Our skin is a remarkable organ, acting as a shield against the outside world and safeguarding our body. To maintain healthy skin, proper hydration is essential, and that's where facial moisturisers play a significant role. Often overlooked, these products offer numerous benefits for overall skin health and appearance. In this blog, we will explore why using a facial moisturiser should be an indispensable part of your skin care routine.

Hydration for Glowing Skin:

Our facial skin faces constant exposure to harsh elements like pollution, UV radiation, and extreme weather conditions. These factors can rob the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, irritation and flakiness. Facial moisturisers create a protective barrier that locks in moisture, maintaining optimal hydration levels. Well-hydrated skin appears plumper, smoother, and more radiant.

Combat Signs of Ageing:

As we age, the skin's ability to retain moisture diminishes, causing fine lines and wrinkles to form. Facial moisturisers, especially those with Rooibos, can combat signs of ageing through their antioxidant benefits. Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules that break down collagen, promoting premature ageing. Regular use helps reduce wrinkles, preserving a youthful and supple complexion.

Balance and Regulation:

Dealing with oily or combination skin can lead to breakouts and acne. Surprisingly, skipping moisturiser to reduce oiliness can worsen the problem. When the skin lacks proper hydration, it compensates by producing more sebum, exacerbating oiliness. Opt for a lightweight, facial moisturiser to balance oil production, like Hydrafine Moisturiser for combination skin, Face Facts Moisturiser for oily or problem skin and Rooibos Skin Moisturiser for normal skin - minimizing clogged pores and blemishes.

Protection and Repair:

Beyond hydration, many facial moisturisers are enriched with antioxidants, vitamins, and nourishing ingredients that shield the skin from free radicals and environmental damage. Moisturisers for dry skin, Like Lucid Moisturiser for Dry Skin, Lucid Moisture Lotion and Sensitív Moisturiser for dry/sensitive skin aid in repairing the skin's natural barrier, making it resilient against external aggress.

Soothing and Calming:

Sensitive or irritated skin requires gentle care. Specifically formulated moisturisers with tailor-made ingredients offer a soothing effect, reducing redness and discomfort.

Don't underestimate the significance of a facial moisturiser in your daily skin care routine. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin, and a good moisturiser delivers multiple benefits, including anti-ageing properties, oil production balance, protection against environmental damage, and soothing sensitive skin. Regardless of your skin type, Annique Rooibos offers suitable facial moisturisers for all skin types. Find yours and make it an integral part of your skin care ritual. Embrace the transformation and let your skin glow with vitality!

This Friday (August 4) is International Beer Day when lovers of the brew from around the globe will be flocking to pubs and breweries to enjoy a cold one.

Beer is arguably the world’s most beloved drink. The British drink theirs warm, Americans drink theirs ice-cold and South Africans like it chilled…

Our nation consumes roughly 34.47 million hectolitres (hl) of ale annually, which makes us the world’s 12th largest beer-consuming nation. 

But the way we drink beer is evolving. Once dominated by mass-produced lagers, the market has evolved into a dynamic landscape brimming with craft breweries, innovative flavours and a burgeoning consumer base.

To cater to diverse consumer preferences, breweries have pushed the boundaries of flavour innovation. Spices, fruit and herbal tisanes, like Rooibos, have found their way into beer recipes, resulting in intriguing blends that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage. 

Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council says the small-batch, all-natural brewing market has experienced a surge in popularity. 

“For modern consumers, homebrewing and/or enjoying unique and diverse beer flavours add value to the experience. Homebrewing allows beer enthusiasts to experiment with different ingredients and brewing techniques, which provide them with a chance to create personalised and one-of-a-kind (signature) brews.

“It also allows individuals to be creative with their beer recipes. They can experiment with various hops, malts, yeast strains, and extras to craft beers tailored to their preferences. This level of customisation is not always possible with commercial beers.”

She says the use of Rooibos in beer has found increasing favour among craft brewers the world over with dozens of Rooibos-infused beer options now available. 

“Rooibos, which is native to South Africa, has unique flavours and characteristics that can complement and enhance beer profiles. Rooibos’ mild sweetness, earthy notes, and hints of vanilla and honey adds to its appeal in beer. These flavours can add complexity and depth to various beer styles, particularly lighter or malt-forward brews.

The popularity of Rooibos in beer has been influenced by the broader interest in using unique and unconventional ingredients to create innovative and experimental beer styles, adding more diversity to the beer market.

“Some craft brewers have been trialling Rooibos during different stages of the brewing process, such as during mashing, boiling or fermentation. The tisane can be used as a substitute for water or combined with traditional brewing ingredients to infuse the beer with its distinct taste.”

She says as the craft beer movement continues to grow, brewers and consumers alike will continue to seek new taste experiences, which is likely to contribute to the appeal of Rooibos-infused brews. “With a promising future ahead, the SA beer industry is poised to continue its upward trajectory, delighting consumers with new flavours, experiences and the spirit of brewing innovation.”

For homebrewers, give this Rooibos Beer Recipe a try on International Beer Day:

Rooibos Beer Recipe

Makes: 7.25 Litres    

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes (excluding fermentation time)

Ingredients

Method

1. Dissolve the 5ml sugar in 500ml lukewarm water. Sprinkle the instant yeast over and set aside until frothy, about 10 minutes.
2. Mix the remaining dry ingredients with the liquid and juice together with the activated yeast mixture and stir until well mixed.
3. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrapping and leave in a warm place for about 12 hours.
4. Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth and pour the beer into bottles with tops. Leave in a cool place for 3 days. Chill before serving.

Hint

As the beer is very fizzy, ensure that the bottles are opened slowly and carefully, allowing the fizz to subside before totally removing the lid. It must be stored in a cool place or else the yeast will ferment too quickly, and the bottles could explode (preferably use plastic bottles).

Courtesy of I Love 2 Bake: https://ilove2bake.co.za/ 

ENDS

Issued by Meropa Communications on behalf of the SA Rooibos Council. For further information, please contact Brigitte Taim from Meropa on 082 410 8960

Are you tired of battling stubborn skin issues and searching for that one magical product that can take your skin care routine to the next level? Well, look no further because Essense Skin Detox is here to revolutionize your skin care game!

The true "fountain of youth" in this formula is Tiger's Herb, a prized gem in Chinese medicine. With its anti-inflammatory properties, wound-healing prowess, and natural antibiotic magic, this herb will make you fall in love with your revived skin!

But that's not all – prepare to be amazed by the wonders of macadamia nut oil! This superhero ingredient works its magic on your skin by quickly absorbing and creating a protective, velvety barrier. The result? A youthful appearance and a texture that's smoother than ever before!

Now, let's talk about the star players in Essense Skin Detox – vitamin A and vitamin E. These dynamic duo of vitamins work together to rebuild tissue, repair cuts and wounds, and promote skin regeneration. Your skin will simply adore this nourishing treatment!

And who can forget our exclusive Rooibos extract? This potent natural antioxidant is a true powerhouse in Essense Skin Detox. Let it work its wonders on your skin, and get ready to embrace a radiant and healthy-looking complexion!

We all know that hydration is the foundation of healthy skin, and Essense Skin Detox has got your back in that department! Say goodbye to acne, dryness, and flakiness caused by harsh environmental factors, as this game-changing treatment delivers optimal hydration to your skin, leaving it feeling rejuvenated, fresh, and oh-so-supple!

Now, you might be wondering how to incorporate this miracle treatment into your daily routine. Well, fear not! Making Essense Skin Detox an essential part of your skin care regimen is as easy as it gets. With its array of skin-loving ingredients, this product is perfect for your morning and nighttime routines. Always apply before your moisturiser for optimal results. And remember, at Annique we press the product onto our skin. No rubbing! This could lead to stretching the skin unnecessarily and causing sagging and wrinkles over time. *GASP*

Don't let your skin miss out on this transformational experience. Unlock the secret to radiant, hydrated, and youthful-looking skin with Essense Skin Detox. Say goodbye to skin troubles and hello to a new, confident you!

So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the power of Essense Skin Detox and get ready to face the world with clearer, brighter, and more beautiful skin!

Introducing our best-selling daily skin care range: Lucid. Designed to restore and retain moisture for a beaming, radiant and bright complexion, Annique Rooibos Lucid is the perfect solution to dry skin woes.

How do you know if you have dry or dehydrated skin? Keep an eye out for signs such as almost invisible pores, a dull and rough complexion, red patches, decreased elasticity, more visible lines, a general dry or tight feeling, uneven skin tone, and a lack of plumpness.

What sets the new Lucid range apart is the incorporation of three powerful and innovative active ingredients: Green Rooibos, pre- and probiotics, and AquaVital+. These ingredients work harmoniously to nourish and condition dry, dehydrated, and mature skin.

Green Rooibos takes center stage as a potent anti-aging ingredient, boasting high levels of antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and maintain a youthful appearance. Additionally, it is an ideal choice for individuals with acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other challenging skin conditions. Rooibos is the hypoallergenic solution to soothe redness, itching, and rashes.

The inclusion of pre- and probiotics in the Lucid range is a game-changer. Just as probiotics benefit our digestive system, they also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance on our skin. These beneficial microorganisms strengthen the skin's barrier against invaders and restore the skin's natural pH, resulting in a calmer and more comfortable complexion. Probiotics work synergistically with prebiotics, which act as fuel, allowing probiotics to thrive and multiply.

Enter AquaVital+, the ingredient that creates a moisture reservoir in the skin. Derived from the seeds of the Peruvian plant Tara, this sophisticated plant moisturising complex creates a protective film that prevents water from evaporating rapidly. By capturing and retaining moisture, AquaVital+ ensures both immediate and long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin with a healthy glow, improved elasticity, and unparalleled softness.

The Lucid range consists of a cleanser, night cream, and freshener (apply this last) and you can choose between our best-selling moisturiser, Lucid Moisturiser for Dry Skin, or the Lucid Moisture Lotion. The Moisture Lotion has a thinner consistency and leaves a more matt finish than the Moisturiser for Dry Skin. All formulas are fragrance and paraben free.

Say goodbye to parched skin and embrace a radiant, youthful complexion. Your skin deserves the best, and the Lucid range is here to deliver it. Try it for yourself and witness the transformative power of these exceptional ingredients. Your journey to luminous skin starts now!

SLAY your Nighttime Skin Routine! 

Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA — your daily habits significantly impact what you see in the mirror and choosing which products to use can be confusing. 

Why night cream?

At night the metabolism of the cells close to the surface of your skin accelerates, and night creams are formulated differently to utilise this increased blood and oxygen supply during the night.  Harness the power of sleep time skin care with our go-to-guide for night creams

Routine rocks!

The four main steps of any skin care regime are 1.) cleansing, 2.) nourishing and/or treatment 3.) moisturising, and 4.) using a freshener but the true benefit lies in a consistent routine. There is no quick fix; the goal is to fine-tune your complexion and troubleshoot or target any problem areas. As your skin needs shift with age, so will the products you need and use.

Choose me!

Top Tips

• Conclude your nightly skin care routine at least 20 minutes before bedtime to allow the active ingredients time to soak into your skin before your head hits the pillow.
• If you want to boost your night skin care routine, apply any anti-ageing (Forever Young) or treatment (Essense) products after cleansing.
• Then lightly dab on a generous amount of night cream using clean fingertips.
• Finish with moisturiser and a freshener

Remember!

Time and consistency are the key elements! Most skin care routines take a while before you start seeing the benefits. A consistent nighttime beauty routine will show results faster.

Cleansing your face is not just a satisfying end-of-day ritual, it's a critical step in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. A daily cleansing routine can remove dirt, sweat, and makeup, allowing your skin to breathe and repair itself. It can also help prevent acne, spots, and premature ageing.

Adding a Rooibos-infused cleanser to your skin care routine can further boost its benefits, from soothing skin problems like acne to reducing wrinkles. Rooibos is rich in natural skin-soothing antioxidants and also contains anti-ageing benefits.

To ace your cleansing routine, choose a Rooibos cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have dry, mature and sensitive skin, a creamy cleanser is recommended to not dry out the skin. Normal and combination skins can opt for a milky cleanser or gentle soap bar. Oily and problem skins should use a gel cleanser or purifying soap bar. Annique Rooibos has gentle, effective paraben-free cleansers for all skin types.

Wash your face at night only to avoid disturbing your skin's pH balance, and never go to bed with make-up on. Rinse your face with warm Rooibos/Green Rooibos-infused water - not hot! The antioxidants in Rooibos help eliminate the nasty side effects of chlorine and fluoride in tap water. These can dry out, age and irritate the skin. Finally, remember to pat your skin dry gently with a clean towel to avoid rubbing and irritating your skin.

With a consistent cleansing routine that incorporates Rooibos, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin that radiates confidence.