Deep Conditioning Hand Massage

I am loving this simple routine that leaves you with soft and subtle hands, while also giving a relaxing and rejuvenating massage. Sounds good, right?!

Using a deeply penetrating aromatic cream, it works on acupressure points to re-balance your energy levels and promote relaxation. Mmmmmhhhhh. This is especially restorative to those of us who use keyboards, or any other repetitive task with our hands! You can also accompany this treatment with reviving hand and wrist exercises. For ultra subtle hands, apply the cream and a pair of cotton gloves before going to sleep. This will intensify the powers of the balm.

You can make this home-made hand cream yourself. Thanks Spice Spa!

Ingredients:
- 7 g (1/4 oz) beeswax
- 15 g (1/2 oz) cocoa butter
- 2 tbsp sweet almond oil
- 1 tbsp wheat germ oil
- 7 tsp rosewater
- 1 vitamin E capsule
- 2 drops each essential oils of rose, geranium, and black pepper

Prep:
Melt wax, cocoa butter, and oils in a bowl over a pan of boiling water and stir continuously. Remove from heat and mix in rosewater, a few drops at a time, stirring until all ingredients combine. Pick the capsule and squeeze vitamin E into the cream as you mix the essential oils. Spoon into a sterilized dark glass jar, seal, and refrigerate! PS- be sure to let your household know this isn't a spread meant for toast!

Apply and Massage:
1. Pick up a little cream with fingertips with your right hand. Apply to the back of your left hand using smooth strokes from your fingertips up to your wrist.
2. Turn your left hand over. Cupping it with your right fingers, circle your palm with your right thumb. Apply more cream as needed as you stretch out the palm to promote relaxation.
3. Turn your left hand back over. Starting at your little finger, circle each knuckle with your right thumb. Slide down each of you fingers with your right thumb and forefinger. When you get to the fingertips, briefly squeeze to stimulate the brain and promote clear thinking.
4. Repeat to the other hand, then interlink fingers and rub palms together. Flex your fingers and shake your hands. Voila!

'Spring' Into Great Skin!

Nothing cheers you up more than the weather turning from cold and gloomy to warm and fresh! Changes can be noticed all around from the flowers blooming and (for those of us in Vancouver) the rain seizing. The change in weather also means it’s time for us to re-evaluate our skin care regime! Skin preparation for winter and it’s harsh reality is not suitable for the freshness of spring.

Cold winter weather decreases circulation and perspiration of the skin. This is because the skin's naturally shedding outer layer does not turn over in cold weather as fast as in warm. The result, suppleness of the skin decreases and becomes drier, feeling more rough. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to get rid of the telltale signs of winter on your skin....Here is how you can put your best face forward as the outside beings to transform from gray to green.

- Exfoliate to remove dry skin cells that clog your pores. A simple mask made from cooled instant oatmeal can be applied for ten minutes to slough the surface of your complexion without stripping it.

- Nutrition is the basic building block to any skincare system! Spring is the easiest (and cheapest!) time to take advantage of fresh, green vegetables and fruits. Try asparagus, baby greens like spinach, and strawberries. If you can afford it try to increase the organic foods in your diet. The less toxins and pesticides we intake, the less your liver and spleen need to process!

- Sometimes your cosmetics regime needs to change too ladies. We often mask the winter dryness with full coverage foundation, and as warmer air begins to hold more moisture, this can actually cause more harm than good. Opt for a lightweight foundation with SPF protection (15 or more!). On a side note, keep your makeup colours light and fresh. Fashion magazines and style guides can give you great pointers to seasonal tastes.

- Use a light moisturizer on your face (I prefer an aloe vera or tea tree base) that is suitable for your particular skin type. As spring begins, you perspire more and heavy moisturizers tend to clog your pores. Also, moisturize your entire body.

- For our hands and feet, try soaking them for about fifteen minutes in a solution made from two parts milk to one part honey - it really works for softness! You can also try applying white petroleum jelly, put on gloves and socks and go to bed. When you wake up, you're skin will be noticeably softer.

- I know it’s hard ladies as we all want that healthy glow before baring all in our bikini’s, but PLEASE, try void tanning salons! Harmful rays strip your skin of essential moisture and can leave lasting damage. Be cautious when first spending prolonged time outdoors. The sun is now stronger and your skin is still sensitive from winter damage, making it even more susceptible to sunburn. Apply a sunscreen to protect your skin whenever you go outside.

- As always, drink six to eight glasses of water every day to hydrate your skin from the inside out.

Spring is a beautiful time, and you too should feel beautiful. The best skincare system always has a focus on prevention. With a little extra attention, you will have smooth, attractive skin and be ready to face spring!