7 DIY Spa Treatments: Thanksgiving Edition

We all know that the Thanksgiving leftovers last at least a week after the holiday is over, and we don't want all of that to go to waste! And since you won't be tempted to chow down on these (mostly unhealthy) foods, I found this article on Real Beauty and decided to share it with you all so you can try these spa-like treatment ideas and indulge your body to some calorie-free loving!

*Brought to you by Real Beauty

Leftover: Pumpkins

DIY Recipe: Pumpkin Face Mask 
Pumpkin is rich in zinc, which helps purify oily, blemished complexions. Pumpkin enzymes also work to gently exfoliate the skin without any abrasive particles.

What You'll Need:
2 tablespoons raw pumpkin, (finely grated), 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon tomato juice, (or 1/2 teaspoon tomato puree).

Method and Application:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, stir well or blend using a stick blender. Apply the mask in a thick layer all over the cleansed face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Leftover: Pumpkin Puree

DIY Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Pedicure
Since pumpkin is chock full of good-for-you nutrients, it only makes sense that it would pack the same benefits for your skin. With the weather getting colder, it's a great ingredient to add to your beauty treatments since it nourishes tired and dry skin instantly, plus gives it a gorgeous healthy glow.

What You'll Need:
½ cup pumpkin puree and 1 egg. Optional ingredients: splash of milk, 1 tsp honey

Method and Application:
Mix ingredients together and apply the pumpkin masque to feet and calves. Wrap in plastic bags. Sit back and relax for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Dry off and apply a few pumps of your favorite moisturizer or lotion (try a Vanilla scent) to keep feet and calves silky-smooth and hydrated. Cut and file nails as desired.

Ed note: This recipe is best applied after using an exfoliating scrub on your feet and legs. To stay within the holiday spirit, we recommend Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub, $13, burtsbees.com

Leftover: Fresh Apples

DIY Recipe: Apple Hair Mask
To revive dry, dull hair, all you need is one big apple (you can also use two or three medium-sized apples, depending on your hair length). This mask solves dry-scalp problems such as itchiness and flakes. For best results, choose only fresh apples without any dents or flaws.

What You'll Need:
1-2 large or 3-4 medium apples, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon corn flour

Method and Application:
Peel, core, and grate the apples. Combine the grated apple with remaining ingredients and stir well. Spread the mixture over dry, unwashed hair and leave on for 20-30 minutes. You can cover your hair with a shower cap or a PVC-free food film and then wrap it with a towel. Rinse the mask off with tepid water and follow with a mild shampoo if desired.

Leftover: Brown Sugar

DIY Recipe: Luxurious Hand Softening and Conditioning Treatment
The cold weather takes a toll on hands by drying them out to the point where they start to crack and peel. Save this recipe for when skin is past the tender stage and can use some sloughing help to make them feel soft again.

What You'll Need:
1/4 cup coarse brown sugar, baby oil to make into a paste

Method and Application:
Mix together. Using a hand-washing motion, apply the mixture to the hands. Continue the washing motion for a minute, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

Leftover: Whole Milk

DIY Recipe: Indulgent Milk Bath
One of the absolute best skin-smoothing ingredients can be found in the dairy aisle at your supermarket, says Aaron Pahk, lead massage therapist at Hard Rock Hotel Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa. The lactic acid in milk softens skin better than most super-fancy potions.

What You'll Need:
A few cups of whole milk

Method:
Pour into warm water, kick back and relax. After a long soak, your skin will feel buttery soft. Plus, it's just what your body needs for some post-holiday TLC.

Leftover: Raw Cucumbers

DIY Recipe: Soothing Cucumber Eye Mask
Not only do cucumbers have an instant cooling effect (they're 90% water), but they also contain an enzyme that reduces inflammation, making them a stellar remedy for eye bags, says Wendy Allred, education manager at Bliss Spas.

What You'll Need:
A chilled cucumber straight from the refrigerator.

Method and Application:
Cut a few slices, around a quarter-inch thick, and put one on each eye. Or you can chop them up and roll the pieces into a paper-towel eye pack. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, and feel free to swap out the slices or pack for a cooler, fresh one along the way.

Leftover: Butternut Squash

DIY Recipe: Brightening Butternut Squash Enzyme Mask
This great mask works like a scrub to exfoliate without being abrasive to your skin. Butternut squash is high in vitamins A and C and zinc, and can brighten, heal, and protect your skin from free radicals, all while gently dissolving dead skin cells.

What You'll Need:
1 raw egg and 1 cup cooked butternut squash. (Optional Ingredients include papaya, honey, apple cider or cranberry juice.)

Method and Application:
Adding an egg to the mask helps bind the ingredients together, as well as nourishing and lifting the skin. Whisk together about 1/2 cup of the squash and the egg (feel free to use pumpkin, either fresh or canned, for this recipe!). How to customize your mask: For more exfoliation: Add 2/3 cup fresh mashed papaya. The additional enzymes will dissolve dead skin on the spot, leaving you fresh and glowing. For dry skin: Add a tablespoon of honey, which acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. For oily skin: Mix in a tablespoon of apple cider or cranberry juice for a toning astringent effect. Slather the mixture on your face in a fairly thick layer. Avoid the eye area. You'll feel some light tingling as the enzymes gently exfoliate the top layer of skin. Leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water and a washcloth.




Let me know if you'll be trying any of these out! And if you do, make sure you write back with results :)