I have always wanted to go to Hawaii. My dad used to live there and would often email me pictures of this amazing place. So when Spa Moana at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa reached out to me about their Hawaiian Rain Shower Polish that guests receive there, I asked about how those of use who can't afford the flight to this oasis, can bring the experience in-home. Because naturally, a girl's gotta spa! At Spa Moana, guests booking the Hawaiian Rain Shower Polish receive a 45 min body scrub and wrap. The service uses Raw Maui Sugar and fresh Hawaiian botanicals which are applied to the skin producing a naturally exfoliating and softening effect. Coconut oil is massaged into the scalp and hair, and a warm towel is then wrapped around the head. This allows for a deeper penetration for the oil to hydrate the hair follicles and repair damaged ends. To finish, a six shower head Vichy shower glides above the body to rinse and revitalized. To complete this journey the therapist applies a warm coconut milk and macadamia nut oil to the body, leaving skin moist and nurtured from the ain'a (land) of Hawaii. Here's how to recreate the Hawaiian Rain Shower Polish at home: Ingredients: 1/4 cup Raw Sugar 1/4 cup Coffee grounds (can be used from your coffee pot filter or freshly ground) 1/4 cup Coconut Oil A few drops of your favorite essential oil (Tangerine, Rose, Lemon, or Lime) 1 can coconut milk for bath Supplies: 1 large sheet 1 small plastic trash bag/ grocery bag 2 bowls 1 hand towel Microwave

• Prepare your bathroom for DIY treatment by laying an old sheet down on the floor, this will help with clean-up. Separate 1oz of coconut oil from the rest, and massage gently into your scalp, and pull through the ends of your hair. Microwave a dampened hand towel for 45 seconds, or until steamy, and wrap securely around your hair. Cover warm towel and hair with small plastic bag, and secure tightly with a knot.
• Mix everything except coconut milk together in a glass bowl, and warm in the microwave for 18 seconds. Scrub your entire body with this delectable homemade mixture, with special focus on any excessively dry areas, like heels, elbows, and knees. (A helping hand from someone to help exfoliate your back is always nice!)
• If you have a bath tub, pour coconut milk into warm bath water, and enjoy a relaxing soak. If you do not have a bath tub, rinse skin in a warm shower, and mix one tablespoon of coconut milk with one tablespoon of coconut oil, warm together in microwave for eight seconds, and massage into damp skin as an excellent moisturizer.

Of course, when dealing with heating things in the microwave, please do exercise caution so that you don't accidently burn yourself. Please leave a comment if you've tried this DIY spa treatment for yourself! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

Protecting your skin from UV rays is a daily task. I know several people who have had a Melanoma and Melanoma Cancer. When caught early, it can be taken care of; however, I did have a favorite family member pass away when I was 6 years old from Melanoma Cancer. My aunt was only in her early 20's when she died. So this is not something that can happen at an older age--but at any time in life. So let's talk about what we can do to protect our skin from the sun's damaging rays. First, what are UVA and UVB rays and where and how do they affect us?

How UVA Affects Us:

Can pass through window glass. Is not affected by a change in altitude or weather. Is present all day and every day of the year. Penetrates deep into skin layers. Is 5% of the sun's rays. Is 20 times more abundant than UVB rays. Affects long-term skin damage.

How UVB Affects Us:

Cannot pass through window glass. Causes sunburn. Causes tanning. Helps the body with normal vitamin D production. Varies with the season. It is more intense in the summer than in the winter. Varies with weather conditions. Is more intense at midday than in the morning or late afternoon. Is more intense at high altitudes and near the equator. Is protected against by the SPF in sunscreens. Is related to more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer. SPF (sunscreen protection factor) is your key to protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays. The SPF # is what predicts how long your skin can be in the sun with a low risk of burning or damaging your skin. SPF 30 is best, while the higher SPF only provide minimally more protection. While water resistant sunscreens help maintain sunscreen on your skin through perspiring and water activity, it is only for a few hours and it is best to reapply sunscreen every two hours regardless. Should you get a sunburn, you will feel the effects within 2-6 hours of the burn. In more severe cases, sun poisoning can occur. I have had sun poisioning in the past, and it is not fun! While we're discussing using sunscreen in the spring and summer months, it is incredibly important to wear it year round. UVA and UVB rays are ever-present regardless of season. The intensity may vary, but you are still at risk for sun damage to your skin. As you age, dark spots will begin to emerge showing sun damage from years ago. I can certainly see the age spots on my face, but it is even more disturbing when I have my skin looked at under UV light when getting a facial and see just how extensive the damage is. Check out our post on sunscreens that won't detroy the coral reefs which includes our favorite sun protection products. If you're not convinced you need to always wear sunscreen, check out our Q&A with a Melanoma survivor. How do you protect your skin from the sun year round? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Or check out our natural bath and body line!