Don't like Valentine's Day? Have a Mini "Spa" Party!

Not everyone wants overpriced roses and fancy dinner dates for Valentine's Day. So if you find yourself looking for a different way to celebrate YOU on Valentine's Day this year, consider throwing a mini spa
party for yourself and even your friends! Also be sure to check out our other Valentine's Day articles for some healthy treat ideas and skin-friendly cocktail recipes!

Mini "Spa" Party Essentials:

1. The DIY Green Cabbage Cleansing Mask

Go crazy for cabbage this V-day with this vitamin-rich, deep-cleaning, anti-inflammatory, cooling DIY mask. It's great for everyone, and super helpful for acne sufferers. Try to choose organic vegetables when possible.

Ingredients:

• ¼ small green cabbage
• 1 large carrot juiced or 2 tablespoons fresh carrot juice
• ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of green clay powder (available inexpensively on Amazon)

To Make:

Wait until everyone is ready to use this mask before you make it, as masks are most effective when fresh. Double or triple this recipe as necessary so that there's enough for everyone. Dispose of the outermost leaves of the cabbage, and then rinse and chop the remainder of the cabbage. Combine the cabbage, carrot juice, one teaspoon of lemon juice and the olive oil in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Mix together three tablespoons of the puree with the clay powder.

To Apply:

Put on some relaxing music. Protect your hair with a towel and remove all makeup. Cleanse the skin with water. Steam your face for 1-2 minutes to open the pores (to do this, put hot water in a bowl and hold your face over the bowl-but be careful not to get too close, you don't want you to burn yourself! Apply the mask evenly (avoiding the eyes). If the mask has more of a liquid consistency, apply using a cotton ball. A second layer can be applied after a few minutes. Lie down and relax for twenty minutes. It's best to keep your face relaxed, so try to avoid talking for now and listen to the music instead!

After 20 minutes or so, wet the mask to soften the clay first, and then remove the mask with cotton pads or a cotton towel and lukewarm water. Close the pores with chamomile tea.

2. The Refreshing Chamomile Compress

Make your own chamomile astringent by taking 3-4 chamomile tea bags (or 2 handfuls of the dry plant) and brew it into a very strong tea. When cooled, splash or use on a cotton pad all over your face twice a day. Keep the leftovers in the refrigerator, but use or discard in two days.

3. The Skin-Friendly Anti-Stress Drink

Whip up a pot of this relaxing herbal drink to help balance stress and keep your and your friends' skin from being affected.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 tsp dried lime flowers
• 2.5 tsp dried chamomile
• 2.5 tsp dried vervain

To Make:

Add the dried herbs to 2 cups of boiling water in a warmed pot with a lid. Leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes and then strain. Enjoy!

4. The Best Medicine: Laughter!

Laughter really is the best medicine, isn't it? Laughter increases endorphins, which ultimately promotes good health. So make sure you and your friends have lots of it this Valentine's Day. Grab your favorite board game or make up your own! Try having someone pick a topic and everyone name "one thing you may not know about me." You'll laugh and maybe learn something about your best friend that you never knew. 

And if you need an extra boost for your skin during this winter month, remember to take your AcnEase®!

With a Promise of Clear Skin,
Dr. A