soda

1/2 cup organic lavender flowers

15 drops organic lavender essential oil

Combine salt and baking soda in a bowl; stir in lavender flowers and essential oil. Pour salts into a clean glass jar with a lid to store. To use, add ¼ cup bath salts to the tub as it fills with warm water. Note: You can also place the salts in a muslin bag and toss that into the tub.