Skin Care for the Jet Setters

Hello Friends! I'm so happy to be back in the SkIndulgence kitchen (and to reopen the stores!) after my amazing month with Build.Create.Kenya in East Africa! It occurred to me, after spending a cumulative total of about 48 hours in the air, that I should share some tips on how to keep your skin fresh and beautiful when traveling. Cabin air is incredibly drying, and its easy for our skin to suffer as a result. Heed this advice on your summer travels, and I promise you'll arrive all a'glow and ready for those vacay-pics!

• As much as I love my makeup, I go without while on the plane as I know that the recycled and drying air will destroy the look anyway.
• Before the flight, cleanse thoroughly with the Foaming Facial Cleanser and the Cleansing Grains. If you have time, do a Facial Steam, too. After cleansing, tone and moisturize.
• Make sure to get plenty of fluids pre-flight by drinking at least a pint of water. Add the juice of half a lemon for extra-oopfm and system-cleansing qualities. Avoid caffeine as it will dehydrate you and your skin. Whenever that beverage cart comes by, guzzle water, water, and more water!
• If its a long flight, keep some mild toner and moisturizer handy.  With all that recycled air, who knows how many germs are infiltrating your pores, and its a good idea to tone and moisturize (while your skin is still damp) soon after take-off, then again near the end of the flight.
• If I know I'll be heading right out into public after landing, I'll apply some light makeup right before landing (concealer, a tinted moisturizer, lip balm and, of course, mascara).
• If you're traveling light, remember SkIndulgence offers the full facial line in travel-size containers. I took mine to Kenya (of course!), and the 1-ounce sizes were more than enough to last me and the fiance the entire month!

Wishing you all safe travels and happy skin!

Home Spa Experience

The primary goal of the SkIndulgence Bath and Body collection is to provide a spa experience at home.  Who doesn't love a day of pampering and relaxation at the day spa?  I know that's MY idea of a perfect time!  The state of this economy has created more stress, but greatly impaired our ability to fund its relief.  Solution? Bring the day spa home with you.  Under the right settings, using spa products at home benefits your body and your spirit just as much as at a fancy spa, but without the stress-inducing price tag that comes with it.

My perfect home spa item is the Salty & Sweet Body Scrub. Prep your items in the bathroom, light some candles, turn on some relaxing music, perhaps even brew a cup of strong chamomile tea and get to it!

The body scrub mimics a salt glo at any day spa.  Use it on dry skin and rub in a circular motion over the entire body.  Those who have used the SkIndulgence scrub (and my own vast experiences) have told me that it completely removes dry patches after just one use and leaves the skin feeling super nourished.

If you are up for an extra step (make time for it, it's so totally worth it), you can extend this into a body wrap.  Start by placing a blanket in an empty bathtub. Next, lay an old sheet (one that can get icky) over that. If you have one, aim a space heater at the bathtub and set it just a tad higher than what's comfortable.  Stand on the sheet and massage in the salt glo.  Then lay down (use a rolled-up towel as a pillow), and wrap the sheet around you, then the blanket. If you brewed some herbal tea, now would be a great time to place a tea bag over each eye.  The herbs don't only taste great, but they will soothe tired and stressed out eyes, too!  Chill like a mummy for about 20 minutes.  The ingredients in the scrub combined with the heat, will help to draw impurities out of your body while simultaneously replenishing vital minerals and moisture.

After using the scrub, shower as usual (or keep on relaxing in a hot bath - try the Bath Pack!) and don't forget to moisturize (I recommend the Body Butter, of course)!

Email Request: Acne Skin

I received the following email this past weekend from S:

I have been using the Moroccan face mask, and I absolutely love it.
I have pretty bad skin, I always seem to have a layer of dead skin which I scrub off nightly, and my acne is starting to come back. Eeek!  I was wondering if you have some sort of scrub or something else that will help me have smooth clear skin..... Minimizing my pores would be nice too :)

As this is a very common concern, I wanted to answer it publicly.

It seems that when someone is experiencing blemished skin they almost want to "punish" it by scrubbing it daily and/or using very drying cleansers (ie with various acids).  Whenever my fiance has a breakout he tells me "I need to dry it out so it will go away!".  Sound familiar?  This, however, is the exact opposite of what you want to do!  Blemished and acne skin needs to be treated very gently.

First, what causes acne?  For some it can be a case of over-drying the skin.  When we strip the skin of its natural sebum by using harsh cleansers, we dry out our skin causing it to go into overdrive, actually producing even more oil than before.  We need to keep in mind that acne is caused by bacteria infecting the skin, not by oil.  Additionally, when we use a facial scrub over a blemish, it runs the risk of breaking the blemish open and tracking the bacteria all over the face - making the acne spread.  For some the cause of acne is internal, we call this "hormonal acne".  This is the case for those who tend to break out when stressed or at that certain time of the month.

For those experiencing acne, I recommend:

• A nightly regime of cleansing with a clear and gentle liquid cleanser.  After cleansing, remove any leftover residue and balance your skin's pH with a toner, and finish with a moisturizer.  Many people with oily or acne prone skin forgo this last step, but when you skip moisturizer completely, skin produces more oil to try to hydrate itself - leaving you with even slicker skin than before. The following morning simply rinse well with water, pat dry, and be on your way.
• Every other day gently scrub with a gentle scrub like my Cleansing Grains.
• Once a week or twice a month if you're short on time, do a full facial.  Start by cleansing and gently scrubbing, then do a facial steam, followed by a mask (the Cleansing Grains double as a clay mask, and we also offer a spa-quality Moroccan clay mask), use a toner and finish with a moisturizer.

The SkIndulgence shop offers all of these products in one set!  Click here for normal to dry skin and here for normal to oily and acne-prone skin.

Additionally, treat your skin from the inside out!  Vitamins A and C, zinc, and protein are all important for wound healing, which is what a breakout essentially is.  Load up on omega-3 fatty acids (found in flax seeds, walnuts, and avocados, among other foods), which will help reduce inflammation in the body and skin.  Try adding a pinch of thyme or oregano to your meals as well; they contain agents that help fend off the bad bacteria that can be a factor in skin irritations.  SkIndulgence offers an herbal tea that balances your hormones, and is awesome at preventing hormonal breakouts.

For more information on preventing acne, check out these other posts I've written on the subject:

• Dealing with Acne
• My Top Skincare Tips
• Tips for Oily Skin

Thank you, S, for the great question!  If you have a question about how to handle your particular skin care concern, please feel free to email me!  My contact info is available via that "Contact" tab up at the top!

The Bathtub: Therapy in your Home

Powdered Kelp

I've talked a lot about how much I love the bathtub.  Check out posts here, here and here for a refresher.  Don't just take it from me; my teacher, world-renowned master herbalist Rosemary Gladstar has the following to say about "Therapy in a Tub":

Beauty begins in the bath.  A centuries-old ritual, herbal bathing is not only a soothing cosmetic affair it also has important therapeutic applications...It's unfortunate that the bath has been replaced with the shower, another of those quick conveniences of modern times.  Though certainly a quick way to freshen oneself, showers are no replacement for a long, luxurious soak.  I've heard people reflect that they don't like the idea of soaking in their dirty bath water.  Heavens, rinse off first if you're so dirty!  But don't forgo the pleasures of a bath.

Herbal baths can be extremely therapeutic.  The addition of specific herbs, essential oils, sea salts, or oats can be used to treat skin disorders, headaches, stress, anxiety, and congestion.  There have been several well-known herbalists whose preferred method of treatment was via the bath.  When bathing, the pores of the skin are open and receptive to the healing properties of the herbs.

Bathing in herbs is like immersing one's body in a giant cup of tea.  All the pores are open and skin, our largest organ of absorption and elimination, absorbs the healing essences of the herbs allowing you to emerge renewed and refreshed.

The SkIndulgence shop offers a variety of bath additives including salts, herbal blends, and oatmeal combinations.  I've formulated these products to assist in relaxation, sore muscles, and with anxiety.  In addition to these, I've previously posted several at-home recipes for preparing your own healing baths (links up at the top).

Talking about baths so much, I think I'm gonna jump in one right now!  Today I am going to add 1/2 cup of powdered kelp and 1/4 cup of aloe vera to the water for a perfect thalassotherapy (seawater) therapy treatment.  Seaweed is very rich in iodine and protein.  These nutrients are directly absorbed by the pores of the skin, affecting the body on a cellular level, and in the process will help detoxify, revive, remineralize and stimulate my body as a whole.  Aloe compliments the effect of the seaweed in that the gel helps regenerate and soothe damaged and dry skin.

If you try this seaweed bath yourself (please do, it's incredible), it is best to not overexert yourself immediately afterwards as seaweed baths can be draining.

Enjoy!

P.S. You can purchase kelp seaweed powder at most health food stores.  If you wish to purchase online, I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs.  The same for aloe vera gel - make sure to get pure aloe vera gel (no alcohol or other additives) from your health food store, or find it at Mountain Rose Herbs.

New Product! Balancing Act Herbal Tea

In last week's post about sensitive skin I shared about the importance of "internal skincare".  That is, that 80 percent of our skin is the dermis, which is fed and nourished via internal means, so what we eat is very important to the quality of our skin.  I thought this was a perfect time to add my Balancing Act Herbal Tea to the shop.

I originally formulated this tea about 10 years ago when a very close friend started chemotherapy.  In addition to the endless myriad of horrid side effects, she was finding that the chemo lead to horrible breakouts because it was throwing her hormones totally out of whack (I believe that is medical phrasing, yes).  I gave her about a pound of loose tea (pretty much enough to last 100 years), and told her to drink at least a quart a day.  That may sound like a lot, but it totally isn't; it's a large mason jar.  She did, and the tea totally did its magic, and her skin cleared up almost instantly.  You gotta love herbs!

Since then, I've given this to anyone I encounter who tells me they just can't get rid of their acne.  And then I give it to anyone who says they have a lot of stress in their lives, since that throws your system all out of whack, too.  Then I give it to anyone who breathes...because I think this tea is the bee's knees, ya'll!

It contains Raspberry Leaf, Spearmint, Nettle Leaf, Alfalfa, Dandelion, Licorice Root, Motherwort, and Lemongrass. Like all of my products, the ingredients are certified organic by the Oregon Tilth.

The listing on the shop is for four ounces of loose tea (visualize half of a lunch sack filled with loose tea) for the bargain price of $8.00 + S&H.

Water is the Cure for Sensitive Skin!

There is more to water than just drinking your eight cups a day.  Cells lose the ability to retain water as we age.  For instance, look at your skin as the roof of a house.  If your roof has holes in it, it's going to let in all the rain and the wind and the snow and everything else.  When you have a barrier that's diminished, it can become sensitive by using harsh products.

Obviously, just wetting your skin - or even using a super-rich moisturizer - isn't enough.  SkIndulgence recommends a water-rich diet for top results.  Most people think of skincare as what they put on their skin, but only about 10 to 20 percent of the skin is the epidermis.  The other 80 percent is the dermis, and that gets fed by what you eat.  Pros call it internal skincare, which means eating foods that have antioxidants - raw fruits and vegetables.  Other than that, don't scrub your face; use a mild cleanser and always wear sunscreen.  Hydrate yourself by eating fruit like berries, or something that's as water-rich as a fruit or vegetable.  This way, you hydrate your whole body.

Dealing with Acne

Follow these simple tips to banish post-acne scars.

1. Understand - An acne scar is any change in the skin's texture following a breakout; it can be a divot, dent, or even a large pore.  It forms when severe inflammation  - what makes a pimple red and irritated to begin with - breaks down the collagen in that area,  A scar can range in color from red to purple in lighter skin tones to brown in darker complexions as inflammation causes this type of mark by turning on the cells that make extra pigment.
2. Prevent - The first line of defense against post-acne scars and spots is to prevent new pimples from forming. Use a deep-cleansing face wash every morning and night, but don't scrub too hard because this will irritate the skin and increase breakouts.  Follow up with a good moisturizer.
3. Treat it Topically - Dotting a small amount of Tea Tree essential oil directly on the breakout can improve spots.  Don't expect the blemish to disappear overnight, though.  Mine, personally, disappear in 3-4 days.
4. Inside Out - For best results, treat skin internally, too.  Vitamins A and C, zinc, and protein are all important for wound healing, which is what a breakout essentially is.  Load up on omega-3 fatty acids (found in flax seeds, walnuts, and avocados, among other foods), which will help reduce inflammation in the body and skin.  Try adding a pinch of thyme or oregano to your meals as well; they contain agents that help fend off the bad bacteria that can be a factor in skin irritations.
5. Don't Pick - Just don't do it; period.  If you absolutely need to pop that zit, schedule an appointment with a facialist as he or she will use a sterile tool for the job.  When you do it yourself, your dirty nails end up digging into the skin and changing the pustule into a scab, which will then scar.
6. Bring in the Pros - Sometimes acne is just too severe to treat yourself.  Cystic acne, for example, has a greater risk of sever scarring, so if you're dealing with very painful and inflamed bumps, it's wise to enlist the help of a professional, so make an appointment with a reputable dermatologist.

My Top Skincare Tips

Over the years I've developed a list of personal skin care guidelines that I live and swear by to keep my complexion fresh and blemish-free:

• Never let your unwashed face hit the pillow; make sure to wash the day off your face every single night!
• If you wear makeup, consider lathering up twice at night: once removes the makeup, twice cleans deep down.
• The two keys to a glowing complexion are moisture and exfoliation: use a gentle facial scrub every other day or so, stay hydrated with plenty of water, and seal that water in with a great moisturizer.
• Treat your face as you would a baby's: always be super, extra gentle! Try using your ring and pinky fingers to apply your moisturizer as those fingers pack the least punch.
• Never let the sun's rays hit your precious skin - always, ALWAYS wear sunscreen!
• Steaming your skin is the most effective way to clean out those pores. If you're short on time and can't do a full facial steam, capture hot water in a wash cloth and hold it about a half inch from your face for a few seconds, then repeat a couple of times.

What are your favorite tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Tips for Oily Skin

Just because skin is oily doesn't mean you should skip moisturizing.  When your skin is dehydrated, it's water, not oil that's lacking.  Oil is a sealant barrier, but not moisture itself.  When you skip moisturizer completely, skin produces more oil to try to hydrate itself - leaving you with even slicker skin than before.

The SkIndulgence Night Cream for Oily Skin is oily based, which makes a lot of people nervous at first.  However, this cream is designed to penetrate through the dermis to nourish and soothe the epidermis, and that initial oily feeling is gone within moments.  The cream is also formulated with herbs that represent astringent qualities and will definitely regulate that wayward oil!

Basic Bath Tips

Perfection =  huge bathtub and trees!

Herbal baths are detoxifying and aromatic and intensely relaxing, both spiritually and physically.  The ceremony of bathing in herbs has become a daily rite in many cultures, a return to the source for the body and spirit.

The herb or combination of herbs used in the bath depends on the effect that is sought: to soothe the skin, promote sleep, stimulate circulation, relieve muscle aches and pains, or merely to enjoy the aromatic experience.  The concept, however, remains the same: imagine that you're relaxing in a giant cup of herb tea.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your herbal bath:

• The best time to bathe is when the stomach is empty.
• Salt added to bath water will help alleviate some of the light-headedness that some experience as a result of bathing in hot water.
• Morning baths should be tonic.  Their primary purpose is to relieve physical fatigue, stimulate the body and eliminate toxins. An ideal temperature for a morning bath is around 96.8 degrees F (36 degrees C).
• Evening baths are meant to be relaxing, to relieve stress and to prepare the body for sleep. An ideal temperature for an evening bath ranges between 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C) and 102 degrees F (39 degrees C).
• A muscle- or joint-soothing bath after an intense physical exertion or a very stressful day generally ranges between 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) and 107 degrees F (42 degrees C).
• Remember always to replenish body fluids by drinking plenty of water or herbal tea after a bath.
• After bathing, apply moisturizer while the skin is still warm and moist.

First Aid Balm

Recently my friend Kenny was in a bad bike accident; he walked away with minor injuries but some pretty serious road rash across his face.  As soon as I heard the news, I put together an herbal remedy "get well soon" basket including SkIndulgence First Aid Balm.  A few days later Kenny called me up to say that the balm had worked wonders for his facial cuts: after using it, the swelling and redness had gone down considerably, the cuts were healing quickly, and the pain had greatly subsided.

This first aid balm is an all natural, thick, spreadable balm that can be applied to cuts, scrapes and bruises for quick healing with minimal scaring. It contains calming herbs so the healing effect is not just skin deep. The key ingredients that make this balm work so effectively include:

• Candelelia wax that locks in moisture and keeps out dirt and impurities;
• Calendula flowers to promote healing and protects against scarring;
• Lavender & Chamomile flowers to soothe and calm the skin; and
• Comfrey leaf to heal and provide pain relief.

This first aid balm is a must for every household, and for the next week you can save 20% on a 2-oz tin through the SkIndulgence store.

Facial Steams

SkIndulgence Facial Steam for Normal to Dry Skin

A few weeks ago I shared with you my daily skin care "regime".  The facial steam is something I throw into the mix every other week or so.  It only takes 10 minutes and is an oh-so-necessity for your skin!

A facial steam is the best possible way for deep pore cleansing, and each of the herbs used is rich in nutrients that nourish and tone the skin. The aromatic oils of the plants are released by the heat and are absorbed by the skin. And best of all, it feels so good!

To perform a facial steam, bring a quart of water to a boil in a pot. Toss in one of our facial steam tea bags, cover, and let simmer for a couple of minutes. Then remove the pot from the heat and place it on a heatproof surface at a level that will enable you to comfortably sit and place your face over the pot. Leaning over the pot, drape a large, thick towel over your head and the pot, capturing the steaming herb water. It will get very hot under the towel. To regulate the heat, raise or lower your head or lift a corner of the towel to let in a little cool air. Steam for 5 to 8 minutes.

Immediately after you complete your facial steam, rinse your face with cold water and gently pat with toner. Your face will feel smooth and will glow with radiance.

SkIndulgence offers two different facial steam combinations: one for normal to dry skin and one for normal to oily and acne prone skin.  The difference between the two combinations is that one is designed with herbs that are primarily soothing and moisturizing while the other contains more astringent properties.  Find these steams at the SkIndulgence store by clicking here.

Not sure what type of skin you have?  Leave a comment below telling us a bit about your skin and we'll help you out!

Cleansing Grains

Cleansing Grains' Naturally Simple Ingredients

A perfect soap replacement, cleansing grains are mild, nourishing, suitable for all skin types, and can be used daily.  Many of the commercial facial scrubs are far too harsh; they feel like sandpaper on the skin.  People with acne or "troubled" skin often use these rough cleansers suposedly thinking they can scrub the acne away.  However, blemished skin must be treated gently.  Harsh cleansers will only further irritate the already inflamed condition.  By contrast, our cleansing grains are perfect for blemished skin. They gently cleanse, distribute excess oil, remove dead cells, and improve circulation.

The cleansing grains available from SkIndulgence are naturally simple, containing:

• White Kaolin Clay: Stimulates circulation, is a mild exfoliant and will draw impurities from the pores with regular use. Skin is noticeably healthier looking with continued use. White Kaolin is mildly drying so it clears up blemishes and works to prevent future breakouts but it also serves a calming purpose for dry, irritated skin.
• Lavender & Rose flowers (powdered): At once healing and soothing, these flowers are useful in treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
• Oatmeal (Ground): Oatmeal lends an unbelievably soft feel to the skin, soothes irritation and redness and very gently exfoliates.
• Almond (Ground): Almonds gently exfoliate the skin.

These cleansing grains are simple to use, as well:

• For those who prefer to go soap-less, use as a facial cleanser by mixing with liquid (we recommend a ratio of 1:3 grains : liquid), rubbing on the skin in circular motion and rinsing clean.
• We personally use them as a facial scrub, post cleansing, every 2-3 days.
• They can also be used as a mask by mixing as indicated above, then leaving on the face and neck for 3-15 minutes.
• Though the grains can be mixed with any liquid, including water, we also recommend trying facial toner, milk (of any kind), or apple cider vinegar.

We find it convenient to mix up a batch of "moist grains" ahead of time; once mixed with liquid, the grains will store for up to a week.  This is provided you don't use tap water, as it contains bacteria that can lead to spoilage; try distilled water as a safe alternative.  They're so much easier to use when made up already, plus then you have the opportunity to add a few more yummy ingredients such as honey, which serves as a natural preservative for the grains and adds a wonderfully natural moisturizing quality.  Though honey sounds like it would make the grains very sticky, it doesn't.  Try a ratio of 1:2:1, grains : liquid : honey for best results.

The cleansing grains described above are available through the SkIndulgence store by clicking here.  Save 20% on all items in the store for just one more day with the code SSCGO20PER.

My Daily 3-Step Skin Care Regime

Do you guys remember that movie from the 90s with Uma Thurman and Janeane Garofalo, The Truth About Cats and Dogs...?  There is that scene when the skin care sales lady asks Janeane what her"Skin Care Regime" is and Janeane responds with smart-allecky remarks about her use of the word "regime".  No?  Just me? Well, anyway, that scene is pretty much the sole reason I choose to use that word :-)

I qualify my skin as normal to combination/oily skin.  For the most part the oil is under control, but during that "special" week each month I tend to be blemish-prone.  Since I make skin care products, my face essentially has to be a walking advertisement for my products, so I am a stickler for making sure my skin stays as blemish-free and fresh-looking as possible.  This goal is made remarkably easy with the three SkIndulgence products below (I am definitely my own best customer, let me tell you!). My personal bedtime "regime" consists of:

Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily & Acne Skin

Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin - This gentle daily cleanser is made with tea tree oil to control breakouts.  Tea Tree oil is a natural and safe alternative to commercial "acne control" products like benzoyl peroxide; however, it doesn't leave behind all of those icky side effects like a dry and peeling face, because who wants that nastiness on display?!  Also, because this product is all natural, it doesn't contain any horrid sulphates.  This means that the cleanser has a thinner consistency than what you are probably used to experiencing with commercial brands.  However, I package my cleanser with a foaming tip, so it is super easy to use and won't spill all over the place.  Lastly, this cleanser contains oat extract, an all natural emollient and one of the most sought after ingredients in skin care for it's ability to soften, soothe and calm irritation.

Queen of Hungary Herbal Facial Toner

Queen of Hungary Herbal Facial Toner - This is one of my personal favorites and ultimate beauty secret! Queen of Hungary Facial Toner is the oldest commercially marketed cosmetic in the world. This facial toner is recommended for all skin types and is safe to use daily. Even the most natural of facial cleansers leave behind a residue; remove that layer and balance your pH levels with an all natural toner.  After cleansing I spray about 10 sprays on my face (close those eyes!), then use a cotton ball to wipe clean.  After moisturizing, I give my face a light spritz again and allow to air-dry.

Night Cream for Normal to Oily & Acne Skin

 
Night Cream for Normal to Oily Skin - This blend was crafted using organic botanicals that are nourishing for acne prone and oily skin types. Many commercial creams contain too many synthetic, drying ingredients and using them strips the skin of it's natural sebum forcing the skin to work overtime to replace lost oils. The result is skin that is in worse condition than before. The answer? All things in balance and moderation. Use the right oils in the right amounts to keep skin balanced and calm. This night cream uses only the best oils and humectants and was created to penetrate through the dermis to hydrate and nourish the epidermis. A little goes a long way with this cream! Gently massage a pea-size amount to face and throat after cleansing and toning the skin each night.

When morning comes I simply rinse my face with water, apply a light sunscreen and go!

Now through Sept 25th you can save 20% on the products listed above at the SkIndulgence store with the coupon code SSCGO20PER

30 Minutes to a More Relaxed You!

Life is stressful.  It is crucial for your mental and physical health to relieve stress and r-e-l-a-x!  Nothing helps me relax faster and deeper than a hot bath. Here are the steps you should take for the best effect:

Get Ready
Begin by lighting a candle, putting on your favorite music and making a cup of tea.  I recommend chamomile tea as you can then put the tea bags over your eyes for added relaxation in the tub.

Fill the Tub
Fill your bathtub to the desired temperature and toss in one of my Relaxation Bath Tea bags.  Your bathwater will be richly scented and permeated with the healing essences of the herbs.

Scrub Away Stress
While the tub is filling, rub your body with the Relaxation Salty and Sweet Body Scrub to renew and refresh your skin.  The exfoliation is great for your body not only because it is removing all that dead skin that dulls you up, but it is improving circulation and getting blood to rise to the surface of your skin.  At the same time the botanical oils, aloe vera and seaweed in the scrub are nourishing your skin and replenishing your body.  The relaxation factor is enhanced with the lavender flowers and essential oils that work aromatherapeutically to melt your stress away.

Immerse your Body
Slowly immerse yourself into your herbal bathwater.  Let the candlelight lure your dreams, the soft music entice you.  While soaking use the bath tea bag as a gentle scrub; massage it soothingly over your body.  Lay back and place one chamomile tea bag over each eyelid. The bath tea works by taking advantage of the fact that skin is the body's largest organ of absorption and elimination. What this means is that taking a bath can be a medicinal act, not just an enjoyable one.  Each tea bag is comprised of three parts: bath salts, herbs, and oatmeal.  The bath salts draw out impurities while simultaneously replenishing vital nutrients and minerals.  The combination of herbs work aromatherapeutically to aid in relaxation, and the oatmeal adds emollients to soften and nourish your skin.

Now through Sept 25th you can save 20% on the Relaxation Bath Tea and the Relaxation Salty and Sweet Body Scrub at the SkIndulgence store with the coupon code SSCGO20PER