Pamper Me Wednesday: Milk and Honey Bath

Throughout the world Cleopatra of Egypt is known as one of the most beautiful women in history. One of the things that made her into the woman who seduced both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony was her beautiful skin. Cleopatra was rumored to bathe in honey and the milk of goats.

This Pamper Me Wednesday we are going to try one of the world’s oldest beauty regime: A milk and honey bath.

Once you have all of your ingredients gathered and prepared, set the mood. Light a scented candle, and start the bath. I usually spend about 30 minutes to an hour or so soaking. Instead of music, I sometimes play ocean, running water, or other nature sounds. This goes well with a good book. Keeping a dry towel nearby eliminates getting water or oil onto your reading materials. If you use an eReading device (Kobo, Kindle, nook, Sony, etc.) you want to get a large plastic zip-lock bag and place your device in the bag before getting into the tub.

Items used to create a relaxing setting, such as the scented candle, are optional, and can be tweaked depending on the individual.

Here’s what you need:
Powdered Milk
Honey
Jojoba or olive oil (optional)
Dried Lavender flowers (optional)
Scented Candle (optional)
Soft music or ocean sounds (optional)
Book (optional)
Bathrobe
Slippers (optional)
Bath Pillow (or rolled up towel)
Towel

Milk and Honey Bath
Milk contains vitamins A & D which helps to soften the skin. The lactic acid in milk has beta hydroxy acids that soothes while exfoliating your skin. Honey (a humectant) is high in potassium and helps clarify the skin while retaining moisture. Honey is also anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and is rich in vitamins and minerals.

¼ cup honey (runny)
¼ cup powdered milk

Mix the dried milk with the honey in a bowl. If desired add jojoba or olive oil. Pour mixture into hot running bathwater. Soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour (or to your desired time).

Pamper Me Wednesday: Coffee Cellulite Body Wrap

Coffee grounds

Now that the Holidays have officially begun, I’ve decided that now is the best time to start getting myself ready for the summer! No, I’m not talking diets or anything un-natural like that, I’m talking firm and smooth skin. This Pamper Me Wednesday we are going to harness the cellulite busting power of caffeine.

This post contains a recipe for creating either a Cellulite Coffee Wrap or a coffee ground body scrub. Getting used coffee grounds are very easy, even if you are not a coffee drinker. I like to go to one of my local coffee shops and simply ask for a large cup full of already used coffee grounds. Of course, it will help to show up before or after any customer rushes and willing to purchase an item or two.

Once you have all of your ingredients gathered and prepared, go ahead and get prepared. One of the first things I like to do is to line the dry bathtub with a few towels to sit and lean on comfortably. I always do these wraps sitting inside the bathtub because it’s messy! This treatment is more of a functional/medicinal spa treatment rather than a relaxing one, so I either listen to upbeat music or I read a good book or magazine. After completing my wrap, I always take a quick shower to rinse away any additional coffee grinds.

Here’s what you need:
½ cup warm used coffee grounds
2 tbsp of olive oil
Roll of plastic wrap
Several towels
Bathrobe
Small trash bag
Small bowl
Book/magazine

What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a term used to describe the dimpled appearance of skin caused by fat deposits that are just below the surface of the skin. It is mostly seen in women on skin in the abdomen, lower limbs, and pelvic region, usually after puberty. It can occur in men, too. Cellulite is caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat (top layer of fat just under the skin surface) within fibrous connective tissue (septae), leading to a padded or orange peel–like appearance. With time, the septae become a fiberous honeycomb-like structure that traps fat cells. This causes the large bumps that are the hallmark of cellulite. These areas will have very poor blood supply, which is why the skin where cellulite occurs often feels cool to the touch. Cellulite is not caused by body weight, but it can be aggravated by body weight. Other factors are a poor diet, water retention, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Cross section of skin

Cross section of Cellulite: Hypodermische Vetcellen = Hypoderic Fat & Diepliggende Vetlagen = deep fat tissue

What is caffeine?
Caffeine, the most widely used and unregulated drug known to man, is a bitter substance found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. It dilates blood vessels, increasing the speed and volume of blood flow throughout the body and makes the heart pump faster. Caffeine can also provide significant benefit when used as a topical agent.

What does caffeine do to cellulite?
Caffeine combats poor circulation by increasing the speed and volume of blood flow. When someone suffers from poor circulation, the body cannot get rid of toxins and excess water. Caffeine’s ability to increase circulation, even when applied topically, can help stop water retention. Water retention can cause fat to be pushed against the skin, emphasizing the lumpy appearance. With regular use caffeine gives the skin a more toned and firm appearance – rather like the results of exercise. This also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Why coffee?
Coffee beans have more caffeine than any other plant. Coffee beans are ground and treated with hot water to release the large amounts of caffeine within. When using coffee grounds as a cellulite fighter, make sure to get warm, recently used coffee grounds. Make sure that the coffee grounds were not soaked in water for an extended period or burned – both of these things will mean that there is very little to no caffeine left in the coffee grounds to use.

Coffee grounds

Ingredients:
½ cup warm used coffee grounds
1-2 tbsp of olive oil
Roll of plastic wrap

Thoroughly mix the coffee grounds with the olive oil in a small bowl. Once complete, place the mixture in the microwave to heat for about 15-30 seconds. Once sitting in the bathtub, apply coffee mix to all areas to be treated then cover area in plastic wrap. Leave the body wrap on for 20-30 minutes. When you are finished, remove the plastic wrap (carefully!), trying to catch as much of the coffee grounds as possible. Toss the used plastic in the small trash bag. Take a quick warm shower to rinse off any left over coffee grounds. Pat skin dry and apply your favorite skin moisturizer.

This treatment can be done up to twice a week. The effects of this body wrap are temporary.

Photo Credits:
www.infovisual.info

Source http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Cellulitis.jpg
Author SUNBEAM VISION
Diepliggende Vetlagen = deep fat tissue
Hypodermische Vetcellen = Hypoderic Fat

Information Credits:
Wikipedia
Free Dictionary.com: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cellulite
What Causes Cellulite:
Your Cellulite Solution

Pamper Me Wednesday: Pumpkin Honey Facial & Buttermilk Acne Bath

Welcome back to being Pampered!

This Pamper Me Wednesday is all about anti-aging and anti-acne. We are going to give ourselves an acne fighting bath, an acne face wash, and a skin firming facial. This is a great combination to help clear up both facial and body acne as well as reduce large pores.

This post contains 2 different relaxing spa recipes, which are listed below. Most of the ingredients should be available in your kitchen cupboard (or pantry). There is a Buttermilk Acne Bath that doubles as an acne wash and a Pumpkin Honey facial.

Once you have all of your ingredients gathered and prepared, set the mood and start your bath. For me, this is more of a functional/medicinal spa treatment rather than a relaxing one, so I like to listen to upbeat music while bathing. I typically apply facials before climbing into the tub, but since this week there is a face wash as well as a facial, I don’t apply my facial until after the face wash (while sitting in the tub). I always keep a clean washcloth and bowl of cool water in arm’s reach. While in the bath, I sink down and rest my head on a bath pillow and read until it’s time to remove the facial mask. Here’s where the washcloth and water come in handy.

Here’s what you need:
Bathrobe/towel
Bath pillow/Rolled towel
1 small pumpkin, boiled and peeled
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp honey
2 small bowls
2 soft washcloths
1 ½ cup buttermilk (substitution: 1 ½ cup milk & 1 ½ tbsp vinegar mixed)
½ cup sea salt
6 tbsp honey (runny)

Buttermilk Acne Bath Ingredients

Buttermilk Acne bath
Buttermilk naturally softens and soothes inflamed skin- it will also help remove the dirt and oils from your skin that cause acne breakouts. Sea salt is excellent for skin and makes a great acne treatment. Use of sea salt in the bath will soften skin and help remove acne causing dirt and oils. Sea salt is also an excellent source of minerals that will nourish your skin and help it look healthier. Make sure to use sea salt that does not have iodine added as it is very drying to skin.

Ingredients
1 small mixing bowl
1 soft washcloth
1 ½ cup buttermilk (substitution: 1 ½ cup milk & 1 ½ tbsp vinegar mixed)
½ cup sea salt
6 tbsp honey (runny)

Heat buttermilk on stovetop over low heat. Stir often to avoid scorching. Once buttermilk is warm, add sea salt. Stir until salt is dissolved. Add honey and stir until well blended. Remove from heat. Pour 1/4 cup of mixture in a small bowl and pour rest into running bathwater. You do not need a full tub of water for this bath – ½ full should be sufficient.

Soak in tub for 20 minutes. Wash face with remaining mix in separate bowl while soaking.

Pumpking Honey Facial

Pumpkin Honey Facial
Fresh and cooked pumpkin is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants – it is full of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium, alpha-carotene, zinc, beta carotene, and lutein, which help to help nourish and brighten the complexion. These nutrients help soothe and reduce inflammation, helping skin recover from acne-related damage. Egg white nourishes the skin, refines pores, reduces oiliness, tightens skin and lightens dark spots. Egg yolks can improve the look and feel of skin, making the skin soft and glowing, reducing the appearance of pores, and reducing acne. Honey is naturally anti-bacteria and will kill germs and bacteria and help prevent acne breakouts. Milk exfoliates, softens and nourishes the skin.

Note: If you are allergic to poultry or eggs, you should not use this facial.

Ingredients
1 small pumpkin, boiled and peeled
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp honey

Take the small (peeled and boiled) pumpkin and puree in a blender or food processor until lump free. Add egg, honey and cup milk. Blend until well mixed. Apply to cleaned face and neck. Leave facial on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Pamper Me Wednesday! Nov. 10, 2010

Welcome back to another Pamper Me Wednesday!

This week we are going to give ourselves a gentle exfoliating facial and a relaxing foot soak. This is a great combination for an end of the week decompress.

This post contains two (2) recipes, which are listed below. A lot of the ingredients should be available in your kitchen cupboard (or pantry). There is a Honey Buttermilk facial and a Lemon Peppermint foot soak.

Once you have all of your ingredients gathered and prepared, set the mood. I apply my facial and sit in a comfortable chair (with back and neck support!) before I soak my feet. It’s easier to keep a clean washcloth and bowl of cool water on a small table (or on the floor) in arm’s reach. While soaking my feet, I rest my head, read a book or listen to calming music until it’s time to remove my facial. Here’s where the washcloth and water come in handy.

From here, I usually add a little additional hot water so I can soak my feet a little longer. Then I usually give myself a full pedicure or simply refresh my toenail polish. The options are endless and up to you.

Here’s what you need:
2 towels
2 small bowls
Wash cloth
1/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons of honey
Foot tub
½ lemon, sliced
½ lime, sliced (optional)
Lavender essential oil
2 drops Peppermint essential oil
4 drops Juniper berry essential oil
1 ½ tbsp Baking Soda
Dead sea salts
Epsom salts

Honey Buttermilk Facial
Oatmeal absorbs excess oil from skin and works as a gentle exfoliant. Honey is a natural antiseptic and is also used to bind the honey and buttermilk. Buttermilk nourishes and softens skin, helps control acne and is a mild yet deep cleansing agent. If you don’t have any buttermilk, plain yogurt is a good substitute.

1/4 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons of honey

Finely grind or process the oatmeal in a blender or food processor. In a small bowl, stir together honey and buttermilk, and then add ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste. Smooth over your face and neck, leave on for fifteen minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Apply your favorite facial moisturizer. This can be used daily.

Refrigerate left over facial in an airtight container. It should keep for up to 3 days.

Lemon Peppermint Foot Soak
The lemon acts as a bleach to gently remove discoloration from toe nails while the lavender and juniper berry essential oils are for aromatherapy. The Epsom salt soothes muscle aches and pains while the baking soda gently exfoliates. Dead Sea salts contain magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride and bromides. Magnesium is important for both combating stress and fluid retention, slowing skin aging and calming the nervous system. Calcium helps prevents water retention, increases circulation and strengthens bones and nails. Potassium energizes the body, helps to balance skin moisture and is a crucial mineral to replenish following intense exercise. Bromides act to ease muscle stiffness and relax muscles.

Foot tub
½ lemon, sliced
½ lime, sliced (optional)
Lavender essential oil
2 drops Peppermint essential oil
4 drops Juniper berry essential oil
1 ½ tbsp Baking Soda
Dead sea salts
Epsom salts

Put lemon and lime slices in empty tub. Fill the tub with hot (boiling) water, letting sit for 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients. Let water cool until water is safe to touch. Soak for 20 minutes or until water begins to cool. If necessary, add more hot water to lengthen soaking time.

Pamper Me Wednesday!

Everyone deserves to be pampered. Going to the spa, while wonderful, can be extremely expensive and time-consuming. Personally, I love to give myself a little at-home treat once a week.

Pamper Me Wednesdays is a new segment dedicated to looking beautiful and being relaxed! Every Wednesday I will try to post a new home spa activity for you to try.

This week we are going to give ourselves a relaxing and skin softening soak, a revitalizing facial, and a dark eye circle remedy. This is a great combination to do when getting ready for that special date or an indulging beauty treatment the night before a big day.

This post contains 3 different relaxing spa recipes, which are listed below. Most of the ingredients should be available in your kitchen cupboard (or pantry). There is an Oatmeal Lavender Bath, a Banana Facial, and a Potato Dark Eye Remedy.

Once you have all of your ingredients gathered and prepared, set the mood. Light a scented candle, and start the bath. I apply my facial before climbing into the tub. It’s easier to keep a clean washcloth and bowl of cool water in arm’s reach. While in the bath, I sink down and rest my head on a bath pillow, then apply my eye cloths. Soak, relax, and listen to calming music until it’s time to remove the potato eye pads and the facial mask. Here’s where the washcloth and water come in handy.

From here, I usually spend an extra 30 minutes or so soaking. Instead of music, I sometimes play ocean, running water, or other nature sounds. This goes well with a good book. Keeping a dry towel nearby eliminates getting water or oil onto your reading.

Items used to create a relaxing setting, such as the scented candle, are optional, and can be tweaked depending on the individual.

Here’s what you need:
Scented Candle (optional)
Soft music or ocean sounds (optional)
Book (optional)
Bathrobe
Slippers
Bath Pillow (or rolled up towel)
Wash cloth
2 Small bowls
Towel
Food Processor
Pantyhose
Oatmeal (rolled oats, NOT instant)
Olive oil infused with lavender essential oil
Powdered Milk
Banana (overripe)
Honey
Lemon juice (fresh or purchased)
Vitamin E Oil
Cheesecloth or cotton balls
½ small potato, chilled (any kind except sweet potato)

Banana Facial
Bananas soften the skin, due to the vitamin A and potassium they contain. They help soften, heal cracked, dry skin, and combat environmental damage. Honey, with natural antibacterial properties, is also high in potassium and clarifies the skin while helping to retain moisture. Together, these two ingredients help plump the skin which visually decreases sagging. Vitamin E oil helps fight free radicals while repairing environmental damage. If you don’t have any, an avocado works just as well. Lemon juice is great for eliminating blackheads and its natural acidic lighteners diminish the appearance of blemishes.

lemon juice, honey, vitamin E oil, and banana

1 tbsp Honey
1 Banana
½ tsp Lemon juice
5 drops Vitamin E Oil or 1 tbsp avocado
Wash cloth

Peel banana and mash thoroughly. Mix banana with honey, lemon juice, and vitamin E oil (or avocado). Spread mixture evenly on face (avoiding the eyes) and leave for about 25 minutes. Gently remove the mask and wash your face with a wash cloth and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Banana Facial

Potato Dark Eye Circle Remedy
Potatoes and their juice work wonders on eye circles and puffiness due to an enzyme named catecholase. This natural anti-inflammatory lightens skin in a natural, non-damaging manner. Cooling the potato makes it more refreshing for the skin, similar to chilled cucumber slices. Room temperature will not affect the results.

catecholase showing on knife

½ Potato, chilled
2 pcs cheesecloth, cut into squares/cotton balls
Food processor/Grater

Take chilled potato and process it in the food processor. Once the potato is processed, scoop two small amounts in to the cheesecloth squares – enough to cover both eyes. Apply processed potato to eyes and leave for anywhere from 20 – 30 minutes.

scoop of processed potato in cheesecloth

potato eye pads

If you don’t have a food processor and cheesecloth, you can grate the potato and the soak up the potato juice with cotton balls. Apply the potato juice directly to the under eye area and let it dry. Leave on for about 30 minutes then wash off.

Oatmeal Lavender Milk Bath
Oatmeal is a gentle but effective natural skin cleanser. It is also good for bath soaks, facial and body scrubs, and masks. Oatmeal helps relieve dry skin, heal minor skin irritations and itchiness, and aids in restoring skin’s natural moisture balance. Oatmeal absorbs and removes dirt and impurities from the skin while gently exfoliating. Milk contains vitamins A & D which helps to soften the skin. The lactic acid in milk has beta hydroxy acids that soothes while exfoliating your skin. Lavender calms and soothes. Honey is high in potassium and helps clarify the skin while retaining moisture.

1/2 cup oatmeal

ground oatmeal & stocking

1-2 cups dried milk
5 tbsp honey
¼ cup lavender infused olive oil (or unscented olive oil)
¼ cup oatmeal, ground (rolled oats, not instant)
Scissors
Pantyhose
Bathrobe
Bath Pillow
Slippers
Scented candle
Towel
Music (optional)

oatmeal filled stocking with removable knot

Take a pair of pantyhose and cut off the feet, leaving the foot at least 6-8 inches long. Grind the oatmeal in a food processor. Once ground, scoop the oatmeal into the stocking foot and tie with a knot, then drop into the bath. If you want to reuse the socking (my preference), tie a removable knot instead. Use the filled stocking as a loofah during your bath. Pour dried milk, honey, and oil into bath. Soak in the tub for up to one hour. Be careful! The tub will be oily.