SonyaWe often talk about luxury skin care for the face but what about your body? I was in my teen years when I began taking care of my skin although I might not have realized it at the time. It was just something I did.
It all started with regular use of moisturizers and lotions after bathing. Slathering on whatever I had purchased at the drug store. I bought what I could afford and when I was young there weren’t as many options and advancements as we have today. I loved always having soft, smooth skin all year round. I firmly believe that a few simple steps in my daily routine helped my skin in the long run.
As I entered my adult years, visits to spas away and at home were a real treat. Wrap me in seaweed, slather me with mud, I’m all in! But I’ll never forget my first “body scrub” in Santa Barbara, California. It was at the Four Seasons Hotel Spa and I indulged myself one afternoon.
I was scrubbed head to toe in some sort of grounded fruit seed concoction (maybe apricot or grape seed) as the fresh air with a view to the ocean was right in front of my eyes. Afterwards, I soaked in a milk and honey bath as I watched dolphins playing in the distance. The woman explained the scrub would gently slough off dull and dead surface skin leaving me with smooth and healthy looking skin. Ahhh, California. Everyone had glowing, radiant skin.
Then there was the unforgettable Hammam experiences here at home at two locations (Shangri-La Hotel Toronto and at the Hammam Spa on King St. West). At one spot, I recall being led into a large steamy heavenly room. Trained staff gently guided me through the ancient Turkish bath ritual using natural ingredients. The woman scrubbed me from head to toe. Then gently bathed me in warm water.
If you’ve ever experienced this, you probably know how shocking it is to see the dead skin after wards. But after the warm waters, a slather of rich lotion is applied and I was wrapped up in a cozy robe and blankets. My skin was radiant and it became a favourite way to transition between seasons — think of it as a renewal of energy.
I’ve also tried a similar bathing ritual at a Korean spa here in the city. Men, women and families all resting in the various sanctuary rooms all wearing the same loose cotton attire. I signed up for “the works” — highly recommended by my good friend and a regular. It exceeded expectations. Stepping quietly into the women’s only steam bath butt naked with others and then scrubbed vigorously in a sterile room with attendance in their underwear was quite an experience.
Although it didn’t have the ambiance of the Hammam experience it offer the results I wanted (and at a fraction of the price). Plus there was a snack bar in the centre of the complex that offered up bulgogi, mandu (dumplings) and hot green tea– a delicious way to end a visit.
But I am hooked. I still moisturize the heck out of my skin but exfoliation keeps our circulation healthy and skin looking fresh. My routine with exfoliating the skin on my body at the spa would typically be twice a year or usually before a vacation. Since we’ve been in Covid mode I haven’t ventured in for this treatment at the spas but have been looking for ways to take care of my skin right at home.
When it comes to skincare products we know the range runs from over the counter drug store brands to beauty focused luxury brands.
Here are some of my favourites skincare products to recreate that luxurious experience and offer results right at home:
Vivier Vitamin C Scrub:
this newly formulated scrub can be used on the face and the body to achieve that soft and brightened skin glow. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells (with biodegradable beads) that has accumulated on the surface. Ideal for any body especially great if your skin feels dull. This one also helps remove other impurities and infuses amazing antioxidants and extracts of Vitamin C, Cucumber, and Witch Hazel for a fresh and healthier skin beyond the surface. This scrub is gentle enough to use daily.
OUAI Body Cleanser:
regular soaps and bubble baths can be harsh on our skin and strip away all the goodness our bodies naturally product. I found this cleanser to be gentle enough to use my daily baths. It contains Rosehip Oil that naturally has antioxidants and adds Vitamin A and C. This cleanser also has Jojoba Oil that offers hydration and won’t clog pores. Lightly fragranced that offers a feel of luxury. While I use this in my bath, it can also be used on a wash cloth in the shower or a loofah.
Bathorium Northern Sage Recovery Crush Bath Soak:
I was recently introduced to this line of bath products last year and instantly fell in love with their Hinoki Bath Salt Flakes with its delicate scent and soothing properties. Then I tried their Crush Bath Soaks and enjoyed every scent pouch. I loved learning about what the ingredients were included. This particular one pays homage to the great outdoors of Canada with ingredients like British Columbia Blue Glacier Clay. This particular clay is packed with minerals and also draws out impurities from the skin.
Sage Oil is soothing, calming and clarifying, and Menthol Crystals refreshes the skin and offers a scent that aids in focus and energy. Libby is also a fan. She tells me her favourite is the Ancient Oat Hydration Crush Soak and the Coconut Bourbon Vanilla scented milk bath. Both sound so amazing!!!!
Vivier Age-Defying Body Lotion:
this is the newest entry into the market that really caught my attention because it does more than just keep your skin soft and supple. This impressive all-in-one body lotion visibly firms and tones the skin while delivering impressive hydration without feeling oily or greasy. Hydrating boosters offer a light protective barrier to help keep moisture on the skin.
This one also includes Peptides that helps also with elasticity in the skin and added antioxidants help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and brighten skin. This particular lotion is also formulated with ingredients that aid and hydrate particularly aging skin. It also has a beautiful citrus scent. BTW, citrus aromas help boost your energy and alertness.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream:
Don’t forget about your feet! In the winter, I tend not to venture to the nail salon to get proper, moisturizing pedicures — mainly because of the snow and putting on boots. To get me through the driest and coldest months of the year this particular foot cream that is 15% Shea Butter and rich in Omega 6 and Omega 3 keeps my heels from getting dry and cracked. I use it at the end of each day after my bath also on my elbows, knees and hands. I love the scent of the natural lavender and arnica essential oils. It’s refreshing and soothing leaving your skin ultra soft.
