A mild early winter can lull anyone into a more lax skincare regimen. But with the season now in full blast, there’s no ignoring your skin’s craving for daily attention. During winter skin cells dehydrate and die more quickly, leaving your protective outer layer extra dry, dull and itchy. To rehydrate and rejuvenate in a hurry, exfoliation is a great first step. Lately the spotlight has been on citrus — from cookbooks to cosmetics — so the timing seems perfect for trying a scrub made with these antioxidant-rich powerhouses. It’s a real decadent treat for your skin and a cinch to do. No need to rush out and buy an expensive citrus exfoliating product. Ingredients you have right at your fingertips in your kitchen make the whole process more budget friendly — and even more effective. [url=http://www.kissydress.co.uk/blue-bridesmaid-dresses]blue bridesmaid dresses[/url] “We advise using fresh citrus when creating at-home scrubs because you are getting all the vitamin and acid content of freshly cut and squeezed fruit,” says Kim Van Dyk, lead massage therapist at Stillwater Spa in Toronto’s Park Hyatt hotel. “But also, you are able to enjoy the full sensory experience of citrus aromas and oils — part of the rejuvenating spa experience. There’s really no substitute for fresh.” Raw sugar is best for all skin types when making these homemade scrubs, especially for more sensitive skin, says Stillwater Spa Toronto’s lead massage therapist Kim Van Dyk. However, choose the sugar you think best suits your skin type. Citrus is no newcomer to beauty circles like the much lauded hyaluronic acid, ceramides and kinetin. It’s long been used to brighten skin, lighten age spots, add streaks to hair and even to redden lips for a natural lipstick. And, as far as a scrub’s effect on skin goes, it doesn’t really matter which citrus fruits you choose. “While the level of acidity will vary between the different citrus varietals, the effects are essentially the same. The acid and vitamins found in citrus help clean and rejuvenate skin,” says Van Dyk. But the differences in citrus fruits’ emotional benefits are worth noting, especially at this time of year when perennial seasonal plagues such as winter blues and lethargy set in, and we’re “looking for ways to uplift and re-energize our spirits,” notes Sunkist. “Studies show that the smell of citrus can boost energy and improve moods,” says Van Dyk. “The essential oils contained in grapefruit help create a peaceful and calm atmosphere, and orange oil contains a key soothing ingredient, linalool, which helps relieve tension and stress. The fresh scent of lemon oil has been shown to perk people up and reduce anxiety.” Stillwater worked with Sunkist to develop a series of citrus spa treatments and food recipes featuring their fresh California-grown branded citrus. To get their spa-like results at home, Van Dyk recommends you use only freshly squeezed citrus juice when making your scrubs. “The juice balances with the sugar to provide a very effective exfoliation, while the sugar will tighten the skin,” she says. Get your mid-winter glow on with these three scrubs courtesy of Sunkist and Stillwater Spa Toronto. But, if you are sensitive or allergic to citrus fruits, do not try these at home. Apply this Grapefruit Scrub to your hands and then place them in a plastic bag for one to two minutes. 1 tbsp (15 mL) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice ½ cup (125 mL) of raw sugar To finish: Heavy lotion 1. In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp (15 mL) of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and ½ cup (125 mL) of raw sugar. The mixture should feel similar to paste. 2. Apply the mixture to your hands and feet and then place them into plastic bags. Leave on for one to two minutes. (If you feel tingling, rinse skin immediately.) 3. Rinse off the scrub under warm water and apply a heavy lotion to moisturize. STILLWATER SPA TOUCH – Grapefruit scrub is applied to hands and feet and then wrapped with heated mitts and booties. – Once the mixture is removed, hands and feet will be hydrated with grapefruit oil and hot towels. Note: Raw sugar is best for all skin types, especially for more sensitive skin, says Van Dyk. However, she recommends choosing the sugar you think best suits your skin type. If your skin is very dry and can handle a more aggressive scrub, try Demerara sugar. A hand scrub made with lemon is a refreshing way to prep for your DIY manicure. A refreshing scrub to use before your next at-home manicure. ½ cup (125 mL) demerara sugar 1 tbsp (15 mL) of freshly squeezed lemon juice Sliced lemon floating in the water To finish: Heavy lotion, preferably lemon scented 1. In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp (30 mL) of freshly squeezed lemon juice and ½ cup (125 mL) of raw sugar. The mixture should feel similar to paste. 2. Soak hands in a bowl of very warm water for 10 minutes. Add one whole lemon slice to the water. 3. After soaking, use the lemon-sugar mixture to scrub all over your hands. 4. Rinse the mixture under warm water and apply a heavy lotion (preferably lemon scented) to moisturize and soothe. Orange juice will melt a bit of the sugar, and that’s perfectly normal; you will still have plenty of scrub to exfoliate with. morgueFile 1 cup (250 mL) of raw sugar ¼ cup (60 mL) of organic honey ¼ cup (60 mL) of freshly squeezed navel orange juice To finish: Heavy cream, preferably orange scented 1. Mix 1 cup (250 mL) of sugar, ¼ cup (60 mL) of organic honey and ¼ cup (60 mL) of freshly squeezed navel orange juice. The orange juice will melt a bit of the sugar, and that’s perfectly normal; you will still have plenty of scrub to exfoliate with. 2. Stand in the shower and exfoliate with a dry brush or loofah before turning the water on. 3. Once you’ve completed the third step, turn on the shower (make it as warm as you can handle to help open your pores). Stand away from the water and continue to scrub your body with the mixture. Rub each area you would like to exfoliate in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. 4. Rinse off in the shower until all remains of the mixture have been washed away. 5. Step out of the shower. Dry yourself completely and moisturize with a heavy cream, orange scented if you have it. Your skin will feel silky smooth. [url=http://www.kissydress.co.uk/princess-prom-dresses-online]princess prom dresses[/url]