How to spa at home

If you're in need of some me-time, but the bank balance just won't allow for that blow-the-budget day of rest and relaxation at your favourite five-bubble spa, don't fret - recreate a spa atmosphere and treat your skin to softening skincare products and spa treatments, in the comfort of your own home. This is self-care at its best. 

Plan your pampering spa day, and prepare your home spa treatments

The most important thing you can do to make sure your home spa experience is a success is to plan ahead. Some treatments, like body wraps and mud baths are probably best left to the professionals. We've tried messy treatments at home, so we warn you, if you enjoy a good bathroom clean-up as part of your spa routine, go ahead. If not, go for the more simple option of treatments that won't have you calling in professional cleaners. Make sure you read all the instructions on your pamper products so you know exactly what is involved, and can plan what you'll need.

Once you've planned your day, make sure you prepare for it; after all, you don't want to ruin your perfect spa day by realising you've run out of hair treatment, bath salts and aromatherapy essential oils. So, make a list of all the beauty products and everything you think you'll need, and shop beforehand. Don't forget to choose personalised products, suitable for your skin type and frame of mind - this a great opportunity to improve boost your wellness levels. If you're planning to make a day of it, treats like a fresh fruit platter or a glass of bubbly will make it feel much more spa-like.

Create a spa ambience

On the day, switch off from social media, unplug your phone and turn off your mobile. Draw the curtains or blinds and light the candles. If it's the winter-time, turn up the heating. Your home-spa retreat should be a place of warmth and relaxation, calm and contemplation. Even if you can only have an hour to unwind without the mayhem of the modern life crowding in - make sure that hour is all about you!

Finally, don't forget that it's all the little extras that make a DIY spa experience special. If you're having a home facial, don't just slap on a sheer mask or face mask, make sure you really prepare your skin by applying a cleansing beforehand and giving yourself time to lie back and relax with an eye mask while the mask works its magic. Gently massage your face with a hydrating serum and moisturiser afterwards, and try pressure-point massage techniques to get that full spa effect. You want to leave your skin feeling radiant. 

Our top tips for an enjoyable home spa day:

• Try treatments like a manicure with full cuticle work, pedicure, exfoliating body scrub to remove dead skin cells, hair mask, or facial as these are all easy home options you can do by yourself.
• Decide on a logical order for your treatments. If you've just spent half an hour giving yourself the perfect manicure, you don't want to ruin it by slathering on a salt scrub and body oil!
• Prepare extras like robes and slippers, scented candles, mellow music and indulgent body lotion. They'll help create a serene spa ambience.
• Treat yourself to a piece of cake or a glass of wine if you want to indulge yourself, but don't overdo it, especially if you're stressed, or in need of some rejuvenation. Too much alcohol and sugar won't help you achieve a healthy spa glow. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin - dehydration only makes wrinkles look worse and won't help with breakouts. 
• Try to allocate enough time to really relax, and keep away from your smartphone and laptop. You won't be able to wind down properly if your mind is kept busy.