4 homemade bath powders for smooth skin

For not much more than a little time and effort, you can give yourself special spa treatments to the tune of luscious bath powders that will benefit your spirits as well as your skin.

This homemade powders are so natural, it's a safe bet your great-grandmother used it. Keep a container of these mixtures in your bathroom and apply with a powder puff, or sprinkle it on from a shaker-top jar.

• 125 g (1/2 c) baking soda
• 125 g (1/2 c) cornstarch

  In a small bowl, stir both ingredients to combine. Store in a wide-mouthed glass jar or plastic container or keep in a shaker-top jar. Should keep indefinitely.

This simple combination creates a refreshing finish to the shower or bath and costs just pennies to make.

• 250 g (1 c) powdered arrowroot
• 250 g (1 c) cornstarch
• 50 g (1/4 c) baking soda

  In a medium bowl, stir together all the ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Should keep indefinitely.

• 125 g (1/2 c) arrowroot
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) white cosmetic clay
• 7 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops clary sage essential oil
• 2 drops patchouli essential oil

  1. In a medium bowl, mix the arrowroot with the white cosmetic clay. Add the essential oils and mix well with your fingers.
  2. Store in a tightly covered container for a couple of days to allow the powder to absorb the oils, then use all over your body as desired.

While alum is used as an antiperspirant and deodorant for adults, it is best to use a simple sprinkle of cornstarch on baby's skin.

• 30 ml (2 tbsp) crumbled dried chamomile flowers
• 50 g (1/4 c) cornstarch
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) orrisroot
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) alum

  1.Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let stand a few days.
  2.Sift mixture through a flour sifter. Pour into a powder shaker or other container. Should keep indefinitely.