Spa Scents..

Bizzie Buzz here with thoughts on Spa Scents…


I did manage to get to the Spa last weekend and let me tell you I really needed it. As you know I have been spending some time thinking about ways to extend and expand the Spa experience at home. I have been paying particular to all the things that make these trips so pleasurable for me.


In a nod to Spring I decided to forgo my favorite Hot Stone treatment for an Aromatherapy Massage. Obviously this massage is all about the idea of scents and how they affect our well-being. As I relaxed and inhaled a lovely mix of essential oils (in this case lavender and neroli) I began to think of the real impact our sense of smell has on us.


Almost all living things depend upon their sense of smell for their very existence. Our nostrils are attached to a part of our brain called the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. When you inhale essential oil molecules, during an aromatherapy massage, messages are transmitted to the limbic system. The limbic system affects heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. Scents can trigger intense feelings. Pretty powerful stuff!


The memory of a scent can hold all aspects of a moment including sounds, sights, faces, and thoughts. In Greek mythology each of the gods had his or her own scent that the Greeks described as part of a god’s 'presence' while the Egyptians referred to the use of scents as 'divine perspiration'.


Ok, enough of the science. For me a great way to extend and replicate this Spa experience is to purchase the massage oils used in my Spa’s signature treatments. The massage oil can be used as moisturizing oil after a bath to enhance relaxation and create a sense of calm. You can also create your own treatment by using the oil to give yourself a head to toe warm message before crawling under the covers for the night.


If you find the products at your Spa too pricey, buy your own essential oils and mix and match to create a delicious blend. (Think of it as your “house blend”). Each essential oil has different healing properties. Some of the most popular are:


Calming – chamomile and lavender


Uplifting – ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, and neroli


Energizing – rosemary


Cleansing – rosemary


Decongesting – eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree


There are many different things that can encourage and expand the relaxation of your Spa days. Keep thinking of what it is you enjoy most and treat yourself to something that can help duplicate that experience in your very own bathroom.


One final thing…to create an authentic Spa experience in you own bathroom, remember to dress the part. What is the first thing you do when you go to the Spa? You undress and slip into a comfy robe and slippers. Why not set aside a special robe and slippers to be used only for these occasions?


I have some great ideas on Spa attire that you are sure to love!


-Bizzie - signing off for now. Check in next week- with more great spa ideas.

Spa Extenders Part Deux…Herbal Steam Facial

   Daylight Savings time arrived last weekend and my thoughts immediately went to summer and all the good things being out of doors will bring.  That extra hour of daylight perks me up and gets me going. I haven’t gotten to the spa since I last wrote. Hoping maybe this weekend if I can squeeze it in between, a baby shower and a 50^th Anniversary party for my Grandparents. I need some “me time”. If not I will go to my home spa bag of tricks and pull out one of my favorites…a Herbal Steam Facial.

   An easy to do steam facial treatment can quickly and easily give you a bit of that missing summer glow. Moist heat hydrates your skin and boosts circulation bringing oxygen to your face. It can also promote skin clarity and softness. A home steam treatment is easy to do and takes only a few supplies. With little effort you will see some really noticeable results.

   You will need a towel, a large saucepan, a stove, fresh chopped herbs and some essential oils. (Herbs and oils are nice to have but you can achieve good results without them)

   Begin by gathering all your supplies. Next thoroughly cleanse your face and neck.  Fill the large saucepan with water and put in on the stove to boil. You can add the herbs, anything such as thyme, rosemary or sage and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (I like lavender). Once the water has boiled remove the pot from the heat and place on your kitchen counter. Bend over the pot and drape a hand towel over your head to capture the steam. Your face should be no closer than 12 inches from the steam. Use your best judgment as to how close you want to get. You can set a timer for about five minutes and keep your face immersed in the steam for until the timer goes off. Pat your face and neck dry with your hand towel. Finally apply your favorite mask or moisturizer to both your face and neck. 

   Look at your skin in the mirror and see the difference. While the herbs and essential oils are not “need to haves” I think they are really “nice to haves” and certainly worth the few minutes it takes to get them together. A little aromatherapy adds to the feel good factor.

   You are now ready for a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Put your feet up and dream of those long days of summer.

Talk soon…