As a fellow college student who understands the day-to-day struggle of classes, clubs, exercise and mental health, I know what it's like to suddenly realize I have done nothing to deal with the stress. I decided a DIY spa day was just what I needed.
It's important to deal with stress every so often. How can you expect to ace a test when anxiety and stress are clouding your thought process? It's time to unwind, and these easy-to-make DIY spa day recipes are great ways to do so
Best way to start off? Gather some friends. You may not have the luxurious spa treatment at your disposal, but with DIY scrubs and facials and a few friends to join in the fun, it makes the whole experience more memorable and enjoyable. Set the mood so it can feel like that luxurious spa in your dorm room.
Begin with a fresh clean face ready for some exfoliating.
DIY Rice Scrub
- Prep Time:2 mins
- Cook Time:0
- Total Time:2 mins
- Servings:1
- Easy
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 lemon optional
- Honey optional
Ingredients
-
Step 1
Grind the rice. This can be done with a mortar and pestle, though it will take some time, or with a blender. Make sure it's powdery enough to be soft on the skin, but not too powdery where it doesn't exfoliate effectively.
-
Step 2
Option 1: Activate it with water alone and simply rub it gently on your face.
Option 2: Use it with a lemon. Simply cut a piece of the lemon and dip it into the rice scrub. Then gently rub the lemon slice with rice scrub onto your face.
Option 3: Add honey to the rice scrub. Mix the two ingredients and put it on your face. -
Step 3
No matter which option you choose, always wash your face afterward with warm water.
When you're done exfoliating, you will feel your skin open up. If you choose to use the lemon, you will actually be brightening up your skin. If you suffer from acne, honey is the way to go. Honey is healing to the skin; it's an antibiotic.
After this, you can either go straight into the facials or add some steam. I used my hot pot express, which is safe for dorm rooms because of its plug, to create some steam. With a towel over my head, I was able to open up my pores and feel like I was at a real spa without spending big bucks. If you want the benefits of water without the steam, try this rosewater recipe.
Now onto the masks.
If you're looking for refreshed and clean skin, this is the facial for you:
DIY Oatmeal Face Mask
- Prep Time:2 mins
- Cook Time:0
- Total Time:2 mins
- Servings:1
- Easy
- 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal
- 1/2 a banana
- 1 tablespoon milk
Ingredients
-
Step 1
Using a fork, mush the banana in a bowl.
-
Step 2
Once the banana is well-mushed, add the rest of the ingredients and mix them together.
-
Step 3
Apply the mask for 10-15 minutes. The small pieces of oatmeal do not need to stay on your face, just the mixture itself.
-
Step 4
Wash your face after time is up.
This facial is a great way to cleanse your skin, and it smells so pleasant, like breakfast on a Sunday morning. Bananas are a great way to help with your acne because of anti-bacterial properties that reduce swelling and breakouts. The oatmeal gives your skin a smooth, clean texture. It's packed with natural cleansers that help remove the dirt and oil from your skin
If you're a person with dry or rough skin looking to make it smoother and moisturized, I recommend this mask:
DIY Honey and Coconut Oil Face Mask
- Prep Time:1 min
- Cook Time:0
- Total Time:1 min
- Servings:1
- Easy
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Ingredients
-
Step 1
Put the two ingredients in a bowl and mix them together. Optional: heat them up in a microwave for 10-15 seconds for an even smoother finish.
-
Step 2
Apply to the face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
-
Step 3
When you're done, wash your face thoroughly with warm water.
Honey and coconut oil create a soft and warm combination that not only helps repair your skin, but it helps keep in your natural moisture and oils. Goodbye dry, rough cheeks! Fair warning: this facial can get a bit messy due to the oil that can run down your face. Be careful; it will stain clothing. If you intend to try it out, I suggest simply laying down, closing your eyes and enjoying it. You can then avoid dripping and enjoy the sweet smell of honey on your skin.
If you're trying to start early with anti-aging remedies, try this face mask:
DIY Red Wine Face Mask
- Prep Time:2 mins
- Cook Time:0
- Total Time:2 mins
- Servings:6
- Easy
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3-4 tablespoons red wine
Ingredients
-
Step 1
Mix all the ingredients together until they create a creamy, almost liquid, texture.
-
Step 2
Apply to the face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
-
Step 3
After time is up, wash your face with warm water.
Red wine has many skin-care benefits including acne treatment and wrinkle prevention. Not only does it smell and taste good, it will also leave you with healthier, glowing skin. It can cause minor itching, so if this happens, avoid scratching. It'll go away as soon as you wash it off.
When your DIY spa day comes to an end, be sure to moisturize your face with your lotion of choice to seal the deal.
This DIY spa day is a great way to bring friends together to enjoy some snacks, cool facials and each other's company. Remember, you're not just washing off the face mask; you're washing all the stress away too.