At-Home Spa > Skin Care

Since skin requires daily attention, we often equate its care with routine. Try the following tips to resuscitate your skin care regimen, and your radiant glow will be far from routine.

Exfoliate
Nothing improves the look and feel of skin more than shedding layers of dead skin cells.
Face
·Use scrubs or masks weekly
·Ask your dermatologist about prescription strength Tretinoin formulas like Retin-A to expedite the shedding of dead cells.
Body
·Slough in the shower with a netted puff, sisal mitt, loofah, washcloth or stiff brush.
·Apply scrubs with a circular motion, concentrating on areas prone to cell build-up (elbows, knees).
·Use salt scrubs before shaving to avoid a bad sting. If you are exfoliating freshly shaved skin, opt for a sugar-based scrub.
·In need of serious sanding? Try a glycolic cream or a gel containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids.
·Make your own invigorating body scrub: Combine 1/2 cup sea salt with 1/2 cup rosemary oil.
·Always follow exfoliation with hydration. Slather skin with a rich moisturizer.

Bathe
For the ultimate soak with curative powers, bathe with Epsom salts. This age-old cure-all practice relaxes muscles, eases tension and softens skin. Or, take it to another level with this tranquil treat, courtesy of Audra Senkus, co-owner of New York City's Haven spa:

"The Ultimate Skin Softening Soul Smoothing Treatment"
Fill a bath with warm water and add:
1/2 cup dry milk
1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup kosher salt
2-3 drops lavender essential oil

Enjoy!

Nail Tips
Keep nails healthy by going one week per month without polish. During this week, buff nails for a smooth appearance, apply cuticle cream before bed, and lightly bleach nails with lemon-juice or white vinegar soaked cotton balls.

Treat your feet - Heat equal parts warm water and milk. Add one cup of baking soda. Soak feet for 20 minutes. Rinse and bear down on calluses with a pumice stone or foot file. Pat dry and bottom out with a refreshing peppermint foot lotion.