Do-It-Yourself Summer Spa Treatments

To slough safely in the sun

Avoid store-bought exfoliants that contain alpha-hyrdroxic acids. (They’re too harsh to use before or after sunning.) Instead, mash up 10 ripe strawberries, and combine with 1/4-cup each of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, apple juice and cane sugar. Slather on the mixture, and let it absorb into the skin for 10 minutes. Then rinse well.

To get softer skin at the beach

Mix two parts sifted sand (use a kitchen strainer to filter out all the rocky bits) with one part each of plain yogurt, scented coconut oil and kosher salt. Lightly scrub the blend over your body in the shower and rinse.

To give your hair volume

Soak a piece of wheat bread in a bowl of beer — yep, really. Once the bread has soaked up the liquid, stir well then apply the mash to clean, wet hair. Let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

To clear up flaky skin

Soak a washcloth in bowl of very cold whole milk, wring it out, then apply it to your face for about 10 minutes. The lactic acid and fats rehydrate your skin and remove redness.

To rejuvenate dull skin …

Squeeze the juice from a couple of oranges into a bowl, adding a little zest from the rind. Dunk a washcloth in the liquid, wring lightly, then apply it to your face for about 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water. The vitamin C in the OJ will help to restore a glowy look.

To reduce tension …

Make your own relaxing aromatherapy massage oils. Dilute three drops of scented oils such as rosemary and lavender in 1/4-cup baby oil and mix well. Apply a few drops to the hands and feet and focus on rubbing from the inside of the palm and foot out to the fingers and toes to boost circulation.

To freshen flip-flop feet …

Steep three tea bags of peppermint tea in 40 ounces of hot water. Chill the water in the fridge until it’s cool. Soak your feet for three minutes, then rinse. The tannin in the leaves can neutralize odor that results from a long run or going sockless in your sneakers.

For more information about SPA LUX visit www.SpaLux.org or Call (918) 615-3339.