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What spells relief for grubby skin, aching muscles and clogged sinuses? Hot water. That makes most people think of a nice, relaxing bath, but when there’s no time for a long soak, a spa-like shower experience (that takes 10 minutes, max) can also do the trick. Here are three soothing “recipes” that’ll leave you cleansed, relaxed and ready for anything.
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Keep your bar soap intact by storing it on a dish that has points on top—this helps air circulate under the bar and drains excess water. If you have space, alternate between two soaps, letting each one dry fully between uses.
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GRITTY + GRIMY?
When a day raking leaves and pulling in patio furniture gets you sticky and soiled, here’s how to get rid of that grungy feeling.
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De-dirt
Who knew coffee grounds were a natural, antioxidantrich astringent that improves circulation? Body Coffee Body Polish’s not-so-secret ingredient sloughs away grime and softens skin in seconds. And don’t worry—the polish contains essential oils that will ensure you don’t smell like a cuppa joe. $35/ 16 oz. 510.530.7546; bodycoffee.com
Tip: When exfoliating, massage skin gently, spending more time on dry areas like hands, feet and elbows. |
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Heal those heels
Nurse feet that bear the brunt of outdoor chores by rubbing them with Get Fresh Poor Soles. Heavy-duty moisturizers (shea butter and avocado oil), skin healers (chamomile and lavender) and a sweet-smelling antifungal agent (lemongrass) provide the perfect salve for callused and cracked feet. Plus, the stick dispenser keeps newly clean hands mess-free. $12.50/0.75 oz. 310.315.0020; getfresh.net |
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Soften up
Buff and hydrate just-scrubbed skin with ShiKai Borage Dry Skin Therapy Lotion. Borage seeds are high in gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 essential to forming and maintaining healthy skin cells. What’s more, studies show that borage oil soaks in deeper than other moisturizers. $13.50/ 8 oz. 800.448.0298; shikai.com |
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STIFF + SORE?
If that hike or bike ride in the fresh autumn air went just a little too far and a little too long, try this muscle-soothing trio. |
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Release tension
Lather up with Sudz Sports Complex Shower Gel by Kiss My Face. As the hot shower water unties muscle knots, the sweet-scented blend of eucalyptus (which stimulates blood flow and reduces muscle pain) and jojoba (which reduces inflammation) does exactly what you did—goes the extra mile. $8/8 oz. 800.262.5477; kissmyface.com |
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Soothe scrapes
Treat those new cuts and scratches (which you probably felt when the hot water hit them) with Zip’s Natural Sport Scab Dab. The all-natural blend of organic oils includes rose hip and evening primrose, which promote skin cell regeneration and help eliminate scarring. $9/1.5 oz. 800.361.5686; zipsnaturalsport.com |
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Ease aches
Slather on long-lasting relief with Body Time Anti-Inflammatory Muscle and Joint Gel. Made with willow bark extract and arnica, a pair of anti-infl ammatory herbs favored by naturopaths, it pulls a one-two punch on soreness in joints and muscles. $30/8.3 oz. 888.649.2639; bodytime.com
Tip: For an added cooling effect, store gel in the refrigerator. |
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WHEEZY + SNEEZY?
Ragweed and other allergens often surface as the hot weather begins to subside, so decongest and ditch the “hay fever look” with these. |
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Perk up
Sidestep weepy eyes and a runny nose with Body Bistro Grapefruit & Gotu Kola Stimulating Shower Gelle Splash. The sudsy liquid has gotu kola extract to soften signs of fatigue, plus yucca and kukui seed oil to reduce redness. $28/8 oz. 877.724.7876; bodybistro.com
Tip: Whip this out when you’ve spent a little too long in the sun—the yucca and kukui seed oil also help heal sunburned skin. |
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Breathe deep
Spritz V’Tae Cold Soother Room Vitalizer (also good for seasonal allergies) in the bathroom before showering—the steam will enhance the aromatherapy benefits. $18/8 oz. 800.643.3011; vtae.com |
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Make relief last
For extended free breathing, take a quick whiff of Aromaremedy Sinus Help. The portable pouch contains sinus-clearing beads scented with eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass. 631.424.4023; aromatherapylabs.com |
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Freelance writer Jordana Brown would take a shower over a bath any day ...and she does, once every morning.
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