Spring Skin Renewal

Michelle, a Spa Manager from Upstate New York, contacted me and asked if I would be interested in sharing some of her skincare secrets in a post. I was so excited to learn how to make this avocado mask after the cold and dry winter made a mess of my poor skin and hair. Can't wait to pamper myself this weekend! Hope you enjoy!

Spring Skin Renewal

Summer, with it's golden rays begging us to play outside, usually gets the most attention when it comes to skincare.  We're advised to slather on the SPF every time we expose ourselves to the sun and to keep hydrated inside and out to keep our skin looking it's best.  Winter, however, is actually the harshest season on our skin.  All day long we're going out into the bitter cold and then tucking ourselves away indoors with artificial heat keeping us warm and drying us out.  Spring is the perfect time to replenish dry, tired skin and get it ready for the warm months ahead.  For moms on a budget, a visit to the spa may be out of reach, but there is plenty of pampering to be had at home.  Even better, these low cost ingredients are just what Mother Nature ordered to give your skin that spring ready glow.

What you need:

1 ripe avocado (Make sure the one you choose can be pressed gently and doesn't have any visible brown spots).

3 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

Cut your avocado in half, and remove the smooth green flesh into a bowl.  Wrap up the other half for later, or drizzle some honey on it and treat your little ones to a healthy snack!

Mash the avocado with a fork until smooth, and then stir in honey.

For the most refreshing treatment, put this mask into the fridge for about ten minutes to let it cool slightly.  While you are waiting, pull your hair completely back, bangs and all.  Apply mask to your face liberally, and leave on for at least ten minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth.

Avocado has beneficial oils that are deeply nourishing to both skin and hair while honey is a true powerhouse of antioxidants and skin aging busters.  Both ingredients can be used alone but combining them gives your skin a true luxury treatment.

If no one in your house loves to eat avocado, you can use the other half to create a treatment for your hair.  Use the same method of mashing your avocado, but leave out the honey and add in one half ripe banana instead. Add in one tablespoon of your favorite cooking oil, olive or coconut are best, and mix very well.  Give your arm a good workout whipping these ingredients for at least 60 seconds.  Apply to freshly washed, towel-dried hair either from root to tip for a whole head treatment or just to the tips if you prefer.  A shower cap applied over the mask will keep your surroundings nice and clean, but if you don't have one fake it with some plastic wrap.  This mask does it's best work if you leave it on for 15 minutes or more.  Rinse thoroughly, making sure you get all the nourishing goop out of your hair, and then style as usual.

Michelle Pino, is a Spa Manager at Skana, a spa in upstate New York at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY.  She enjoys DIY projects, healthy recipes, exercise, and all things related to skin care. If you have any comments or questions feel free to contact Michelle via email at michellepino@turningstone.com.

Thanks SO much, Michelle!