The Savvy Life

By Todra Payne

Spring is fully here, with its shorter sleeved fashions and fun, flouncy skirt options. For many of us, we’re frantically trying to whip our dry, dull skin into shape before summer when we go from short sleeves to no sleeves. And bikinis! 

Relax. There’s still time to get your skin in top notch shape before the sun and waves are fully upon us. The following simple body nurturing tips can be used now and all the way into summer. 

Remember, summer skin is exposed to extreme heat, with the possibility of sunburn, as well as chlorine and other not-so-nurturing environments. It’s just as important to care for legs, arms, and other parts during the upcoming months as it was in December. 

But instead of relying on heavy creams, go with pampering weekly body masks, all over wraps, refreshing spritzers and lightweight, but nourishing oils. Here are four simple recipes you can make at home.

Cucumber and Milk Body Mask

This is great treat after a long day in the sun to cool and de-stress your skin.

2 cups powdered milk

6 large cucumbers, peeled

3 drops of your favorite soothing essential oil, such as lavender or chamomile.

Directions

Puree cucumber in blender until smooth. Remove and put in glass bowl. Add powdered milk and essential oils and stir well. Sit in empty bath tub and apply mixture all over. Relax for 15-20 minutes, allowing the mask to work its magic. Shower in cool water afterward.

Yogurt, Aloe Vera and Honey Body Wrap

For those with perpetually dry skin, this body wrap will leave you moist and glowing.

5 cups of plain Greek yogurt

2 cups of raw, organic honey

2-3 cups of aloe vera juice

Directions

In a large glass bowl, mix yogurt, honey and aloe vera. Apply to body and wrap with plastic wrap. Sit in empty bath tub for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water (best to remove honey).

Aloe Vera and Rose Water Spritzer

1 bottle of Aloe Vera Juice (best bought from a health food store)

1 bottle of organic rose water

Directions

Mix equal parts of aloe vera juice and rose water in a spray bottle and keep in the fridge. Spritz on sunburned or stressed shoulders and face for a cooling treat.

Citrus Avocado and Sweet Almond Body Oil

This lightweight summer oil makes use of two powerhouse moisturizers – avocado and almond oils. Almond oil disappears into the skin without leaving a heavy trace, while avocado oil is said to offer some sun protection.

2 T Avocado Oil (available at specialty supermarkets like Whole Foods)

2 T Sweet Almond Oil

3 drops of citrus scented essential oil such as sweet orange or grapefruit

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl and apply to damp, freshly cleaned skin. Allow to penetrate before dressing.

Todra Payne is a former celebrity makeup artist turned healthy beauty expert. She is the founder of The Healthy Beauty Project and www.healthybeautysocial.com

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Comments (2)

• |216.229.175.xxx |2011-05-04 11:15:03 Tanya
  Thanks; I love the natural recipes for skin care. The avocado and almond oil mixture sounds wonderful - without being too expensive.
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• |65.105.227.xxx |2011-05-04 11:33:17 Melissa Tosetti
  I'm glad you like the article Tanya. Todra has a wealth of information regarding natural beauty products. If you get a chance, check out here website at http://www.healthybeautyproject.com.
  
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