Achieving perfect skin many seem impossible to most of us, but we are all capable of having and maintaining good skin. This simply requires getting to know our skin and looking after it -and it’s never too early to start. Looking after your skin may mean different things to different people. To some it means washing their face with soap and water and slapping on sun block at the beach; to others it’s a regular cleanse and moisturize routine. To many it means spending loads of cash on all the latest wrinkle-reducing, complexion-clearing, blemishbusting lotions and potions.

Good skincare doesn’t have to be expensive, time consuming or daunting. Before bothering to spend a fortune on products that may not suit you, you need to know your skin type. If you’re unsure, go to a professional dermatologist, skincare therapist or beauty advisor at a cosmetics counter for a skin analysis. Your skin is a living organ and can change from season to season –or week to week -depending on your general health, lifestyle, diet and hormonal changes,. as well as external factors such as the weather. It is therefore important to have your skin profiled at least to have your skin profiled at least twice a year.

What are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are reactive molecules created naturally by the body, particularly when it is exposed to sunlight or under stress. Excessive exercise can also trigger abnormal free radical production due to the increased intake of oxygen. The smoke, chemicals and toxins that we encounter in everyday city life cause almost continual free radical production (the skin can generate free radicals in a millionth of a second if exposed to cigarette smoke).

Free radicals are unstable molecules that act as scavengers in the skin, damaging connective tissue, cell membranes and DNA, our basic genetic building blocks. On the skin, this chemical chaos results in a heightened skin cancer risk and premature aging. Young, healthy skin has sufficient enzymes and vitamins to neutralize these ‘terrorists’, but as we age, our natural defense mechanisms become depleted and the skin becomes less effective at defending itself from attack. Antioxidants are currently our best method of limiting free radical damage. They work by stopping the formation of free radicals and ‘mopping them up’ as they form.

How do free radicals form?

• Oxygen molecules have four pairs of electrons. Sun, smoking, stress, etc. ca n cause the loss of electrons. At this stage the molecule, desperate to ‘regain’ its lost electron, is defined as a free radical. So begins the raid on other molecules. Scavenging free radicals take an electron from other molecules, thus creating new free radicals that go on their own rampage.

• This chain reaction eventually causes the cell membrane to disintegrate, leaving the cell vulnerable to premature aging and disease.

• Antioxidants remove free radicals as they form by replacing the lost electrons and so creating normal oxygen molecules.

CLEANSE
Cleansing is one of the single most important things you can do for your skin. Everyone’s skin gets dirty from dust, sweat, make-up, sebum and impurities in the air. If you do not cleanse, your pores will become clogged and your skin will start to look dull.

How often should I cleanse?
Cleansing twice a day is sufficient. If you are using mild and well-formulated products you won’t damage the skin. Some experts believe you should have at least two cleansers -a milder formula for the morning when there’s little or no oil build-up, and a deeper cleansing product for the end of the day lot to do with personal preference, but always take your skin type into account. Cream cleansers are rich and gentle and leave a light, moisturizing film on the skin, which is ideal for dry, sensitive and mature skins. The drier your skin, the richer the cleanser you’ll need. A lotion or gel cleanser is ideal for normal skin as it rinses off easily, while foaming cleansers are best used on greasy skin as they dissolve any excess oil on the skin. Avoid scrubbing acne-prone skin as it may irritate the lesions. Soap is a no-no on your face. Your skin is by nature slightly acidic (with a pH of about 5.5) and most soap leaves an alkaline residue that’s difficult to wash off and may leave skin feeling dry and tight. If you just can’t wean yourself off that lathering texture, some cosmetics houses make soap-free ‘facial bars’ that foam, but are gentler than regular soap. Generally, if you have very dry skin, it’s advisable to avoid soap bars altogether.

TONE
The jury is still out on toners. Many dermatologists believe that they don’t provide any special benefit other than to remove the final traces of make-up and cleanser and so make the skin feel clean and fresh. They cannot actually ‘close’ pores as some manufacturers claim they do -pores are the openings for the sebaceous glands and can’t be closed from the outside. However, modern formulations are becoming more and more sophisticated, with some offering soothing and anti-ageing benefits.

It is true that certain exfoliating or clarifying lotions can make your skin look more radiant by dissolving dead surface cells. Many brands also claim that toners help to restore the pH balance of the skin after cleansing. Astringents are strong toners with a high alcohol content that may irritate some sensitive and dry skins. Many toners that are designed for use on oily skins contain alcohol precisely because of its drying effect. However, they can also aggravate acne-prone skin as they may cause an increase in the skin’s oil production as well as increased sensitivity.

MOISTURIZE
In the past, moisturizers were designed simply to serve as barriers against the environment. Neither did they penetrate the skin, nor allow it to ‘breathe’, thus leading to congested, nutrient-starved skin. Modern moisturizers are designed to help the skin function properly and to improve water retention in the epidermis by ’sealing’ it -effectively maintaining a delicate balance between adding water to the surface and preventing evaporation. A vast choice of products is available and it is hard to decide which moisturizer is right for you. As a guideline, we should all be wearing a moisturizer that offers antioxidant benefits (to fight free radicals and prevent premature ageing). The majority of modern formulations also contain a myriad other ingredients to firm, smooth, mattify or boost radiance, for example. Ask yourself what concerns you most about your skin -is it your breakouts, pigmentation, fine lines, dryness, lack of radiance or wrinkles? -and choose accordingly. As a general rule, drier skins needs a rich, hydrating moisturizer, while combination and oily skins do better with a lightweight lotion. If your moisturizer does not contain a sunscreen, layer one over it.
Cleansing your skin not only improves the way you look, properly cleansed skin will be more receptive to active ingredients in your treatment products, so they will work better.

Serums and Boosters
These lightweight formulations have a high concentration of active ingredients and are ideal for special care. Applied under your moisturizer, they usually have anti-ageing or hydrating benefits. If your skin suffers from excessive dryness during winter, for example, a hydrating serum can be used just for those few months until the weather changes and your skin is back to normal.

Eye Cream
Because the skin around the eyes is the first to show signs of ageing, there is definitely a case for usi ng a special cream for this area. The skin around the eyes ages more quickly because it is thinner than that on the rest of the face, and so is less able to retain moisture. Also, the area is generally more sensitive, with fewer and smaller oil glands and, because the eyes are so expressive, the skin around them is made to move excessively. If you use your regular moisturizer around the eye area you could end up with puffy, irritated eyes, while rich lotions can block the glands. Never apply eye cream directly to the eyelid or underneath the eye. Using your ring finger, dot it on the orbital bone that circles the eye. The product will gradually work its way in through the repeated action of blinking.

The fragrances, emulsifiers and emollients that are used in various moisturizers and night creams may also cause sensitivity in this delicate area. Most eye products have multiple benefits, targeting the common problems associated with the skin around the eyes like fine lines, dark circles and puffiness.

Neck Cream
Because the skin on the neck has a small number of fat cells and low supplies of sebum, it is prone to dryness and sagging and, like your hands, reveals your age. A specially enriched neck cream, therefore, has its benefits, but you can also just extend your regular routine to the decolletage.

Do I really need a serum, night cream, eye gel, and neck cream?
In addition to moisturizers, there’s a whole host of potions out there that you’ve probably been told are essential to a good skincare routine. Many dermatologists scoff at them; many skincare experts swear by their added benefits. While there’s only so much your skin can absorb, how many extras you want to add to your basic routine is up to you. If in doubt, consult a professional.

Night Cream
According to our internal clocks, different body cells are more active at certain times of the day. Skin cells do their repair work most effectively at night. In fact, research shows that skin cell regeneration almost doubles at night, peaking between 23:00 and
4:00. Production of collagen (the skin’s natural support structure) is boosted, harmful free radicals are destroyed and cell damage is rectified. The latest night creams are designed to maximize the nighttime repair process and are generally more nourishing than a day cream.

The neck and decolletage are often exposed, so protect and treat them with the same care as you do your face by simply extending your skincare routine down to your chest.

Whether you want to smooth, purify, hydrate, brighten or soothe your skin, there’s a face mask for you. Masks should be used regularly for the best results, but do not overuse them.

MASKS
Applied to cleansed skin, a good mask can be an instant beauty fix. Masks are generally fairly concentrated and infuse skin with beneficial ingredients. There are various types of masks to choose from. As a guide, clay, mud or peel-off masks are best for deep cleansing and perfect for oily skin, while dry skin will benefit from a rich, hydrating treatment. Masks that claim to replenish, perfect or boost radiance are ideal to pep up a dull complexion. Masks and serums are also the perfect way to treat temporary skin conditions such as dehydration or some form of sensitivity, caused by environmental factors. They can be applied once or twice a week depending on the severity of your problem.

Exfoliate to Rejuvenate
Our largest organ of elimination, the skin sheds around five billion dead cells daily. One of the reasons young skin is so clear and radiant is because in its prime, young, healthy skin replaces itself naturally every 14 days. As age sets in this process slows until, at about age 40, the renewal cycle is increased to 30 days. If these dead skin cells sit on the surface of the skin, they clog the pores and make the complexion look dull. Removing them reveals clearer, brighter skin and restores suppleness and vigour by stimulating cell renewal.

Myth: Use a deep cleansig grainy scrub to open clogged pores and remove dead skin over a breakout.
Fact: Use a gentle nonabrasive exfoliant to smooth the skin’s surface and prevent further breakouts, unless you’re on Roaccutane or Retin-A ; these products already provide a peeling action.

Exfoliating too often or too harshly can compromise your skin’s protective waterproof layer. Be very careful of abrasive products; ideally thorough exfoliations should be done by a skincare therapist.

There are various ways to exfoliate:
• Mechanical exfoliation involves products like synthetic buffing beads, scrubs containing apricot kernels, a muslin face cloth or facial brush. If you like to use a scrub, look for a gentle one with fine granules that dissolve in water. Don’t overdo it -once a week is enough.

• Chemical exfoliants have ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinoic acid or enzymes (such as papain, found in papaya). These literally ‘unglue’ dead surface cells and do not require vigorous rubbing and rinsing.

Alpha hydroxy acids (fruit acids) are a group of natural chemicals found in fruit, wine, sugar cane and sour milk that exfoliate the skin’s surface layer and accelerate new cell production. If you use products that contain these ingredients on a daily basis, avoid combining them with abrasive scrubs. Always be very gentle as overexfoliation can cause sensitivity. By removing too many cells you could compromise the skin’s natural pro) tective barrier and reveal cells that have not been properly primed for the harsh environment.

Your entire body will benefit from a thorough exfoliation procedure. It is particularly useful before applying a self-tanning lotion, as the product is much less likely to leave unsightly streaks when applied to smooth skin. Many of the newer scrubs contain tiny encapsulated beads to ensure a gentle exfoliation process that does not abrade unnecessarily.

GOOD GENES
You can choose your friends, but not your family -or your genes. Genes play an important part in your overall appearance and determine how your skin behaves and ages. Although you cannot do anything about the characteristics you inherit from your parents, you can use them as an ‘age barometer’ and take certain steps to arm yourself against problems that are likely to come your way.

REGULAR EXERCISE
There is no denying the benefits of exercise -it’s the easiest way to perk up a lacklustre complexion. During exercise the circulation is boosted and oxygen-rich blood is delivered to every cell in your body allowing nutrients to be absorbed quicker. The short-term effect is a glowing complexion. Long-term, many experts believe that exercise improves the skin’s elasticity and encourages new cell growth. Remember, however, that moderation is the key to good health. Professional sportspeople sometimes have a gaunt look due to a low body fat concentration. That is not necessarily a good thing as you get older, as it may mean you lose some of that youthful plumpness. Training outdoors also potentially means more sun exposure. Raw fruit and vegetables are one of the best sources of antioxidant vitamins, vital for good skin.

BALANCED DIET
Although some dermatologists don’t believe that what you eat has any effect on the state of your skin, it is acknowledged that your skin reflects the general health of your body. Clear, radiant skin is dependant on the efficient functioning of your kidneys, intestines and liver -the organs responsible for detoxification and waste removal. Excess alcohol, drugs and fatty foods can put strain on these organs, resulting in a sluggish system and pasty, blotchy skin, while smoking and high caffeine intake can compromise your body’s defence system. Regular crash dieting also plays havoc with your body and can add as much as 10 years to your face, while nutrient deficiencies will affect your complexion. A lack of protein, for example, can manifest in a dull, dry complexion; a shortage of vitamin C may result in dullness and easy bruising; lack of vitamin A can cause dry skin and a disruption in cellular turnover; a deficiency in iron can produce a pale complexion; and a vitamin B deficiency may lead to breakouts, pallor and cracks at the corners of the mouth.

ENOUGH SLEEP
Skincare experts now believe that skin cells regenerate as the body rests, repairing damage done during the day and producing new cells in preparation for the next. Studies have also shown that sleep-deprived people have lower levels of a growth hormone that influences specific skin-growth factors like collagen and keratin production. As far as most of us are concerned, there’s just no denying what a lack of sleep does to your eyes and complexion!

DEEP BREATHING
Your skin absorbs a small amount of oxygen through the pores and so needs to ‘breathe’. Try not putting anything onto your face for at least a small part of each day and always cleanse well to avoid blocked pores. Breathing properly through your lungs will also benefit your skin: breathing in supplies your skin with oxygen and breathing out removes carbon dioxide and waste. Many of us breathe incorrectly by taking shallow breaths into the top of the chest.

Try inhaling and exhaling slowly through the nose. Keep the shoulders relaxed and draw each breath right down into your stomach, holding it there to a count of four, before exhaling slowly, emptying out your lungs completely. Breathing is a great stress reliever: it has been shown to lower the pulse rate and its easy, rhythmic quality is comforting.

There is a definite shift towards harnessing the healing power of nature, and the production and consumption of organic and ‘natural’ skincare products is increasing. The question is: how natural is ‘natural’ and what exactly is the difference between natural and organic? If a product is truly organic it will be certified by an organic certification agency. The trouble is that it’s hard to produce 100% organic beauty products because preservatives are vital constituents, and natural preservatives are hard to find. Natural products are made from plants and minerals that occur in nature and have not been produced in a laboratory. Organic products are also made from natural ingredients; they are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Seaweed, for example, can be classified as a natural product, but is not organic because it’s not grown in controlled conditions. Truly organic products do not contain any genetically modified ingredients nor petrochemicals (synthetic ingredients derived from natural petroleum or oil), nor do they undergo any animal testing (unless required by law) and are only subjected to minimal processing.

Some cosmetic companies add natural ingredients in the form of fruit acids, vitamins, borage and hemp to skincare products. Some products use ingredients that mimic the skin’s natural functions, like hyaluronic acid, a moisturizer that occurs naturally in the skin. So what is best? Some experts believe that 60% of everything you put on your skin is absorbed by it. Your skin is a highly effective delivery system, so it makes sense that organic beauty products made without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals or drugs -ensure the highest level of nourishment to the skin. But remember that you can still have an allergic reaction to a ‘natural’ product. Natural ingredients can trigger skin reactions in the same way that synthetic ingredients can. If you have sensitive skin, look for products that have full ingredient listings to enable you to identify potential aggressors.

Seaweed has detoxifying proper ties -it stimulates circulation and encourages the elimination of wastes and water.

A SKIN FOR ALL SEASONS
Winter can be torture to your skin, so it’s no surprise that many recurrent skin problems are at their worst at this time of year. Dryness can diminish the epidermis’ ability to provide protection, leading to seasonal eczema, hypersensitivity and rough skin. With a little care, however, you can keep your skin looking its best come rain or shine. During dry weather, the key is more moisture, more often. If you use an oil-free moisturizer, consider upgrading to one that contains small amounts of essential oils for a moisture boost, or switch from your summer moisturizer to a richer cream.

Depending on the humidity levels, you may also want to apply a weekly hydrating mask to help restore suppleness to the skin. Putting a humidifier in your home and office will also help prevent dehydration, which is especially important if you are constantly exposed to air-conditioners and heaters.

INGREDIENT WATCH Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or fruit acids, are derived from natural ingredients such as milk, olives, apples and grapes. They help speed up the exfoliation process by dissolving the glue that bonds the cells. When choosing an AHA, it’s important to consider the form and concentration. Lactic acid (made from fermented milk) and glycolic acid (made from sugar cane), for example, are particularly effective in treating dry skin and dry-skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as decreasing wrinkles. Regarding the concentration: the higher it is, the more effective is the product. However, AHAs should be used with caution. They can cause irritation and do increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. If you use AHAs, you need to use a daily sunscreen with SPF15 or higher.

Antioxidants are part of the body’s natural defence system, derived from vitamins A, ( and E. They protect the skin by attaching themselves to free radicals and neutralizing them. Since your skin is your first line of defence against the outside world it makes sense to arm it with the most potent antioxidants available. Other good antioxidants include grape seed extract, black and green tea extract and Iycopene (extracted from tomatoes, red guava, watermelon and the skin of red grapes). Polyphenols or catechins, which are found in green tea, exhibit powerful antioxidant properties. In fact, they are 20 times stronger than vitamin E.

Did you know ?
Vitamin C applided topically to the skin protects it against free radicals for two to three days. And, since it does not wash off, it delivers extra long-lasting benefits.

Fruit or vegetable pulp can make a wonderful skin treatment. It contains stimulating enzymes that can make the skin look firmer and fresher.

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) work in much the same way as AHAs. The best known of the BHAs is salicylic acid, which is made from willow bark. BHAs appear to be less irritating than AHAs.

Coenzyme 010 occurs naturally in every skin cell and helps convert food into energy. Without (0-Q10 known as the ‘fuel of youth’ -the body’s cells are unable to produce energy. Stress, UV radiation and aging cause a drop in the natural levels of this coenzyme, while increased levels boost cell activity, regeneration and elasticity.

Enzymes like papain (from papaya) and bromelian (from pineapple) are botanically derived and naturally exfoliate and brighten the skin. Enzyme activators are also being designed to suppress the ‘bad’ enzymes -collagenase and elastase -that damage collagen and elastin.

Flavonoids belong to a group of organic plant molecules produced by plants to protect themselves from attack by diseases and insects as well as damage from intense UV light. Green tea is rich in flavonoid antioxidants. They’re also found in onions, apples and citrus fruits. They mop up free radicals, fight off viruses, calm inflammation protect against allergies.

Retinoids is a drive term for vitamin A. Powerful retinoids like retinoic acid are found in prescription-only products like Retin-A and Roaccutane and are used to treat sun damage and acne. Gentler derivatives like retinyl palmitate and retinol can be found in cosmetic creams.

Herb teas are excellent for health and beauty. Green tea, especially, is a superb source of antioxidants.

Your skin reflects your state of health. If you follow a healthy, balanced lifestyle, eat sensibly, keep stress in check and allow enough time to pamper yourself and recharge your batteries, you are less likely to suffer the skin diseases and disorders discussed in previous chapters. If, on the other hand, you subject your body to all the things we are told not to do (smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and overload at work), the chances are you’re not going to look as good as you could after a few months. The warnings are unmistakable, but it is important to remain realistic about one’s lifestyle: there is only so much each of us can do to try and reduce stress levels; apart from recycling and trying to contribute as little as possible to pollution, there’s very little we can do about it, and it is not always easy to give our bodies exactly the fuel that they need. The key is to try to live as vibrantly as possible. Supplement to replace missing nutrients, take time out when you need it and have fun. It’s all about making an effort to live well, because that is your insurance for good health and great skin.

Relaxed breathing and elevated concentration levels will help you to lower your heart rate and blood pressure and increase your peace of mind.

The Stress Index
In chapter one we mentioned that stress can make skin behave badly. For some people it takes severe and prolonged stress to reach the breaking point, while for others it may only take smaller irritations like traffic jams, having to do a presentation, or lack there
of sleep to induce a physical or emotional outbreak. Short-term stress is beneficial in that it prepares the body for an emergency. However, in the long-term, your body, skin and health start to suffer. Unlike other hormones, them cortisol -the stress hormone –does not decrease with age. In a young, healthy body, cortisol levels increase in the morning and drop at night. If you are under prolonged stress, cortisol is continually secreted into the bloodstream. A younger person is more able to move from a stressed state to a relaxed one, whereas with age, this becomes more difficult. Problems arise when the body makes too much cortisol for too long. Effects include inflammation -a major con tributor to skin ageing, weakening of the immune system and increasing blood sugar levels.
Long-term stress also depresses DHEA, an important steroid hormone breakfor the skin. High cortisol and low DHEA levels are associated with rapid skin ageing. In order to protect the body from the effects of stress there emofore, you need to keep your cortisol levels in check. Doing the following can help:

• Eat a diet high in raw and fresh fruits and vegetables. Stick to low glycaemic fruits like citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, limes, lemons), deciduous fruits (apples, cherries, peaches, apricots, nec tarines, plums, pears, strawber ries), kiwifruit and grapes. They help to detox the body balance hormones and increase levels of potassium -which is essential for beautiful skin.

• Get enough exercise.

• Watch your vitamin intake. Pantothenic acid, vitamins B6 and C, zinc and magnesium support adrenal function and you should get enough of all of them.

• Eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Wash them thor oughly to remove pesticides.

THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON THE SKIN

Sallow Complexion (yellowish)
Stress sends the body into survival mode by directing most of the blood to the vital organs such as the heart, lungs and brain. This means less blood goes to the skin, which leaves you looking washed out.

Pimples
Cortisol causes the secretion of androgen, a sex hormone that increases oil production. Excess sebum means clogged pores, which then leads to breakouts.

Rough, Dry Skin
A restricted blood supply to the skin means the cells renew themselves less quickly, leading to dry, flaky skin.

Inflammation
When your body is stressed it often releases histamines, witch can cause irritation like itchiness, bumps, rashes and hives. A routine relaxation or meditation session can help reduce these hypersensitive reactions.

As little as two cups of coffee a day can dramatically increase levels of cortisol – the stres hormone – in your body.

We live in a world invaded by toxins, so it’s no wonder that our minds and bodies are on toxic overload. One way to combat the negative effects this has on our skin and bodies is to allow for a regular and gentle two-day detox. This gives the body a chance to rest and recharge. After a couple of days of cleansing, you’ll feel and lookbetter and can expect a clearer skin, better digestion, heightened senses and possibly even an improvement in illnesses and stiff joints. Always consult illnesses and stiff joints. Always consult diabetic, on prescription drugs or suffering from illness. Aim to eat fresh fruits and vegeta bles and loads of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Eat as many fresh and washed fruits for breakfast as you like. Go fruits for breakfast as you like. Go like kiwis, grapes, mango, papaya, For an afternoon snack, nibble on a handful of sunflower and pumpkin seeds or eat a small carton of plain yoghurt. Sip on a cup of herbal or green tea.

Dinner can consist of a freshly steamed portion of bright vegetables such as succulent broccoli or cauliflower, leeks, aubergines, onion, marrow, peppers (capsicum) red cabbage, butternut or squash. Flavour with herbs.

Daily Detox
Cleansing from the inside is a very important component if you wish tostay healthy. To help eliminate toxin and fluid build-up, try working the following into your daily routine:

• Drink at least eight glasses of filtered or bottled mineral water a day. If you think it’s boring, add a squirt of lemon or lime -they both aid in detoxification.

• Swap your morning cup of coffee for green tea. It’s packed with antioxidants and is detoxifying.
Avoid alcohol. It contains acetaldehyde, which causes the skin to age faster and is also high in empty calories. Hard liquors like whisky, vodka and gin raise insulin levels. However, dry white and red wine do have some antioxidant qualities and may have a beneficial effect; nd may have a beneficial effect; glasses a day.

Increase your fruit and vegetable intake. Loaded with fibre and water, they will help to keep your bowels healthy. Papaya and pineapple are high in anti-inflammatories and enzymes and aid digestion.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are aninstant source of vitamins, fibre, enzymes and antioxidants.
To improve your health, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as enough protein and carbonhydrates. A vitamin supplement, at least eight glasses of water day and regular exercise will keep skin glowing.

Home Spa
A spa session can be very soothing and revitalizing for the skin as well as for the mind and body. While not everyone can afford the time or money for regular professional pampering, it is fortunately very easy to do a little DIY beauty at home. Try to set aside an afternoon when you’re unlikely to be disturbed and give yourself three hours of ‘me’ time. Spend the time treating your face to a thorough cleanse and gentle exfoliation, nourishing mask and stimulating massage with your fingertips. Give your body the same attention with an invigorating exfoliating scrub followed by a lathering of rich body lotion. As hands and feet are so often neglected, it’s also a good time to give yourself a mini manicure and pedicure.

Facial Tips:
• To create your own ’steamer’, fill a large bowl with very hot water. Hold your head about 15 inches above the water and create a tent by draping a towel over your head and shoulders and the bowl. Stay like this for five to 10 minutes.

Steaming liquifies the impurities trapped in your pores and helps get rid of blackheads. Avoid this if you’re prone to redness or suffer from broken capillaries.

• Choose a mask according to your skin type. If your skin is dry, go for a rich, hydrating product. If it’s oily, a clay-based deep-cleansing mask will do the trick.

• You should aim for a salon facial every six weeks or a home regime of gentle exfoliation and a nourishing mask once a week.
Always make sure your therapist knows your skin’s history. If it’s your first time at a salon, you should be required to fill out a detailed client card.

• The massage action stimulates and oxygenates the skin; the reason skin glows after a facial.

• A facial is also great for reducing stress levels. It forces you to take some time out and relax

• A massage is therapeutic and very relaxing. There are various methods that greatly benefit mind and body.