Maskne, (the new acne), is another “pandemic” many are currently facing.

Beauty experts behind Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, situated in the Midlands break down their step-by-step advice for keeping your skin clear while following all the COVID-19 guidelines while we are having to wear protective facemasks.

Oil, sweat and even things like makeup and serums become occluded (clogged) once they’re on your skin and then you cover them with a mask, also, the humidity that comes from just breathing in your mask accelerates the process of causing acne.

Not to worry though, there are some simple things you can do to protect your face from a mask, depending on the type of mask you’re wearing. If it’s a cloth mask, you need to wash it after use. If it’s disposable, don’t reuse it!

Granny Mouse beauty experts also recommend that after washing your hands, also wash your face thoroughly using an exfoliating or a foaming face wash before and after wearing a mask, or at least twice a day. For those with oily skin, try looking for a facewash that contains salicylic acid which will help remove dead skin cells and excess oils from the skin’s surface, further preventing clogged up pores.

We understand that skin therapy may seem like the last thing to prioritize, especially now. And with this pandemic in the mix, hydrating your face can feel downright frivolous, but it is still important, especially for the people who used to get regular, monthly treatments, like facials.

Granny Mouse has plenty facials that will revitalize your skin and available are the following:

• The Thalgo Spa Skin Facial – A revitalizing skin treatment for all skin types, designed to suit your skin’s specific needs.

• The CSpa Hydrating Facial – A hydrating and balancing treatment for dehydrated skins.

• The essential oils hydrate, soften and rejuvenate the skin.

• The CSpa Rebalancing Facial which is a re-balancing treatment for the oil and water in an oily combination skin. This treatment is incredibly soothing and healing. It also has a toning effect on the skin, just to name a few.

This might seem obvious, but if you’re used to wearing makeup on your entire face, it’s time to shift your application to only what’s above eye level. Minimizing makeup — particularly foundations and concealer with heavy formulations — because of increased humidity under the mask could affect your skin’s sebum production and potentially lead to an increase in clogged pores and breakouts.

All in all, maintaining a strong skin barrier (which helps prevent the spread of infection and bacteria) as well as protecting yourself and others should be the number one priority and plays just as much a big part as that of the protective mask!

Call now to book on 033 234 4071 or email spa@grannymouse.co.za during office hours!

There are quite a few adventure activities right here in the heart of the Midlands to whet that appetite, and being so close to your home, and closer than you think!

If heights are a thing for you, why not do a hot air balloon ride? A perfect way to start your morning is with a cup of your favourite warm beverage and to enjoy the quiet – with a different perspective of KZN!   Hot-Air Ballooning is “the new high”, where you float within the clouds several hundred metres in the air. It’s certainly a picturesque, adrenaline filled experience that you have to do at least once in your lifetime.

Another activity up high is the Kranskloof Canopy Tour, which takes you through the Klarkloof forest reserve. It’s 100% safe and offers awesome views of the forest, waterfall and the valley below. If you are a nature nut, you may be lucky enough to spot a number of raptures and other beautiful indigenous birds to the area. The entire tour takes about 2 hours and consists of 12 platforms, 10 zip line slides and the longest being 200 metres. So much fun for the whole family, and can even be done by children from 6 years to the older kids of 80 plus. Be sure to make your booking, as there are specific times that you can set off in.

If you love taking in the sights with a little less adrenaline, then book a horseback ride and enjoy the meanders beautiful countryside. Remember to book in advance, should you wish to take advantage of the Midlands Meander Horse trails. Rides take place Monday to Sunday between 9am to 4pm.

If speed is your thing, hire a bicycle and explore the Midlands! There are a number of top class mountain bike and trail running opportunities from the 200km purpose built MTB single track paths, and you could be lucky enough to spot local wildlife on the various routes, such as small buck, porcupine, bush pigs and if you are super lucky, the black backed jackal or caracal. If you are keen and want to find out more, go to www.howickmountainbiking.co.za or find them on Facebook.

For the avid fly fisherman, the Midlands Meander is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the country. There are so many great isolated locations with awesome views and the opportunity to catch that shrewd smart trout, bass or yellow fish. And the only noise you are going to hear will be from the birdlife and neighbouring farm animals. So get those flies and dust off the rods and “tackle those fish” when next you head off to the Midlands.

Source: https://midlandsmeander.co.za/explore/