Going to the spa on a weekly basis may not be in our schedule, or in our budget. But if you have some time to yourself and don’t mind tossing some ingredients together to create a body treatment good enough to eat - then park yourself in the kitchen because it’s full of great things that can pamper your body right at home.

Ian Hutson, owner of Camden Spa in Toronto’s trendy west end knows that when women walk into his spa, they expect luxurious treatment. But he’s well aware that women are looking for ways to achieve the same glow and relaxing effects in their own homes. Ian has provided us with these natural recipes made with goodies easily found in your home or at the market.

• 1 can of coconut milk
• ¼ tsp. Turmeric powder
• 2 to 3 large carrots
• 2 tbs. Gelatin, already set

Mix coconut milk with turmeric powder and gently rub the mixture all over your body. Leave for five minutes and wipe off with a wet, warm cloth. Mix the carrot and gelatin together and apply to your skin. Leave on for several minutes before rinsing off.

Papaya Body Polish:
If you’ve ever had a body wrap - the idea of being cocooned in plastic won’t throw you off too much. The papaya contains enzymes that soften and revitalize the skin when absorbed and help remove dead, flaking skin.

All you need to do is puree a ripe papaya (including the skin) and spread it over your body without rubbing. Wrap yourself in a plastic sheet for 20 minutes and allow your body to sweat. Wash it off and enjoy your soft skin!

Milk Bath:
This is great for dry skin and it helps keep your skin moisturized and soft. You’ll need:

• 8 cups powdered milk
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1 cup cornmeal

Mix the ingredients together and store in a sealed container. When you’re ready to use it, scoop the desired amount onto a cheesecloth (or something like a J-Cloth) and tie it securely. Drop it into the bathtub before filling it with water. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for added relaxation.

• 1 tbs. Ground cornmeal
• 2 tbs. Natural yogurt

Mix the ingredients into a paste and gently rub into your skin. Start at your chin and work up to the cheeks and forehead in small circles. Rinse off. The cornmeal helps exfoliate and leave your skin refreshed and glowing!

Lemon Refresher Toner:
The acidity of the lemon and lime act as a toner to tighten your skin and close your pores. You’ll need:

• 1 lemon or lime
• ½ tsp. Cold water

Mix the lemon or lime juice and the water in a bowl. Gently pat onto your face after cleansing and follow with your favourite moisturizer.

Avocado Mask:
Mash the creamy insides of one avocado into a soft paste and apply to your face using the avocado pit to massage the paste into your skin using small, upward, circular motions. Leave on for a few minutes then wash off with warm water. Avocados are naturally rich in vitamin E and leave your skin feeling soft.

Lackluster Hair:
Massage 2 large, grated carrots into damp or dry hair. Wrap with a bath hat and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Squeeze half a lemon into 1 cup of water and use as a final rinse after shampooing.

For Dandruff:
Mix a large handful of crushed mint leaves into your conditioner and leave on hair for 15-20 minutes.

The effects of pampering yourself at a spa or at home are soothing and relaxing but don’t last forever. Make taking extra care of your skin a regular part of your routine if you can’t escape to a spa and have someone else do it for you. Your body and skin will thank you for it and you’ll feel like a brand new person!