For Body
California citrus bath soak
Recharge with the energizing essences of fresh lime, lemon, and orange.
¼ cup grated lime peel
¼ cup grated lemon peel
¼ cup grated orange peel
1 Tbs fresh or dried parsley
Mix all ingredients in the tub under warm running water; the steam will release the citrus fragrances. Slip in and soak for up to 20 minutes.
--from The Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, CA
For Skin
Brown-sugar body scrub
This luscious combo delivers exfoliating and softening alpha hydroxy acids (from the sugar) and healing antioxidants (from the oil). And it's so easy to prepare, you can do it anytime you have a few minutes to spare before showering.
4 Tbs brown sugar
8 Tbs olive oil
Combine brown sugar and olive oil in a small bowl. Gently massage the mixture all over dampened skin, or for deeper exfoliation, apply to dry skin. Pay extra attention to rough spots like elbows, knees, and ankles. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry so that some of the oil stays put and keeps moisturizing.
--from Channing's Day Spa, Chicago
For Face
Oatmeal-and-honey treatment
Coddle your complexion with a triple play: honey, a botanical antiseptic and an antioxidant; oatmeal, known for its soothing and softening benefits; and pineapple juice, a natural exfoliator.
¾ cup water
½ cup uncooked oatmeal
2 Tbs honey
1 tsp pineapple (or orange) juice
Whirl all ingredients on high speed in a blender until smooth and creamy. Apply and gently massage onto face and neck for five minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a light moisturizer.
--from Rancho Bernardo Inn, Rancho Bernardo, CA
For Feet
Hot milk-and-almond pedicure
As delicious as it sounds. Immerse those hardworking tootsies in a milk bath loaded with skin-softening lactic acid. (Use whole milk; reduced-fat and fat-free won't work.)
½ gallon whole milk
½ cup warm water
1 drop almond extract (in the baking section of the supermarket)
½ cup coarse salt
½ cup baby or olive oil
Heat milk to a comfortable temperature, then add warm water and almond extract. Pour mixture into a large bowl that will fit both feet. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine salt and oil to make a rough paste.
1. Smooth calluses with a foot buffer.
2. File toenails into rounded squares, then soak feet in milk about 10 minutes.
3. Remove feet from milk. Gently scrub legs and feet with salt-and-oil mixture. Rinse with warm water, pat dry, and coat feet and toenails with foot or body cream.
4. Push back cuticles with an orange stick. Wipe away excess cream with a warm, wet washcloth and remove any residue on nails with polish remover. Apply polish.
--from Bliss Spa, New York City
