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.