Bid farewell to a stressful year and welcome peace and joy into 2022 by enjoying either a Pumpkin Mask Facial or Peppermint Foot Massage. Take time during this holiday season to relax, rejuvenate and revitalize by experiencing one or both of these specialty holiday treatments from a knowledgeable skincare professional.

Indulge in the Pumpkin Mask Facial, as pumpkin is a rich source of antioxidants and enzymes that have been shown to promote smoother, younger looking skin by increasing the rate of cell renewal. This fruit of the fall and winter months is rich in beta-carotene and contains enzymes, alpha-hydroxy, vitamins and minerals.

To enhance relaxation, experience a luxurious Peppermint Foot Massage. Studies show massaging peppermint oil into various parts of the body, including the feet, can alleviate headaches, increase energy and improve sleep. Rosemary oil has an energizing effect, just what needed during these hectic months. “Peppermint claims a long list of uses and benefits than perhaps any of the other essential oils,” says essential oils practitioner Rachal Luplow. “This includes cold and flu prevention as well as treatment of symptoms, relief of joint and muscle pain and inflammation, alleviating headaches and clearing up skin conditions, while Rosemary oil can relieve dryness and improve skin hydration.”

Check out these very special DIY treatments from SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs, Colorado.

DIY Rosemary/Peppermint Foot Massage

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp fractionated coconut oil (or any other favorite carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or sunflower)
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1/2 tsp peppermint essential oil
• 1/2 tsp rosemary essential oil

Mix together well in a small ceramic bowl and pour a small amount into your palm, and massage into each foot for five to eight minutes

SUNWATER SPA DIY PUMPKIN MASK FACIAL

Ingredients:

• 8 Tbsp organic coconut oil
• 3 Tbsp + 2 tsp of organic manuka raw honey
• 1 tsp aluminum-free organic baking soda
• 1 tsp of organic ground cinnamon or four drops of cinnamon essential oil
• 1¼ cup of organic brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp cooked organic pumpkin (fresh or canned)
• 4 tsp organic apple cider vinegar
• 3 tsp filtered water
• 2 Tbsp organic shea butter
• ¼ tsp vitamin E oil
• 8-10 drops of vanilla essential oil
• 3 small glass bowls one heat-safe glass bowl
• 1 small saucepan
• 1 small-medium sized glass or jar
• 1 small glass jar with lid

Cleanser: 3 Tbsp organic coconut oil, 1 tsp organic manuka raw honey, 1 tsp aluminum-free organic baking soda, a pinch of organic ground cinnamon or one drop of cinnamon essential oil.

Stir coconut oil in a small bowl until creamy but not liquid, you may need to run the spoon under hot water to help soften. Add a tsp of honey and mix well. Add baking soda and mix very well. Add the cinnamon and mix again. Cover the bowl and set aside until ready to apply.

To apply: Scoop out a pea-sized amount and apply to the face and neck using circular motions, avoiding product getting into the eyes. Let sit on the skin for a minute to draw out toxins. Rinse with warm water using a washcloth.

Scrub: 1/4 cup of organic brown sugar, 3 tbsp of Organic coconut oil, 3 Tbsp Organic Manuka raw honey, a pinch of organic ground cinnamon, or one drop of cinnamon essential oil.

Pour the brown sugar into a small bowl. Add the coconut oil, honey, and cinnamon. Mix well, cover the bowl, and set aside until ready to apply.

To apply: Use circular motions on the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Gently scrub on the lips if desired. Rinse with warm water and a washcloth.

Mask: 1 tbsp cooked organic pumpkin, 1 tsp organic manuka raw honey, 1 tsp organic apple cider vinegar, a pinch of organic ground cinnamon, or one drop of cinnamon essential oil.

Mix all of the ingredients in a small bowl and set aside until ready to apply.

To apply: Using a facial brush or fingers, apply a semi-thick layer all over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and a washcloth.

Toner: 3 tsp organic apple cider vinegar, 3 tsp filtered water, small jar or glass, two cotton balls or rounds.

Pour the apple cider and water into the glass. Mix well with a spoon and set aside until ready for use.

To apply: Using the cotton balls, wipe your face and neck clean with the toner, avoiding the eye area.

Moisturizer: 2 tbsp organic cold-pressed coconut oil, 2 tbsp organic shea butter, ¼ tsp vitamin E oil, 8-10 drops vanilla essential oil, one drop of cinnamon essential oil (optional), small glass jar with lid to store for later use.

Make a double boiler by filling a saucepan halfway with water and placing it over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat to a simmer and top with a heat-safe glass bowl. Add all of the ingredients to the bowl and stir until you get a smooth consistency that is thoroughly mixed. Remove from heat and pour into the glass jar until ready to apply and for later use, shelf life is three months.

To apply: Using a dime-sized amount, apply to the face and neck and gently rub into the skin. Apply a small amount onto lips to soften.

Photo courtesy of SunWater Spa.