Summer is winding down. Days are getting shorter, the weather a bit brisker and autumn is creeping in a falling leaf at a time. Hopefully your summer was spent reveling in all the season had to offer like this and this. Some of summer’s gifts are not welcome ones though and leave evidence of good times enjoyed in the way of sun damaged hair, parched skin, and general wear and tear from days spent in chlorinated water, digging in garden beds or the salty ocean. Summer is fun, the effect it has on our hair and skin though? Not so much.

So let’s celebrate summer’s end with a Summer Spa Day! Oh sure, you can book a day at a spa and have it all done for you and pay a hefty tag for the pleasure or you can create an at home spa day tailored just for you and your particular desires. For every expensive product there is to purchase there seems to be an alternative from Mother Nature out there to try that is just as soothing and effective without the price or the unknown chemicals, dyes and preservatives.

If you have not treated yourself to this gift of self love before here are a few tips for setting the scene for your Summer Spa Day.

Create an atmosphere

There’s nothing relaxing about soaking in the tub if you can see dog hair on the floor tiles and the melodic sounds of Sponge Bob are providing the background noise. Give your space a good clean and set the scene. Maybe you envision having a light, bright experience and bring fresh flowers in the bathroom and open all the windows so you can hear nearby wind chimes tinkling away. Perhaps you want an evening spa treatment with incense burning and candles scattered about. Create the surroundings with relaxation in mind and taking your tastes into consideration. No matter how you design your time make sure you have a block of privacy to enjoy it!

Decide on treatments

If the sun took its toll on your highlighted locks you might consider a coconut oil treatment. If your nails are wrecked from playing in the dirt a manicure might be first on your list. Choose at least three treatments for your Summer Spa Day and up to five. You want to emerge refreshed and renewed not exhausted from trying to solve every issue in one day. If you choose treatments that are new to you it is best to do a small test patch beforehand so you don’t irritate your skin or scalp. Come up with a logical order to your pampering treats. I condition my hair and put it up, slather on a face mask and then soak in a very warm tub. This allows me to deeply relax and get pretty on the inside as the potions and lotions do the trick on the outside. Consider hair, nails, body and face and make a custom menu based on the areas that need the most loving.

Choose appropriate ingredients

In my case, appropriate for a Summer Spa Day means natural! Mr. Bubble has his time and place but for the spa experience why not try a honey milk bath with lavender flowers floating on the water’s surface. Cucumber slices over the eyes are an old tried and true soother. Make a body scrub from brown sugar and apricot kernel oil. There are endless combinations of foods, herbs and oils to choose from. Investigate a bit and see which ones are right for you. Here are a few elements to consider using:

Honey attracts water to the skin, is antiseptic and is good for sensitive skin.

Milk’s acids act as a natural exfoliant. Cleopatra loved a good milk bath it is said.

Coconut oil is a wonderful hair conditioner and is used all over the world to get soft, silky tresses.

Apricot kernel oil is extremely mild and is excellent for softening the skin.

Yogurt makes for a moisturizing facial mask and has antibacterial properties.

Essential oils can be added to treatment recipes depending on the results desired. Add orange oil for an uplifting note, or ylang ylang for a more sensual vibe. Rosewood oil is said to be rejuvenating while sandalwood oil has sedative benefits.

Have FUN with it

If it is your personal style to have a rubber ducky in the tub with you then go for it. Pick music that you can get lost in whether it is Mozart or Michael Bolton. Giggle at yourself in the mirror when you see your face slathered in a green avocado mask. Pretend you are The Hulk if that floats your boat. Maybe it can be more…grown-up fun as you find erotic pleasure in treating your skin, hair and soul to luscious, indulgent bliss that makes you want to share some of that newly soft skin with someone special. Perhaps this could be a ritual that ushers in a new habit regarding how you care for yourself.

Why not give it a go? See how taking a couple of hours to renew yourself after the long, hot summer can refresh your entire being and appearance. It won’t only show to others as brighter skin or lovelier hair. They will see a peace in your eyes, a glow that comes from caring for yourself on an appropriately high level and when they ask you if you “had a little work” done you can smile and say, “Why no, but I had a lot of fun.”

Here are some resources for creating the perfect Summer Spa Day:

Homemade face masks

Hair treatments

Essential oils for skin and hair

Thought to ponder: As the fine people at L’Oreal would say…are you worth it?

(Photo credit)