Mood makeovers: change your state mind with these at-home tension-relieving tips, tailored to keep you feeling and looking your best

Natural Health, Oct, 2004 by Megan O'Connell

TO TRY: American Beauty Spare Moment Moisture Mask ($14; americanbeautycosmetics.com), quenches dry skin with sweet-almond and rice-bran oils. DHC Alpha-Arbutin White Mask ($10; dhccare.com), a pre-saturated cloth mask, features plant extracts and the botanical arbutin to brighten dark spots. Babor Relaxing Mask ($20; 888-222-6791) is an apricot-based cream with calming herbs such as sage and chamomile to soothe irritated or sensitive skin.

sanity-saving spa escapes

Sometimes, the best way to leave your troubles behind is to pack your bags and go where stress can't follow. Here, a few of our favorite treatments from a few of our favorite spas:

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa in Farmington, Pa. (800-422-2736) The Krauter Bath ($65; 25 minutes) is a German remedy that uses botanicals such as pine (to invigorate), wildflower (to soothe muscles) and chamomile (to calm).

Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas (800-847-5637) To clear your mind before heading to bed, try the Texas Starry Night treatment ($135; .50 minutes); lavender oil is massaged into your skin, theft you're wrapped up for 10 minutes to soak in the sleep-inducing benefits, An herbal eye mask and a heat pack on your tummy will have you dreaming in no time.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa in Stowe, Vt, (800-253-2232) The spa's signature treatment is the Vermont Maple Sugar Body Polish ($155 80 minutes), an invigorating scrub of exfoliating apricot kernels and hydrating Vermont maple syrup, followed by a 50-minute full-body massage with a vanilla-orange-scented body butter.

Montage Resort & Spa in Laguna Beach, Calif. (866-271-6953) The Elements of Life treatment ($340; 120 minutes) starts with a warm oceanic-mud body mask, which is removed by a long soak in a rose-and-jasmine-infused bath and followed by a neck, shoulder and head massage. The treatment ends with an exfoliating citrus scrub and full-body rubdown.

Sundara Spa in Wisconsin Dells, Wis, (888-735-8181) Inspired by the purifying principles of Ayurveda, the Paprika Glow Facial ($110;: 50 minutes) increases blood flow to the skin's surface to leave your complexion looking rosy and refreshed.