Our skin takes quite a beating during the dry winter season but there are some simple steps we should follow to ensure it remains radiant all year round, according to our beauty contributor Rynah Qhaba.

Winter is the perfect time to do a little self-care; and in this second installment of our winter series, we’re sharing some tantalizing tips for at-home skincare which is both cost-effective and easy to do. Starting with facials.

A facial is the quickest way to cleanse, revive, and brighten faded skin, leaving it lustrous and glowing. A facial also does a great job of relaxing shredded nerves allowing you to emerge not only looking younger but feeling refreshed! Done once or twice each month will ensure rejuvenation and a new skin for an extended period!

If you’d rather visit a spa to get your facial professionally done, enquire if the establishment uses natural products and caters to your skin type.   

Facials

For those treating themselves in the comfort of their own homes, follow the routine below for a quick, at-home facial:

1. Tie your hair away from your face and neck, using a headband. Make sure there is no hair on your forehead.
2. Remove any makeup using either makeup remover wipes, coconut oil, or another method to remove all residues from the face. 
3. Cleanse your face and neck with a good cleanser and ensure all makeup is thoroughly removed.
4. The next step is to gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. Exfoliating allowing the skin to best absorb the products in the mask you’ll use later on. We recommend using a simple, DIY exfoliator made of organic coffee grounds, hot water and warmed organic coconut oil.
5. Spread a fairly thick layer of the mask on your face, avoiding the mouth and eyes. Keep the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes or until dry. There are many options for creating an amazing mask at home but the one we love the most is a simple concoction of organic coconut oil, honey, and fresh avocado.
6. When the mask is dry, wash your face and neck with lukewarm water. Dry your skin and apply a toner that is best suited for your skin type.
7. Now that the skin is thoroughly cleansed, exfoliated, and the pores are open, massage skin serum and/or moisturizer to your face using upward circular motions.

Massaging your face is another essential practice for healthy skin and can be relaxing.

Massaging your Skin

Massaging your face is another essential practice for healthy skin and can be relaxing! While being an valuable method to counter wrinkles, massaging is a slow process and its results are obvious only if it’s practiced regularly for an extended period of time. That said, massaging is highly beneficial for tightening facial tissues, increasing blood flow, stimulating nerves, and thus, boosting collagen production

It takes approsimately 20 minutes for the cream to get absorbed into the skin

Massage is most effective if the skin is thoroughly prepped which includes the removal of makeup prior to getting started.  It is imperative to massage your skin free of makeup otherwise particles of dirt from the costmetics will lodge into and block the pores of your skin.

If you have oily skin, we suggest that you apply a cleansing milk or an astringent lotion to remove makeup products. If you don’t have either of these, then fresh lemon juice is just as effective.

Once you are satisfied that your skin is clean and free of makeup, apply Vitamin E cream using just enough so that your hands and fingers move smoothly on your face.

To massage your face, lightly, but firmly press your against your skin applying even pressure. The massage should start from the neck and move upwards ending at the forehead or temples. The benefits of a facial massage are that the veins and tissue get an increased flow of oxygen / blood supply, but because the skin around the eyes is delicate, it is advisable to apply, cream in this area without pressing it in too deeply. Generally, it takes approsimately 20 minutes for the cream to get absorbed into the skin, so ideally, your massage should last that long.  When you are done with your massage, gently wipe off any excess cream.

So there you have it! By following these simple tips, and being consistent with your skin care routine, you can organically and effortlessly have brighter, healthier, and more lustrous skin in no time at all!

About Rynah Qhaba

Rynah Qhaba, born in Qwa Qwa, Rynah is a businesswoman and founder of Sunflower Cosmetics, an emerging organics brand. 

She has been inexplicably obsessed with the colour yellow since her first Christmas, which pretty much sums up the name and corporate identity of her brand. And if branding her business yellow wasn’t enough, you should see the colour of her car!

Unsurprisingly, Rynah is all about a gluten-free lifestyle but has also known to devour anything covered with a healthy quality cheese.

When she’s not at work at a salon in Northern Johannesburg experimenting with make-up looks and natural products, Rynah can be found operating either the projector or sound desk at her church.

Emphatically passionate about giving back, Rynah is a Director of an NGO called A Million Reasons To Do and is part the Monontsha Community Group where her focus is aimed at contributing to the eradication of unemployment in Qwa Qwa.