How to C-Side Spa at home

Unfortunately, these uncertain times have meant that trips to the spa are on hold for a little while. However, this doesn’t mean you still can’t treat yourself to a little “me time” at home. In fact, there’s never been a better time to focus on your own health and wellbeing. With this in mind, we’ve put together some of our favourite smoothie and scrub recipes that are guaranteed to leave your skin glowing from the inside out.

Superfood Smoothies

Strawberry green goddess smoothie
With sweet fruits and a nutritious dose of spinach and avocado, this smoothie is packed with calcium, vitamin C, folate and fibre - the perfect way to start the day.

For two servings:

  • 160g strawberries, hulled
  • 160 baby spinach
  • 1 small avocado, halved and the flesh scooped out
  • 150ml bio yoghurt
  • 2 small oranges, juiced, plus ½ tsp finely grated zest

Put all the ingredients in a blender and whizz until completely smooth. If it’s a little thick, add a drop of chilled water then blitz again. Pour into glasses and drink straight away.

Sunshine smoothie
Not only is this smoothie low in fat, it’s also one of your five-a-day! It will also keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours, so you can make it the night before if you want to enjoy breakfast on-the-go.

For three servings:

  • 500ml carrot juice
  • 200g pineapple (fresh or canned)
  • 2 bananas, broken into chunks
  • Small piece of peeled ginger
  • 20g cashew nuts
  • Juice of a lime

Put the ingredients in a blender and whizz until smooth. Pour into glasses and drink straight away.

Super berry smoothie
With the addition of oats, this fruit smoothie is super filling, so is ideal for breakfast time or a hearty snack.

For four servings:

  • 450g frozen mixed berries
  • 450g fat free strawberry yoghurt
  • 100ml milk
  • 25g porridge oats
  • 2 tsp honey (optional)

Whizz the berries, yogurt and milk together until smooth. Stir through the porridge oats, then pour into glasses and serve with a drizzle of honey, if you like.

Skin-smoothing body scrubs

Energising citrus scrub
This zesty scrub will boost the collagen in your skin, increase circulation, and improve skin tone.

For 225g:

  • 1/2 cup sea salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup sunflower oil
  • Zest of a lemon
  • 2 tbsp pureed papaya
  • 10 drops orange essential oil

Mix all the ingredients together well. When you’re ready to use, smooth over wet skin in circular motions, paying particular attention to dryer areas such as elbows and knees. Finish by applying your favourite moisturiser.

Hydrating honey, sage and oat scrub
Oats are great for treating dry skin and removing dead skin cells. Honey, a natural antiseptic, softens and can help prevent breakouts. 

For 225g:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1 tbsp of dried sage leaves
  • 1 tbsp of honey

Mix all the ingredients together well. Smooth over wet skin, focusing on any dryer areas, before rinsing thoroughly. Once you’re dry, apply your favourite moisturiser.

Firming body scrub
This scrub is perfect for ridding the body of excess water. Juniper reduces water retention, grapefruit reduces puffiness, and lavender can help soothe swelling and irritation.

For 225g:

  • 1 cup brown or cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp of juniper berries blitzed in a clean coffee grinder
  • 1 tbsp of dried lavender
  • 10-15 drops grapefruit essential oil (or the zest of a fresh grapefruit)

Mix everything together well. Use generously, focussing on areas such as the thighs and stomach, before rinsing well. Apply your favourite moisturiser to finish.

Hopefully we’ve given you a few ideas of how to get your C-Side Spa fix at home. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @cowleymanor for all the latest inspiration and updates from the Cowley Manor team.

Smoothie recipes from BBC Good Food and scrub recipes from Byrdie.