The summer months and holiday season call for much needed time spent caring for your skin so that 2017 starts off with #FabSkin!

For many who live a busy lifestyle, everyday maintenance of one’s skin can become tiresome and many tend to leave out important steps in their beauty regime or may be using the incorrect products for their skin type. The holiday season and time off calls for action to be taken.

Here is a basic seven step facial care process that should become a habit to give your face the care it needs:

1. Cleansing: Do not use a soap bar or hot water. Opt for a cleansing lotion or face wash, but ensure it is suited to your skin type. Cleansing removes access make up, oil and dirt. You can also use an oil moisturiser which can potentially act as a makeup remover as well.

2. Toning: This step helps normalise the PH balance of one’s skin. Toning also tightens pores and removes oil. (Beneficial for oily skin).

3. Moisturising: Many South Africans have a problem with dehydrated skin. Use a moisturizer both day and night and always include the neck and chest area. When the right moisturizer is used in the evening before going to sleep, it is likely to work wonders as the skin repairs itself when the body is in its rested state. However bear in mind that the moisturizer you were using in winter may not suit your skin needs in summer. In addition, do not rub the product vigorously onto the face, but rather dab and then gently pat the product into the skin. Emphasis on the word gently.

Another interesting step is to apply your facial moisturizer after you’ve completed cleansing and toning and before your skin has completely dried.

4. Protection: Apply a sunscreen or BB cream once the moisturiser has dried or find a daily moisturiser that contains an SPF.

5. Exfoliation: One should also exfoliate once or twice a week. Exfoliation removes dead, dry skin as well as dirt, oil and black heads. These sit on the surface of the skin and prevent optimal absorption of any product applied to the skin, which is why it is important to remove them. However, over-exfoliation can cause dry, flaky skin as well as large pores due to dehydration. Exfoliation should replace one’s cleanser when used.

6. Make- up removal: As much as it is more convenient, do not remove makeup with soapy water. Always use a makeup remover or oil based cleanser. Make up needs to be fully removed as it can cause clogged pores, and breakouts.

7. Hydrate: Drink a minimum of 2 to 3 litres of water a day. Water hydrates your skin, giving it a healthy younger look and feel.

“I have grown to love the Thalgo and C-Spa skin care range that offer a wide range of cleansers and toners for all skin types. In my years of beauty therapy I have found that people lack the knowledge of how important it is to tone one’s skin on a daily basis.  When skin is toned is means that a balance is formed in your skin – it goes from acidic to alkaline. One such beauty spa which stocks these products as well as offer facials for those needing a hydration boost, rebalancing or even an anti-aging treatment, is Granny Mouse Spa which recently celebrated its 10^th birthday. The ranges themselves also offer an array of moisturisers, serums, and boosters that are suited to particular skin needs. I also use these products in my personal beauty regimen,” comments Iska Bharath, Trainer & Operations Consultant KZN from the Camelot Spa Group which manages Granny Mouse Spa.

With summer comes gardens in full bloom, bursts of colour and an appeal to the senses.

For those feeling weighed down,  it is time to revive yourself in time for the holiday season, so that you feel fresh and energised to enjoy a well-deserved break.

Working in the garden is not only rewarding, it is also a health factor. With weeding, watering, trimming, planting and mowing, one can get a daily dose of exercise in a fun and stress-free way. The garden may also serve as a rejuvenator as it can provide aromatic fragrances from certain herbs and flowers that reduce anxiety and stress, which has been known to be the underlying cause of a number of emotional and physical disorders such as depression, heart attack, anxiety and more.

If you have not yet planted aromatic flowers or herbs, you may find that this is the perfect time to create your perfect fragrant garden, whether it is within your large garden, a small pot-planted garden on the patio where you have your morning tea, a vertical garden on a flat balcony, or near a bench you have placed in the garden where you enjoy reading a book.

Here are Four of the most common type of herbs and flowers with aromatic benefits for you to plant in your garden:

• Lavender: Both the leaves and the flowers give off a strong and relaxing scent. The benefits of having this herb in your garden is that it promotes relaxation and has a calming effect.

• Mint: Has a strong, delicious scent. The smell of mint leaves is said to boost memory and alertness. Mint leaves can also be ingested and assists with nausea, digestion and respiratory disorders.

• Rose: These beautiful flowers can produce a sweet scent. Oftentimes people put their nose to the petals to smell the scent. This is said to be beneficial as it uplifts the mood, and soothes anxiety. The aromatherapy oils derived from roses also fade scarring and help create a more youthful appearance. Rose water is also produced from roses and has healing and antioxidant properties.

• Grass: Floral fragrance benefits can also come from the unlikely of sources. The smell of freshly cut grass is also believed to relieve stress. “Researchers have discovered that a chemical released by a mown lawn makes people feel happy and relaxed, and could prevent mental decline in old age” (According to telegraph.co.uk).

So this summer, reward yourself by spending time in the garden and feel relaxed, rejuvenated and back to your good, energised self so that you can enjoy more of life.

For those who have never visited Granny Mouse Country House & Spa. On first glance, you will find strategically placed lavender and other herbs and flowers around their gardens to give the Hotel a calming appeal. Apart from the wonderful colours, sights and smells, one will also hear birds chirping and insects buzzing about from flower to flower, which is one of the treats of being outdoors.

At Granny Mouse Spa, a range of aromatherapy oils, inspired by their gardens, are used in their Signature Treatment – The Infinity of Beauty and Indulgence. This treatment combines an invigorating full body salt, fresh lavender and Rosemary scrub, detoxifying seaweed wrap on the back, a rebalancing CSpa Facial as well as an aromatherapy massage using essential oils such as peppermint, lavender and lemon

In each room, guests are welcomed by the scent of lavender and sandalwood, a soothing combination omitted from bath salts purchased locally. Sprigs of lavender cut from the gardens are also placed in the rooms to encourage relaxation.

Information provided by the Granny Mouse Country House & Spa Gardening and Spa team,  thealternativedaily.com and telegraph.co.uk.