It is important to highlight the need to care for one’s skin, especially when it comes to preventing the signs of ageing.

Even though ageing is inevitable with collagen and elastin levels in the skin tissue starting to deteriorate, making the skin thinner, there are non-surgical ways of prolonging a youthful appearance, just by caring for our skin.

With the combination of harsh temperatures in South Africa and the lack of sufficient moisturisation and application of sun screens, signs of ageing can appear from one’s early twenties.  In an article by Womens Health it refers to many women noticing the first signs of aging in their mid to late 20s, when fine lines (crows feet) start to appear around the eyes. ¹

To combat the effects of ageing, there has been much interest in using Hyaluronic acid.

According to a review article by J. Necas in the Veterinarni Medicina (2008), “Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a carbohydrate, more specifically a mucopolysaccharide, occurring naturally in all living organisms. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring biopolymer, which has important biological functions in bacteria and higher animals including humans. It is found in most connective tissues and is particularly concentrated in synovial fluid, the vitreous fluid of the eye, umbilical cords and chicken combs. It is naturally synthesized by a class of integral membrane proteins called hyaluronan synthases, and degraded by a family of enzymes called hyaluronidases.²

As part of their offering, Granny Mouse Spa have included an anti-ageing facial treatment that incorporate this ingredient, as treatments for anti-ageing have become a popular request.

“We offer a 60 minute Thalgo Hyaluronic Facial, which is a unique zone to zone anti-ageing treatment that uses Marine Hyaluronic acid molecules for a plumping, wrinkle-filling effect. These new generation patented extracts act in bio-affinity with the skin for controlled youthfulness and astounding results,” comments Yolandi Potgieter from the Granny Mouse Spa.

There are also said to be many benefits of using Hyaluronic acid including that of hydrating dry, aged skin and reducing wrinkles and sagging.

However, if you prefer to prevent, rather than treat, stay clear of harsh UV rays, keep your skin hydrated and make use of sunscreen on a daily basis. Smoking, consuming alcohol and an unhealthy diet can also be the cause of early ageing.

When it comes to handling one’s skin, be gentle. Cleanse gently and use products that are within their expiry date and that fit your skin profile to help delay the early signs of ageing.

Book your treatment at Granny Mouse Spa by calling 033 234 4071 or send an email to spa@grannymouse.co.za

Sources:

1. http://www.womens-health-advice.com/skin-care-questions/aging-first-signs.html
2. http://www.vri.cz/docs/vetmed/53-8-397.pdf

Note: Thalgo Hyaluronic Facial (60min)
Cost: R1480

The Chilli plant is a small, perennial shrub with a woody stem. Chillies are a great addition to add flavor to meals that ask for a spicy flavor.

With an array of shades from green, yellow to reds and oranges, they are probably the easiest fruit to grow, as certain species can grow pretty much anywhere. However, it is important to acknowledge where you are planting them, as to not interfere with any budding blooms or herbs nearby.

If you prefer your garden to bloom with flora and fauna, then a potted option for your chillies can help create a beautiful show of colour on a windowsill in the kitchen for easy access during cooking or on a stoep, table or veranda outdoors in direct sunlight. Try placing a number of pots in a row down steps to add colour and variety to the garden or fix the pots to a wall in different spots to create a vertical garden of chillies.  This can be done in many ways, however bolting shelves to a wall and placing the pots on top of each one will allow you to remove and replace the potted plants when needed.

Planting instructions:

1. Take a small or medium size pot and fill about a quarter of it with soil.
2. Plant the seeds. Ensure each variety is in its own pot due to different germination times.
3. Top with more soil and leave about an inch at the top
4. Water until the soil is moist and place in a sunny spot
5. Then water once a week
6. When the chilli plant starts to sprout you can add compost and allow to grow further.

Once developed into a chilli, the fruity flesh can be eaten at any point as it ripens. Here, the flavour will be the preference, as greener chillies tend to be bitterer and have a more intense heat.

“As a Culinary Artist, I know that chillies come in an array of forms from fresh, dried, powdered, and even bottled and the level of heat and flavour varies with different types. Also, a small tip to remember is that chillies come in levels of hotness and I find the smaller they are, the greater the intensity of heat they inflict,” says Kirstie Du Toit from Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.

There is an official heat scale for chillies known as The Scoville scale, developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1912. A sweet pepper scores 0 on the scale, Jalapeño and chipotle chillies score anything between 2,500 to 10,000 and habañero and Scotch bonnet score 80,000 to 300,000 plus! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/chilli)

Did you know?

1. Removing the seeds from chillies reduces the heat
2. Chillies are known to be a source of vitamin-C (health.com)
3. The powder from dried Chilli is one of the ingredients in curry powder
4. Adding freshly cut chilli to a dish early on will reduce the level of heat. Adding at the end will produce a more intense heat. However, when it comes to chilli powder in a curry dish, add this in the beginning after onion and garlic as it needs time to cook to release the flavour and heat. Adding it at the end will not give you a desirable taste.
5. Chilli complements dark chocolate