Complexions under siege

With red-raw nostrils, chapped lips, and inflamed cheeks, it is hard to maintain the right sort of natural glow at this time of year.

Lousy weather aside, our complexions are under siege from hasty detoxing efforts, central heating, and the aftermath of scarfing the last festive luxuries.

It is a dull time, but it need not be. I suggest that you relax with a face mask and cleanse with a decent scrub. In fact, try both for under a tenner, using wonderful organic ingredients. Here is another of my Balm Balm bathroom essentials (www.balmbalm.com): Hibiscus Face Mask is only £8.15 for dozens of applications that will see you well past Easter

The pale, slightly gritty hibiscus powder goes a lovely pinky hue when you add water to create a fragrant and absorbent paste. Blend in your palm and apply. You will feel it gently drawing out any impurities as it dries. After 10 minutes or so, give your whole face a gentle circular massage to energise and remove the dead skin cells on the surface.

It is safe to perform this regime each week. Apply the exfoliant and work into the skin in small circular motions. Pay particular attention to areas like the T-zone and around the nose, as oily, dry, and dirty skin flakes tend to build up here.

The process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis can help keep pores from becoming clogged and leaves skin smoother with a refreshed and clean feeling. Aside from the immediate visual benefits of exfoliation (anti-ageing, smaller and much cleaner pores), the removal of dead skin cells also hastens the skin-renewal process, allowing healthier skin cells to take their place.

Not only will this help with fine lines and wrinkles, but it will also ease discoloration, too. Serums and moisturisers are better absorbed into fresher clean skin. You might notice that make up goes on smoother and it will also enable your sunscreen to better protect you in warmer weather.

The gentle yet effective ingredients combine brown rice flour, ground hibiscus, and rose geranium essential oil. This is a perfect face mask to deep cleanse and exfoliate your skin; you can also rub it over your upper-arms or and elbow areas that may need to be softened after you have finished on your face.

Happy scrubbing!