One of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself is fitting moments of self-care into your day. It can feel nearly impossible to escape to the salon or a day spa during the week to treat yourself, and often, it isn’t the most cost-effective or eco-friendly rejuvenation option. However, creating a designated home spa space can be a sustainable solution to relieving stress. Though developing this space requires an investment and some effort, the finished result is well worth it. We’ll guide you through the process of creating a home spa, including finding the best products and crafting a feasible routine that works with your lifestyle.
Designing a Spa Space
When designing a spa space, you first have to think about what features are most important to you. If you’re looking to create a totally luxurious space, turning the master bathroom into your home spa is the way to go. This will allow you to install features such as a sauna or steam shower, along with a jetted bathtub. If you have a guest bathroom in areas like the basement, you can construct a more elaborate space thanks to the existing extra room. Of course, you should consult with the proper contractors before initiating any major renovation.
Your home spa should have specific zones for whatever treatment you’re looking to take part in. One area of the spa can be dedicated to lounging and relaxing. Here, you can place your custom bathtub, sauna, or steam shower. A steam shower in particular is a great, eco-conscious addition to your spa. A 20-minute steam only requires 2 gallons of water, whereas a traditional shower can use 25 times that or more. Steam is perfect for opening up your pores to allow your skincare products to work to their fullest effect.
Next, you’ll need a space for applying your skincare products and treatment. You can either create a vanity area with seating and an illuminated mirror, or you can turn the bathroom counter into a luxurious area for preparation. Lighting is a crucial component of setting the ideal ambiance for your spa. LED fixtures provide even light distribution, are eco-friendly, and can be easily paired with smart lighting technology to further optimize your energy usage. Pairing the backlights for your mirror or other overhead lights in your spa with software on your phone or panels on the wall allows you to easily dim the lights, shift between color tones, and turn them off remotely should you forget to do so once your spa session is finished. Plant-based candles made from materials like coconut wax are also great for adding dim warmth to your spa while filling the room with a calming scent. Opt for refillable candles to reduce an unnecessary accumulation of jars.
Since warmth is such a major tenet of relaxation, it is important to pinpoint areas where temperature can be enhanced or adjusted to your liking. Radiant floor heating is an energy-efficient option that adds another pop of luxury to your space. It can be linked to renewable energy sources and even timed to last only for the duration of your spa activities. Other ways to maximize warmth and comfort are by choosing eco-conscious towels and bathrobes made from recycled bamboo, cotton, or other organic materials. Adding a towel warmer to the mix will amplify this experience even further.
Choosing the Right Products
A home spa is nothing without the perfect products and gadgets. Ideally, you should be choosing zero-waste products and devices that make you feel good and look good. A dry brush, gua sha, or facial roller are massage tools that can help with lymphatic drainage. Dry brushes should be performed before you step into a shower or bathtub to promote healthy circulation. Choose a brush made from plastic-free, plant bristles. A gua sha or facial roller is perfect to use fresh out of the sauna or steam shower. If you choose to not install a steam shower and are more of the luxury bath type, you can purchase a facial steamer and fill it with a couple of drops of essential oils, such as eucalyptus, which is known for its therapeutic effects.
When choosing your products and regimen, focus on stress relief and lowering inflammation. Many people have been looking toward K-beauty products and regimens to achieve that fresh-out-the-spa glow. Korean skincare is all about embracing science and natural ingredients for healthy, hydrated skin. Following a multi-step K-beauty routine – which involves double cleansing, exfoliating, applying serum-soaked sheet masks, and then moisturizing – requires you to spend a little extra time pampering yourself. Go for products that use ethically sourced, cruelty-free, and organic ingredients.
Keeping Things Safe
Above all, you should be focused on safety when it comes to building and organizing your home spa. Do not address any plumbing or electrical work yourself – hire a trusted professional. You should also be sure to install a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in your home spa, either on the ceiling or four inches away from ceiling corners. Since you’ll be burning candles and using other electrical devices, it is necessary to install them and routinely replace the batteries twice a year. Test these detectors monthly by pressing the appropriate button on the device, and vacuum away any dust that is on or around the detectors to prevent malfunctioning.
When trying new skin products, perform a patch test before applying any product to your full face or body. Wait 24 hours, and if you don’t have an allergic reaction, you are safe to continue using the products. Research product interactions before combing any serums, toners, or cleansers
A home spa can be a true source of happiness and comfort. Sustainable choices, like smart lighting, steam showers, and spa materials using recycled or biodegradable materials, can help you create luxurious surroundings while having a positive impact on the environment.
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