Indulgence at home

You don't have to go to a spa to indulge yourself. Follow our guide to treating your mind and body with some home-based pampering.

Bath time

Warm water has a very soothing effect on the body, which is why nothing beats a bath when you're tired or stressed or just can't seem to get warm.

Dim the lights and use an aromatherapy candle to infuse your bathroom with a relaxing scent. Depending on skin sensitivity and personal preference add a little oil or bubble bath to your tub.

For added comfort while you bathe, invest in a bath pillow to support your head and neck. If you have difficulty relaxing and find yourself compiling a mental to-do-list try listening to a CD of gentle classical music or nature sounds.

A fluffy bath mat, towel and dressing gown will all add to the atmosphere of indulgence when you finally climb out and a good body moisturiser will help to keep your skin soft and supple.

Foot spa

Next time your favourite TV programme is on grab a towel, bowl, foot file and nail file and settle down to give yourself a foot spa treatment at home.

Fill the bowl with warm water, add some Epsom salts to help reduce swelling and allow your feet to soak for around ten minutes to allow hard, dead skin to soften. Dry them off and get to work with your foot file concentrating on your heels and the ball of the foot.

If you have a foot scrub now is the time to use it. Scrub it on, rinse off and dry and it's time to get busy with the nail file. Once your nails are in good shape an intense moisturiser should be applied to the feet and lower legs. Leave it to soak in for 15 minutes while you concentrate on the TV and you should be left with picture perfect pinkies.

Facial

A face mask and some hot water is all you need to treat your skin to a spa quality facial. Pick a face mask to suit your skin. If breakouts are a problem try one containing a natural antiseptic like Tea Tree Oil or Witch Hazel.

To treat dry skin, look for a mask with a good moisturising agent like nut butter and to target stubborn black heads you need a mask that dries hard and has to be rubbed off the skin in an exfoliating motion.

Begin by tying your hair up and removing all make-up. Apply your mask and allow to dry then scrub, peel or wash off according to the instructions. Rinse with warm water, pat your skin dry and apply your usual moisturiser. Your skin should feel soft and look noticeably brighter.

Body scrub

Just because you have less flesh on show during the autumn and winter months doesn't mean you should neglect it. Sloughing off dead skin cells by exfoliation will leave the skin feeling smoother and looking brighter as well as making it easier for body creams and lotions to sink in.

Once a week with a body scrub is usually enough, on other days try dry skin body brushing or, if you can face it, a cold shower to really boost your circulation.

Hair care

Dry, limp or lifeless-looking hair won't do much to boost your self esteem. Show your tresses some love with a restorative hair treatment. There are many products on the market most of which you apply after shampooing like a conditioner for 5-10 minutes and then rinse out.

However, if your hair is especially dry or damaged look for an intensive repair product that you leave in overnight, just remember to place a towel on your pillow to prevent it from becoming stained.