R&R - A Market Spa Day

After a very loooong year, I am very grateful to have this week off for some R&R. While we can’t do much (I was supposed to be in Prague!) I am still going to enjoy time away from work reading some books, walking/hiking, cooking up some new recipes, and just enjoying time at home.

I put together this relaxing spa day routine using products that I picked up from the market. This is very enjoyable on a day off.

Step 1: I started off with a shower using a Relaxing Shower Melt from Shamrock Creek Farms. This particular shower melt contains lavender, which is well-known for relaxation and reducing anxiety. I drop this in the shower and let it mix with the steam.

Step 2: Wash up with an Activated Charcoal Goats Milk Soap from Our 5 Acre Homestead. I like to use a brush for an extra-exfoliating scrub (see mine here)

Activated charcoal is said to bind to dirt and help pull it out of your pores and to balance oily skin.

Step 3: Next, I use the Honey Face Wash from Bespoke Apothecary. For healthy skin, it is super important to wash your face every day. April from Bespoke Apothecary recommended keeping this face wash right in the shower. This ensures that you are still giving your face a good clean even if you don’t have time to do the other steps below. Plus, honey is antibacterial and antiseptic, and is also a natural moisturizer. Not to mention, honey contains anti-aging properties due to its antioxidants. I wash in a circular motion and make sure to include my neck, too.

Step 4: Following the relaxing shower (or bath, your preference!), it’s time to really focus on face care. After you have washed your face, you can apply a toner. I use Calendula Toner from Bespoke Apothecary. Calendula is great for any skin type, but especially for sensitive skin. It has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Apply toner using a cotton pad.

Step 5: Next, you will want to exfoliate your skin to bring healthy skin cells to the surface. I use the Avocado Pit Super Scrub from Bespoke Apothecary. Avocado pits are antibacterial, so this is great for acne and they also have anti-aging properties and can help with skin elasticity.

Step 6: After the scrub, it’s a good idea to steam open your pores. There are several easy ways to do this at home. One way to steam your pores is to put hot water in a bowl, cover your head with a towel, and hold your head over the bowl for 10 minutes. You can also add essential oils to the water to create more of a spa-ambiance. For an abbreviated version, you can put a hot washcloth over your face for a few minutes.

Step 7: After opening your pores, it’s time for a mask. I used the Black Head/Skin Detox Rejuvenation Mask from Bespoke Apothecary. Put the mask over your entire face. I let it dry and set about 15 minutes, then wash it off with a wash cloth. This mask also contains activated charcoal. This mask has been particularly helpful in combating mask-related acne (maskne).

Step 8: Next, it’s time to apply any serums you have. I use the Anti-Aging Green Tea serum from Bespoke Apothecary. Green tea is packed with antioxidants, which give it it’s anti-aging properties. It also helps reduce puffiness and redness.

Step 9: After the serum, I apply the Avocado Perfect Skin Cream from Bespoke Apothecary. To apply, I rub the cream onto my face and neck, and then go over my face with a roller. The roller helps to rub in the cream, but also stimulates cellular production and encourages lymphatic drainage. I use a jade roller. You can find several listed here. Additionally, the avocado helps to prevent dry skin, smooths skin, and helps improve skin elasticity and minimize breakouts.

Step 10: This is the last step! After the Skin Cream, I apply an eye cream as well. I use the Coffee Wrinkle and Eye Cream from Bespoke Apothecary. Coffee helps reduce dark circles under your eyes and can reduce fine lines. This particular cream also helps stimulate lash and brow growth.

That’s it! I hope you are able to use this as a guide for your own at-home spa day courtesy of our market vendors. Have a safe and relaxing holiday!