• How do I prepare a home spa?
• What else helps us create a spa atmosphere?

Short winter days, a lack of sunshine, a life constantly on the run and under pressure, childcare, and long hours spent sitting in front of the computer – all of this leaves us tired and drained of energy after a while. We dream of relaxation and recuperation, preferably in a luxurious spa. However, outside of the holiday season, when we're busiest, a trip to a resort isn't always possible. Then a spa device in the comfort of your own bathroom might be the solution.

How do I prepare a home spa?

A long, relaxing bath can work wonders, and the interesting thing is that we don't have to resort to the most expensive drugstore cosmetics, which, as it turns out, often contain artificial additives that can have detrimental effects on our bodies. If we prefer natural and organic skincare products, some of these body- and environmentally friendly, yet affordable and vegan products can be found on our kitchen shelves. Here's a list of readily available, inexpensive ingredients that are ideal for a regenerating, nourishing, and relaxing bath:

• Oatmeal - Oatmeal baths have a softening effect on our skin—they are soothing and comforting, and are especially recommended for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it contains saponins, which are primarily known for their cleansing properties. To prepare an oatmeal bath, simply pour a cup of oatmeal prepared with water or milk into a tub of water.
• Mint, rosemary, basil , or other aromatic herbs can be used to prepare a refreshing, aromatic, and nourishing bath. Lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm are ideal for soothing irritations, calming, and promoting a good night's sleep, while thyme and sage have antioxidant and purifying properties. All of these herbs are excellent when we need to clear the mind and relieve mental fatigue.
• Green tea – is a source of minerals, vitamin B, and powerful antioxidants. A green tea bath softens the skin and relieves inflammation. Green tea soothes the senses and the tired mind.
• Salt - Bathing in salt-added water has many benefits, including positive effects on our beauty and health. Mineral-rich salts, such as pink Himalayan salt , Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt , or Kala Namak black salt, have medicinal properties. They detoxify, deeply cleanse the skin, leaving it feeling soft and comfortable, relieve muscle and joint pain, and help reduce water retention in the body.
• Cooking oils—these can include olive oil , argan oil, grapeseed oil, walnut oil, black cumin oil , and even rapeseed oil—are rich in fats and vitamins A and E. They nourish, moisturize, and lubricate the skin, leaving a protective layer. However, it's important that these oils are of good quality, first-pressed, and preferably organic. Just a few drops are enough to make our daily bath more nourishing and regenerating for our skin.
• Natural essential oils – Natural essential oils used for aromatherapy have many valuable properties. They not only add a wonderful aroma to our bath, but also affect our well-being and health, depending on which one we choose. Lavender oil, for example, has a lovely fragrance, is calming and soothes tense muscles, and also relieves skin inflammation. It is especially recommended for those suffering from insomnia. Orange oil calms the senses and has an antidepressant effect. Rose oil relieves migraine pain, works well on irritated skin, and helps combat insomnia and anxiety.
• Citrus fruits - sliced ​​lemon and orange have a cleansing effect on the skin, and the freshness and aroma improve the mood,
• Baking soda - Adding baking soda to a warm bath helps restore the skin's natural, slightly acidic pH balance while also contributing to the removal of toxins. Water with baking soda soothes irritated skin, leaving it smooth and soft. A bath with baking soda is also recommended for people struggling with mycosis. It is enough to pour about 4-5 tablespoons into the bathtub.
• Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for relieving unpleasant skin problems such as acne, eczema, dandruff, fungal infections, urinary tract infections, and joint pain. Just one cup of apple cider vinegar added to your bath,
• fresh or powdered ginger - it will work, especially if we find it difficult to get rid of the feeling of cold and fatigue, ginger helps to improve blood circulation, a bath with its addition gives us energy and supports our immunity.

What else helps to create a SPA atmosphere for us?

In addition to products that directly affect our body and skin, it's also worth considering a relaxing atmosphere—dim lighting, relaxing music, or, depending on individual preference, absolute silence. Candles also set the mood. When choosing them, it's better to opt for natural candles made from beeswax or soy—they don't contain any harmful substances. During a relaxing bath, we can also enjoy a full-body massage or scrub, which will further smooth our skin. For this purpose, we can use black Moroccan soap , a product made by hand in the traditional way using only natural ingredients. It perfectly cleanses, moisturizes, nourishes, and smoothes the skin, eliminating all types of discoloration.

A home spa will prove useful to all of us from time to time. It allows us to relax after a long, tiring day at work or an intense, noisy, and eventful weekend with children. If you don't have a bathtub at home, but only a shower, all of the above suggestions can be used for a foot bath that is both relaxing and enjoyable. Using products we normally have available in the kitchen to prepare a relaxing bath allows us to save money, and these products also protect our health and the environment. A home spa with these natural ingredients, free from artificial additives, also fits into the zero-waste aesthetic and the eco-friendly lifestyle. As it turns out, buying new cosmetics isn't always necessary.