Cool off with beautifying mint spa treats!
The best way to escape the summer heat? With mint-infused spa treatments that not only make you feel refreshed, but help you look your best, too!
1 Balance oiliness with an aloe and mint mist!
“Anti-inflammatory mint and aloe soothe your skin, and aloe doubles as an astringent to reduce excess oil,” says Jules
Aron, author of Fresh and Pure: Organically Crafted Beauty Balms & Cleansers.
■ Try it! Combine 8 oz. strongly brewed mint tea, cooled and 2 oz. aloe water (at supermarkets) in spray bottle. Spritz over clean skin daily. Keeps 1 month, refrigerated.
2 Boost hair growth with a mint rinse!
“This rinse pairs two potent ingredients for healthy, lustrous hair,” Aron declares. “Antiseptic peppermint clears follicle-clogging buildup and boosts circulation, while apple cider vinegar balances your scalp’s ph for healthier growth.”
■ Try it! Combine 3 drops peppermint essential oil, 2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar and 16 oz. water. In shower, lean head back and pour over scalp. Relax 5 minutes; rinse.
3 Soothe feet with a peppermint Epsom soak!
“Circulation-boosting mint oil, together with mineral-rich Epsom salts, relieve stiffness,” Aron says. What’s more, the menthol in mint acts as an analgesic to dull aches, while the cool water reduces swelling.
■ Try it! Fill large bowl with cool water. Stir in 4 drops peppermint essential oil and 1/4 cup Epsom salts. Soak feet 15-20 minutes; rinse.
4 Even your complexion with a minty mask!
“Fresh mint leaves are wonderful at calming inflammation and redness,” says Aron, who likes to pair the herb with another redness-reducer: yogurt! “Yogurt has zinc and lactic acid for a healthy glow, plus its probiotics help heal acne.”
■ Try it! Blitz 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves and 1/4 cup plain yogurt in blender until creamy. Smooth over clean skin. Relax 15 minutes; rinse.
5 Erase undereye bags with “mint cubes”!
“This ice treatment is the perfect solution for tired eyes!” Aron raves. “Mint reduces swelling by stimulating blood flow, and it’s even more refreshing when paired with cucumber, which has skin-soothing antioxidants.”
■ Try it! Blitz 1 large cucumber and 8 oz. strongly brewed mint tea, cooled, in blender. Pour into ice cube tray; freeze. To use, wrap a cube in muslin cloth and dab around eyes in circular motion.