Super Easy DIY Grapefruit Yogurt Mask

Grapefruit is a subtropical citrus fruit rich in Vitamin A, carotene and lycopene. In addition,
grapefruit contains fiber, potassium and magnesium. The vitamin C and antioxidants help protect
the skin from environmental hazards and stimulates the production of skin collagen. The retinol
antioxidant renews damaged skin and treats skin pigmentation. The potassium helps smooth
wrinkles and age spots and provides protection against UV rays. Grapefruit also makes the skin
softer and firmer.

Two Simple Ingredients!
● 1 teaspoon grapefruit juice
● 1 tablespoon yogurt

Combine and apply to face for 10-20 minutes. Rinse and follow with a moisturizer.

Easy DIY Cantaloupe Face Mask

Cantaloupe contains Vitamin K and E which help in  keeping the skin healthy and radiant. The are also a good source of Vitamin B, choline and betaine to help keep the skin replenished and rejuvenated. Due to the high content of Vitamin A and C, cantaloupes encourage skin regeneration and the formation of collagen. Cantaloupe juice is effective for treating eczema and removing freckles.

4 Simple Ingredients:

• ⅛ Cantaloupe peeled and seeded

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2-3 drops lavender essential oil

• ⅛ cup cornmeal

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Scrub face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and moisturize.

Extra Summer Skincare Tip from Shirin:

Remember to apply a small wedge of fresh lemon to a cleansed skin nightly to help control oil, lighten sunspots and help with fine lines.  Don’t forget to moisturize over the lemon when  your skin dries.

Tomato, Citrus and Cucumber Mask

Tomatoes contain a high percentage of nutrients that are beneficial to the skin which includes vitamin A, vitamin C, lycopene and proteins.  It's high content of antioxidants is what makes tomatoes so good for the skin and health.  They help provide brighter skin complexion and makes the skin tighter and glowing.  The lycopene present in tomatoes protects your skin from harmful sun rays.  By consuming tomatoes, your skin can get more oxygen which defers the aging of your skin and makes it less prone to wrinkles.  

• increase fairness  (helps in diminishing pigmentation marks and improving your complexion)
• balances pH
• tightens pores
• treats sunburns
• reduces irritation
• helps in curing acne

Ingredients:

• 1 tomato
• 1 orange or lemon
• 1 cucumber

Squeeze the juices of each and mix well in a bowl.  Apply to face for 30 minutes, rinse off and follow with a moisturizer.

Blueberry and Lemon Face Mask

Blueberries rank as one of the berries with the most antioxidants and highest vitamin content.  They are a rich source of antioxidants, which helps slow down the process of aging.  They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent cells from aging.  Both the consumption and topical application of blueberries can help prevent premature wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin and dull complexion.  Blueberries can help strengthen blood vessels and heal broken capillaries which can make the skin look blotchy.  They help in normalizing oil content in your skin and protects the skin from acne and pimple breakouts.  

Easy Blueberry & Lemon Face Mask:

• handful of blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2-3 almonds
• 1 tablespoon powdered oats

Mash or blend ingredients together, apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes.  Rinse off with warm water.

Herb and Feta Wrap

If you've been to one of our many spa workshops, you've probably had a taste of this delicious, light and fresh wrap!  It is one of our favorite simple yet satisfying recipes to whip up.

.  Time for you to give it a try at home, here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:  

• Lavash Bread
• Feta Cheese
• Cream Cheese
• Mint
• Basil
• Tarragon
• Crushed Walnuts
• (radishes, spring onions and additional herbs optional)

Directions:  Spread even layer of cream cheese and feta cheese on bread. Add herbs and walnuts (as much as desired) and wrap...as tightly as you can! Slice roll to desired thickness and serve these beautiful, tasty spirals! 

Watermelon Mask

Tis the season for delicious summer fruits that you can both snack on & use on your skin!

Watermelons are rich in vitamin A, C and antioxidants, vital for the skin's health.  Due to its high water content, it hydrates your body, resulting in radiant skin.  They help prevent aging of the skin and are good for exfoliating the skin.  They also help prevent sun damage, moisturize the skin and provide a fresh and youthful look.

Benefits:

• natural toner/astringent
• helps fight aging
• hydrates the skin
• reduces oil from the skin
• revitalizes the skin
• helps reduce acne

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp watermelon juice
• for aging skin - 1 tbsp mashed avocado
• for acne skin - 1 tbsp mashed banana
• for dry skin - 1 tbsp honey

Combine ingredients, mix well and apply to face.  Leave on face for 20 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water and follow with a moisturizer.   

Mango Leave-In Conditioner

Treat your hair & scalp to this super easy & beneficial 3 ingredient conditioner!  Mangoes are rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish hair and promote hair growth.  Vitamin A helps fight dandruff and adding shine to the hair.  Mangoes also contain vitamin E which improves scalp circulation and encourages hair growth.  

Ingredients: 

• 1 ripe mango
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup yogurt

Combine mango, egg yolks and yogurt and apply to hair.  Use a shower cap and leave on for 15-30 minutes. 

Banana, Honey and Lemon Mask

Banana contains a significant amount of vitamin C and B6 which plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and elasticity of the skin.  They also contain large amounts of antioxidants and manganese which protects the body from damage caused by oxygen free radicals that lead to premature aging of the skin.  Banana has about seventy five percent water by weight thus, hydrating your skin and preventing it from drying and peeling. The major benefit is younger looking skin!

• Natural Moisturizer
• Anti-Aging
• Reduce Puffy Eyes
• Gets rid of dark spots and blemishes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon organic honey
• 10 drops of lemon juice 

Direction:

• Mash banana in a bowl. Add in honey and lemon. Stir into a paste. Apply to a clean and exfoliated face, leave on for 15-20 minutes, wash off and apply a moisturizer.

Grapefruit and Avocado Oil Scrub

Grapefruit brings its free-radical fighting powers to this scrub that helps equalize your skin tone, reduce blemishes and wrinkles.  They contain high amounts of Vitamin A and C, minerals and anti-oxidants that benefit the skin.  Grapefruit protects the skin from environmental hazards and stimulates skin collagen production which helps bring smoothness and elasticity to the skin.  The retinol antioxidant helps with skin softness, renewal of damaged skin and treats pigmentation.  Grapefruits contain potassium which helps smooth wrinkles, age spots and provides a protective shield against UV rays.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 grapefruit squeezed
• 1/2 cup avocado oil  (you can also mash up fresh avocado and add to scrub)

Directions:  Combine ingredients, cleanse face and exfoliate for several minutes.  Rinse and follow with a moisturizer.  

Missed our Groupon deal? You're in luck!

You can never have enough of a good thing!  That's why we're extending our recent Groupon deal to those who book with us directly!  

Details: 

For only $49.00 - Book a One Hour Basic, Organic Facial, customized to your skin's needs, with our fabulous aesthetician, Demi!  Includes cleansing, exfoliation, customized mask, extractions and hydrating moisturizer - all using our natural, hand made products.  This special is only valid for new clients of Hands of Light Spa who book with aesthetician, Demi OR existing clients of Hands of Light Spa who have yet to experience a facial with Demi.

Still not convinced?  Click to check out our glowing Yelp reviews and learn why we're the top rated spa in the area!

Or call us directly at 323-489-8381.  Also, ask about booking an facial with Demi, or requesting a gift card, for the perfect Mother's Day gift!

10 Important Benefits of Rosewater

Rosewater goes beyond boasting a delightful scent.  Here are our top 10 benefits of Rosewater and why it should be a part of your daily skincare routine.

1. Rosewater helps to maintain your skin’s pH balance.
2. It helps fight acne, dermatitis and eczema.
3. Rose water hydrates, revitalizes and moisturizes the skin, and makes it smooth.
4. It also helps to heal scars, cuts and wounds.
5. Rose water cools the skin.
6. It helps to tone the skin. It also has anti-bacterial properties.
7. The antioxidant properties of rose water help to strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissues.
8. The nourishing and moisturizing properties of rose water enhance the quality of hair.
9. Rose water helps to treat mild scalp inflammations and dandruff that are caused by fungal infections.
10. It also helps to revitalize aging skin and keeps fine lines and wrinkles at bay.

Try our natural Rose and Lavender Toner for only $16.00

Kiwi Exfoliant

Kiwi is the leading source of vitamin C which is known to have huge benefits in keeping the skin young.  They contain skin friendly nutrients that are essential for rejuvenating the skin's health.  Kiwi also assist in healing abrasions, cuts, and prevents skin from becoming rough and dry.  They are packed with antioxidants which neutralize free radicals to help delay the signs of aging, age spots and fine lines.  They contain natural AHA's anti-inflammatory properties that help fight acne and clear the pores to prevent further breakout.  Also, they are in amino acids which fight the harmful rays of the sun, preventing sun damage.

Ingredients:

• 2 kiwi
• 3 oz. sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons carrier oil 

Puree kiwi and mix with sugar and oil.  Apply to a clean face and exfoliate.  Follow with a moisturizer.

Only a few days left until Valentine's Day!

Indulge in our Valentine's Day Spa Treatment Specials:

75 minute Luscious Chocolate and Berries Facial, with hydrating eye mask.   $105

30 minute Stress Relieving Back Massage.  $40

60 minute Detoxifying Facial + 60 minute Exfoliating Body Scrub, with hydrating Olive Oil & Rosemary Scalp Massage.   $210              

60 minute Customized, Organic Facial with 30 min. Stress Relieving Back Massage.   $135.00

Or call us directly at 323-489-8381

Click here to view our full spa menu & build your own custom treatment package.  Valentine's day specials/pricing valid on appointments booked through February 29th, 2016.

      Book your day of pampering with the best. Click to read our glowing, 5 star reviews on Yelp!

Share the "Gal-entine's" Day Love!

Show the wonderful women in your life how much you appreciate them, with a little pampering and love in honor of Galentine's Day!

• $49.00 - A one hour organic, basic facial (customized to her skin) with aesthetician Demi
• $40.00 - A 30 minute stress relieving back massage (we all need one of these once in a while!)
• $12.00 - Our delicious and exfoliating natural body scrub.  Choose her favorite scent!
• $25.00 and up - A Hands of Light Spa Gift Card, redeemable for her choice of relaxing spa treatment or our natural, handmade skincare products. 

View the full Hands of Light Spa menu of services.

Click request an appointment, gift card or spa product for your favorite gal, or email directly at handsoflightspa@gmail.com.  Mention 'GALS' at booking for the special service pricing above.  

Banana and Honey Mask

Bananas have nutrients that are essential for the skin.  The significant amounts of vitamin C and B6 play a vital role in maintaining the elasticity and integrity of the skin.  The large amounts of antioxidants and manganese in banana protects the body from damage cause by oxygen free radicals which can lead to premature aging.  Bananas have about 75% water by weight which helps hydrate your skin.

Ingredients

• 1/2 of a ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon honey or yogurt
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil

Apply to clean face for 30 minutes, rinse and follow with a moisturizer.

Treat Your Love to a Little TLC

It's that time of year again.  Yes, Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  And while roses and teddy bears are always a 'nice' option, let's talk about what we really want. 

Pampering.  And lots of it.  

Leave it to the pros... Click here to read our glowing Yelp reviews and learn why Hands of Light is the best spa in the area to be taking care of your love. 

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What's hot for Valentine's Day?  We thought you'd never ask...

Pick one or all, or click here to view our full spa menu & build your own custom treatment package: 

• 75 minute Luscious Chocolate & Berries Facial, with hydrating eye mask.  $105
• 30 minute Stress Relieving Back Massage.  $40
• 60 minute Detoxifying Facial + 60 minute Exfoliating Body Scrub, with hydrating Olive Oil & Rosemary Scalp Massage.   $215

Ready to make it official?  Click here to request a spa gift certificate in time for V-day, or to make her that special spa appointment.  Or, feel free to call us at 323-489-8381. 

Clementine Mask

Clementines are rich in variety of vital nutrients including minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. Rich in citric acid, these petite early winter oranges can brighten up your complexion, help fight inflammation, boosts the production of collagen and helps prevent blemishes.  The significant amount of vitamin C presence is good for the synthesis of collagen which is a vital structural component for the maintenance of healthy skin.  The antioxidant properties help in protecting the skin against the damage induced by UV radiations, helps in revitalizing the skin and aids in reducing the formation of wrinkles, supports in repairing damaged skin and assists in keeping the skin healthy and youthful.

Ingredients: 

• 4 peeled and pureed clementines

• 1/2 cup ground, rolled oats

• 3 teaspoons raw honey

• 2 teaspoons jojoba oil (you can also use coconut oil, almond oil etc.)

Mix ingredients together, apply to face and leave on for at least 10 minutes.  Rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer.  You can keep any unused mask in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

 

 

 

 

Mustard-Ginger Detox Foot Bath

As the cooler weather moves in, so does a list of seasonal ailments.  This Mustard-Ginger foot bath is perfect for combating the woes of winter.  Ginger is good for aches, colds, chills, fatigue and sickness.  Mustard is good for those who suffer from nasal congestion, body aches and pains.  Both ginger and mustard increase circulation and warms you up which helps you eliminate toxins effectively. Relax the muscles in your feet and detoxify your system through your soles. 

What you'll need: 

1 and 1/2 tablespoons mustard powder

2 tablespoons grated peeled fresh ginger

Directions: Combine the 2 ingredients in a foot bath or basin (you can use the bathtub as well) with warm water (not hot) to cover the top of your feet. Stir and soak feet for 20 minutes.

Strawberry, Grape, Honey and Yogurt Mask

Strawberries contain vitamin C, salicylic acid, antioxidants and exfoliants. The salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells and tightens the pores.  Vitamin C and antioxidants prevent the damage caused by free radicals to the skin. Lightening properties are effective in removing age spots and freckles.  They also help clear acne and reduce oil. Grapes also protect the skin from harmful effects of free radicals and reverse the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.  Rich in vitamin E which retains the moisture of skin and acts as an exfoliant.  The vitamin C in these fruits also encourage the formation of scar tissues and ligaments and helps to repair the skin. 

What you'll need:

1/4 cup organic strawberries

1/4 cup organic grapes

1 tablespoon dark organic honey

2 tablespoons plain yogurt (full fat)

Mash strawberries and grapes then add honey and yogurt.  Apply to clean face and leave on for 15-20 minutes.  Wash off with warm water and follow with a moisturizer.

DIY Cranberry Mask Recipe

Being acidic, cranberries are perfect for oily skin.  Because of the antiseptic properties, they work well on pimples and acne. The vitamin C helps produce collagen which keeps the skin soft.  Cranberries control the amount of oil in the skin and helps unclog pores. They help in removing and preventing pimples from appearing on the skin.  They are also high in antioxidants which help fight free radicals that are responsible for aging the skin.

What you'll need:

1-2 tsp. yogurt

1-2 tsp. honey

1-2 tsp. olive oil

handful of cranberries

Blend cranberries and yogurt, mash them together and add honey and olive oil.  Apply to clean face for 20 minutes, rinse and follow with a moisturizer.