Everyone that I have met recently is either exhausted, getting over a sickness or coming down with something. It’s very hard to take an interest in how you look when you feel awful. I could have written about buying this or that item of clothes for the summer but I think that it is more important to feel better first. A great dress can look good on, but a well-cared-for body (and I’m not talking about weight here) will make that dress look incredible!

For the last month I have been out picking nettles, dandelions and ‘sticky willies’ (cleavers) and making tea out of them. A spoonful of local honey is the only add-in. Am I mad? Absolutely, and in lots of ways, but this is what generations gone by used to do regularly. This concoction was known as a ‘spring tonic’ and valued for its deep nutritive and detoxifying properties. Together these three wild herbs (don’t you dare call them weeds) provide a synergistic blend of vitamins, minerals and compounds that support the liver, heart, kidneys and lymphatic system and they are plentiful and free. You will need to give everything a good rinse before you make the tea, of course. You can thank me later because you will notice a difference in your energy levels and sleep after a week. Keep it up for a few weeks and you will wonder how you survived without it. While there is no trace of collagen in any of the above, all three of these plants are highly regarded in herbalism for promoting your body’s own natural collagen production. Nettles are rich in silica and Vitamin C, which are essential building blocks for collagen synthesis and maintaining skin elasticity. Cleavers act as a gentle lymphatic tonic, flushing out toxins, reducing inflammation and leaving you with flawless skin. Dandelions provide the nutritional environment needed for healthy cellular repair, great sleep and ultimately incredible skin health.

Most of us can also relate to the clothing fatigue that comes from staring at a closet full of clothes while feeling exhausted or worn out. You simply cannot figure out what to wear, what looks good or feels right. Most women just go out and buy more clothes and a week later they are back staring into the wardrobe again, struggling to choose and reverting to putting something together that doesn’t feel or look right. Culling is the only answer and I guess that’s where a good stylist comes in. Fresh eyes make such a difference with the end goal being a series of interchangeable pieces that work well together.

Remind yourself that the freedom that comes with an organised wardrobe is so wonderful that you will never once regret letting go of anything. Get rid of the time-wasters first, you know those pieces that you try on and take off again straight away and never wear! Life, experience, babies and sickness changes us, what you wore three years ago might not reflect who you truly are now. Keep only the clothes that reflect who you are and the fatigue will start to lift.

Of course there will always be a gorgeous new summer dress or a pair of shoes or a jacket that you simply must buy. Summer white clothes get tired and need to be replaced regularly. Wear all of your summer dresses – florals are huge again this year. At the end of the summer, if a dress hasn’t been worn on holidays or at home, get rid of it and wish it well on its new journey.

Take care of yourself and give your body what it needs to thrive. For me, laughter is the best medicine. My pygmy goats, Bert and Ernie give me so many laughs. Ernie is obsessed with Rich Tea biscuits and regularly sneaks into the kitchen to steal bananas. He also has a taste for Guinness! Get yourself an Ernie and life will never be dull again!

Talented designer Alice Holliday works from a cosy third-floor atelier on Main Street in Skibbereen. Alice grew up in Castlehaven and her love of fashion and rare sense of style appeared early. Her surroundings, especially nature and the sea, became an inseparable part of her aesthetic.

At the age of nine, Alive already knew she wanted to become a designer. Childhood games with her sister – trying on vintage clothes and putting together improvised fashion shows – became the first steps towards her future profession. Over time, this grew into a clear creative path: making clothes that do not simply decorate a person, but help them express who they are.

Today, Alice works mainly with vintage and upcycled materials, reimagining them and giving them a new life. Her designs are defined by a love of experimentation and sustainable fashion – layering, texture, bold combinations of colour and print.

Look One

This ethereal, nature-inspired outfit captures a sense of joy.

At the centre is an airy, almost weightless dress made from sheer fabric and decorated with bright floral appliqués. The flowers are not just decoration – they create a sense of handcraft and individuality.

The silhouette is soft and flowing, with a fine belt accentuating the waist. At the same time, the layering – the dress worn over denim – adds a modern feeling and a gentle boldness.

It’s a timeless piece created around nature, flowers, light fabric and a feminine silhouette are elements that return to fashion again and again. The accessories also strengthen the look. A bright bag adds energy and focus, while the shoes and sheer socks support the softness and playfulness.

Stylist’s tip: To let dresses like this truly shine, play with contrast. Wear them not only with romantic shoes, but also with more grounded pieces – denim, chunky boots or minimalist accessories. This creates the balance between fairytale and real life that makes an outfit feel modern and stylish.

Look Two

This look feels as though it has stepped out of a fairytale.

The foundation is a layered silhouette. A flowing skirt in a warm terracotta shade creates soft movement and gives the outfit an earthy, natural base. Over it, a dark tunic with a painterly print recalls brushstrokes or floral motifs in a muted palette. This contrast – dark and warm, structured and airy – makes the look visually rich and interesting.

Accessories play a special role. A small bag on a long chain adds a vintage mood. The necklace and hair detail strengthen the sense that the look has been thoughtfully and artistically composed. The red footwear with a large flower is a bold, almost theatrical gesture that brings the whole composition to life.

Stylist’s tip: In a complex, layered outfit like this, it is important to keep a clear focus. Here, that focus is already created by the red shoes. When styling such a look, avoid adding too many more bright accents. Instead, support the colour of the shoes with lipstick or a small detail in the accessories, so the whole outfit feels complete and harmonious.

Look Three

This look is pure fairytale, with a touch of dramatic fashion and ethnic chic. 

The foundation is a black skirt with an ethnic print and a wide leather belt, which emphasises the waist and adds structure. A light mesh layer creates airiness, while the lower layer with ornamental print adds depth and visual interest. This contrast between transparency and dense pattern makes the outfit complex and multi-dimensional.

On the shoulders is a textured white fur cape, which immediately draws attention and adds theatre, luxury and a little fairytale innocence. The printed blouse softly echoes the hemline, creating a sense of unity. The loose sleeves look almost like wings, giving the outfit movement and a delicate, magical fragility.

Accessories are key here. The floral wreath in the hair strengthens the natural theme, while lace gloves add vintage refinement. The layered necklace makes the look more theatrical, and the round bag shaped like an old clock becomes the main narrative accent. The black shoes and sheer tights balance everything without drawing attention away from the main story.

The mood of the look is magical, slightly mysterious, but still warm and feminine.

Stylist’s tip: To adapt such an expressive look for everyday life, you can break it down into separate elements. For example, wear the printed skirt with more minimalist accessories, or replace the fur cape with a calmer jacket. This keeps the character of the outfit, while making it more wearable.

Photographer, stylist, make-up artist and text: Galyna Zaitseva

Clothing and headpieces:
Alice Halliday @alicehalliday alicehalliday.com

With thanks to Violette for providing the clock bag for the shoot.

Yes, therapy is immensely helpful when in crisis. However, I often sit with clients who arrive and might say something like “I’m doing really well so I thought I might cancel today.” That is swiftly followed by often having a deeply helpful and insightful therapy session. This is because therapy can matter when somebody is functioning well, coping adequately and moving through life with ease. Many therapists might say that this time of year gets very quiet when schools start to close and people take holidays along with finer weather and longer days. I don’t experience this in my own practice with clients yet it makes sense. I know when the evenings are longer and the sun is out that I feel much more energised in myself.

The important thing to note is that psychological life continues whether we are in crisis or not. Patterns continue. Relationships continue. Defences continue. How we experience and deal with making meaning, identity, intimacy, grief, work, ageing, sexuality, family and all aspects of ourselves does not disappear during sunny days. Here is the interesting thing, the dis-ease that one can experience can sometimes be more visible, and accessible to address in therapy, when immediate survival or coping is not consuming all available emotional energy.

Many psychotherapists have written about the importance of attending to psychological life before distress becomes unbearable. Irvin Yalom, an American psychiatrist, wrote that “the act of revealing oneself fully to another” is central to therapeutic work in his book ‘The Gift of Therapy’. He described therapy as a place where people can encounter themselves more directly rather than simply manage themselves when in crisis. His work positions therapy as an engagement with existence itself rather than merely a treatment for something.

The idea that therapy can support a person who is living with ease is also reflected in contemporary discussions of psychotherapy. Recent qualitative research describes a man seeking therapy because he felt “somehow stuck” despite having achieved many of the things he had worked toward in life. The article noted that many people without formal diagnoses now seek therapy as a place to think carefully about their lives, values, relationships and choices. Psychological pain is not always dramatic or a crisis.

There can also be value in therapy during periods of relative ease because people are often more able to reflect when they are not in immediate crisis. When somebody is acutely distressed, therapy may need to prioritise containment, safety, regulation and practical support. Yet, deeper exploration can become more possible when the nervous system is less overwhelmed. People may then have more capacity to examine challenges such as longstanding relational patterns or attachment dynamics for example.

Carl Rogers, the founder of Person Centred Therapy, argued that growth occurs within relationships characterised by genuineness, empathy and acceptance. Unlike a medical model of mental health, his work was not about reduction of symptoms or diagnosis. In his book ‘On Becoming a Person’, Rogers wrote that “the curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change”. This has been influential on therapy since 1961 because it captures something that is so very important about psychotherapy. Change often emerges not through doing something to change one’s self rather through sustained attention to experience of the self while in relation to another.

Therapy can also be a place where people recognise the cost of coping strategies that appear to protect them. Emotional avoidance, perfectionism, hyper-independence, co-dependence, dissociation, people-pleasing, intellectualisation and relentless productivity, to name a few, may help somebody survive difficult circumstances. Those same strategies can later narrow emotional experiencing and relationships. Therapy can provide space to understand how these patterns formed and whether they are still needed.

Research across psychotherapy has repeatedly shown that emotional awareness, relational support and reflective functioning are associated with improved psychological outcomes. Therapy can support people in recognising stress responses before they escalate into crisis. For example, it can help individuals identify challenges, relational dissatisfaction, suicidal thinking or emotional issues earlier than one otherwise might. That matters clinically because people are often taught to dismiss their distress until it becomes undeniable. This can be seen in Ireland frequently as there is often a ‘get on with it’ attitude in our society. In many cultures there is still an expectation that suffering must become severe before support is considered legitimate. This can create shame around seeking therapy while ‘doing okay’. Yet, emotional life does not operate according to thresholds of deservingness. Somebody does not need to be at breaking point to benefit from being listened to carefully.

In his book ‘Freedom and Destiny’, Rollo May wrote that “the purpose of psychotherapy is to set people free”. Freedom does not mean permanent happiness or the absence of pain. It refers more to increased awareness, agency and capacity for choice. Therapy may help people recognise how they relate to themselves and others. It may help them understand fears that shape decisions. It may support more honest relationships. These processes are relevant regardless of whether somebody currently feels great or not.

Continuity in therapeutic work, regular connected sessions, can be very important for many people. People who engage with therapy only during periods of acute crisis may experience support as something emergency-based and temporary. Ongoing therapeutic relationships can create a different experience as they can allow trust to develop gradually. Regular therapy can support a more nuanced understanding of emotional life over time.

Therapy also matters because people change across the lifespan. Relationships end, bodies age, careers shift and friendships and families evolve. The self that entered therapy years ago may not be the self that exists now. Returning to therapy during periods of ease can allow people to reassess who they are becoming rather than only reacting to pain. Therapy can offer one the privilege of a lifetime, which is to become who you truly are. The process of becoming the fullest version of oneself rarely occurs only during crisis or in a short period of time. So, as the sun starts to peek out and the days are much longer, it could be wise to look inward when the ease of living is there to support asking hard questions of one’s self in therapy.

For more information on Leo’s services, 

phone: 085 1300573

email: info@leomuckley.com 

web: www.leomuckley.com 

social media: @leomuckleypsychotherapy

We think of osteoporosis as a condition that affects the older adult, but it is a condition that is established in youth. Bone mass peaks in your 20s but what builds your bone mass is exercise and loading the bone through heavy weight or resistance. This means that the amount of bone mass you acquire as a child and through young adulthood will determine your risk of acquiring osteoporosis as an older adult even though we actually begin to lose bone mass from about 35 onwards.

Bones are the rigid structures that form the framework of your body, making up the skeleton. And maybe it is our collective association of the skeleton with death that makes us think of bones as inert, dry, dead matter but this association could not be further from the truth.  Bones are dynamic organs composed mostly of collagen and calcium phosphate, which provide strength and flexibility. Bones protect internal organs, support muscles, store essential minerals, and house the marrow, where blood cells are produced.

Bones are constantly renewing themselves through a process called remodelling, where old bone tissue is replaced with new. Bone cells called osteoclasts are our demolition crew which break down and absorb old bone tissue, while osteoblasts are our construction crew, building new bone tissue. This ongoing renewal is crucial for maintaining bone health and strength. Because of their critical role in movement, protection, and overall health, keeping your bones strong is essential – especially when thinking about preventing conditions like osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent disease, as the loss of bone density is painless in the early stages. In fact, the primary way it is diagnosed is through a low radiation scan of the body (DEXA scan) which your doctor may recommend based on your age or risk factors. There are several risk factors to consider.

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men because they have smaller bones than men and women with smaller frames are more at risk than women with larger frames for the same reason. Loss of oestrogen and testosterone in menopause contribute to a loss in bone density with some women experiencing excessive bone loss at this time. In fact, if there are no mitigating familial contra-indications against the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy, this should be something to discuss with your doctor, particularly if you have several risk factors for osteoporosis and are below 50.  

If there is a history of osteoporosis in your family this further increases risk, especially if either parent has experienced a fracture from a trip or fall or less. 

Certain medications and treatments leave one vulnerable to bone tissue loss. S.S.R.I.s commonly prescribed for depression, long term steroid use, some medications used in the treatment of breast cancer, prostate cancer and epilepsy can be risk factors. Conditions such as coeliac disease or Crohn’s and having an overactive thyroid can contribute to loss of bone density. And all patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy need preventative treatment to protect against bone loss.

The obvious lifestyle apply here: excessive alcohol consumption (more than two drinks a day), smoking and inactivity. Poor dietary choices factor too, whether it is consuming a limited range of nutrients or poor quality foods, which can lead to chronic inflammation, which underlies so many of our health woes these days. Under-eating and over-exercising in younger years can have serious long-term effects on bone density.  

So what can we do?

Far from presenting a negative and hopeless picture there is much we can do, whether we wish to prevent osteoporosis or even reverse it. Diet and exercise are the two most important tools in your toolbox, so let’s look at the specifics.

One third of bone tissue is made of collagen, a flexible tissue that gives bone the ability to bend under pressure without snapping. Calcium is a mineral that hardens bone and gives it rigidity while collagen provides elasticity, bone health requires both. Calcium supplementation is often the first port of call regardless of the degree of bone loss. We can get calcium in our diets from leafy greens such as kale, spinach and bok choy but if you wish to pursue the supplementary route, ensure that your vitamin D source is combined with the mineral K2, which activates a protein that acts as a guide directing the calcium to the bones and not the arteries. In fact, the Rotterdam Study, which tracked nearly 5,000 people over a ten-year period from 1990 to 2000 found a high dietary intake of k2 resulted in a decrease in aortic calcification or hardening of the arteries. K2 can be found in the Japanese dish of Natto (fermented beans) or perhaps more palatably in Kefir, should you wish to obtain it from food.

An important mineral to include here is magnesium. Calcium and magnesium work as a tag team in the bone tissue, while calcium provides the structure and strength, magnesium regulates calcium balance and bone crystal formation. If your magnesium is low, your body can’t use calcium efficiently.

Other foods to consider for calcium are beans and legumes, sesame seeds and in particular tahini, one tblsp of which contains the same amount of calcium as a small glass of milk. According to research published in the #publication Osteoporosis International (2024), consuming 100g of prunes daily has favourable impacts on bone mineral density.

I mentioned above the importance of collagen to keep our bones ‘elastic’. There is recent and ongoing research into hydrolysed collagen peptide supplementation to increase bone mineral density. Research is ongoing but there are positive noises coming from this area; however, we remain at the ‘studies suggest’ stage for the moment. If you do choose to supplement with collagen peptides, note that Vitamin C really matters for the production of collagen in the body so ensuring your collagen supplement incorporates vitamin C and that you continue to consume a variety of fruit and vegetables in your diet is essential.

Bone needs mechanical stress in order to grow. In a recent study in Queensland Australia a group of post-menopausal women with low bone density underwent a supervised training regimen using heavy lifting such as dead lifts, squats and overhead press exercises. This trial, known as the LIFTMOR trial (2018), has been groundbreaking in that it has proven that supervised, heavy resistance and impact training has positive impact on bone density. The trial consisted of 2 x 30 minute sessions weekly. There is a change in thinking when it comes to exercise and osteoporosis. Rather than fearing fragility we can be empowered to build stronger bones safely. Undertaking strength training should always be supervised properly especially if you are a novice and have low bone density but it is encouraging to know that we can rebuild what has been lost by simply safely increasing load. Start gently and progress. First you should learn how to breathe, how to engage your core and hold your posture to maximise your gains and prevent injury. And of course, walk! Walk briskly, walk uphill, take your stairs but put those joints under load.

One of the quietest struggles many teenagers face is the pressure to become someone before they have fully discovered who they are. Adolescence is often described as a stage of identity formation, but that phrase barely captures the emotional complexity teens are actually experiencing. Beneath the surface of changing styles, shifting friendships, mood swings, and experimentation lies a deeper question many young people try to answer every day: Who am I, and will I still be loved if the answer disappoints someone?

For teenagers, identity is not fixed. It moves, stretches, collapses, reforms. One week they seem confident and independent; the next they appear uncertain, withdrawn, or desperate for approval. Parents often find this inconsistency confusing. They wonder why their teen changes friend groups so quickly, adopts different interests overnight, or suddenly rejects values they once embraced. But identity development is rarely linear. Adolescence is a process of trying on different versions of the self, testing where belonging exists, and discovering which parts feel authentic and which parts were shaped by expectation.

The challenge is that many teens attempt to figure this out in environments where being fully themselves does not always feel emotionally safe.

Today’s adolescents are growing up in a world where identity is constantly performed and observed. Social media has intensified self-awareness to an exhausting degree. 

Teenagers are not only asking themselves who they are; they are also asking how they are perceived, whether they are accepted, and how quickly they can be rejected for getting it wrong. Likes, comments, algorithms, peer approval, and online trends all shape how identity is explored and expressed.

At the same time, many teens feel pressure to fit into expectations coming from multiple directions at once. Parents may carry hopes, fears, cultural values, or unspoken dreams that influence how they respond to their child’s choices. Schools reward certain forms of achievement. Peer groups establish social rules about appearance, behaviour, and belonging. Society pushes narrow ideas about success, attractiveness, masculinity, femininity, and worth.

In the middle of all this noise, many teenagers quietly begin to split themselves in two: the self they feel they truly are, and the self they believe will be accepted.

This is where masking often begins.

Masking is not simply pretending. It is adaptation for survival. A teen may hide their sensitivity to appear ‘easy-going’. Another may suppress their creativity because it doesn’t align with family expectations. Some become high achievers to secure approval, even while internally exhausted. Others adopt personas that seem emotionally invulnerable because vulnerability feels unsafe.

Parents often interpret these changes as phases, rebellion, or attention-seeking, but many of these behaviours are rooted in fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of disappointing people they love. Fear of losing connection if they reveal parts of themselves that feel uncertain or unacceptable.

What makes adolescence especially emotionally intense is that belonging matters deeply at this stage of development. Neuroscience shows that the teenage brain is highly sensitive to social evaluation and rejection. Emotional exclusion can feel physically painful. This is why teens may conform outwardly even when something internally feels wrong. The need for attachment and approval can temporarily outweigh authenticity.

At home, this dynamic can become particularly complicated. Parents naturally project hopes onto their children, often without realising it. A parent may imagine their teen following a certain educational path, embodying particular values, or becoming the version of adulthood they themselves longed for. Sometimes these projections are subtle. 

Sometimes they are spoken openly. Even loving, well-intentioned parents can unintentionally communicate: I will feel safer, prouder, or more comfortable if you become this version of yourself.

Teens pick up on this quickly.

They notice which parts of themselves receive praise and which parts create tension. They learn what makes adults smile with relief and what causes disappointment or anxiety. Over time, some begin shaping themselves around those reactions rather than around their own internal truth.

This creates an exhausting emotional conflict. Many teenagers desperately want autonomy while still needing parental love and security. They want permission to explore identity without risking attachment. When those needs collide, conflict often emerges.

A teen pushing back against a parent’s expectations is not always rejecting the parent themselves. Often, they are fighting for psychological space to discover who they are outside of external definitions. The louder the pressure to conform, the stronger the need to resist.

This resistance can look messy. It may appear as withdrawal, sudden changes in style or beliefs, emotional volatility, secrecy, or rejection of family traditions. Parents sometimes panic during these shifts, fearing they are ‘losing’ their child. But identity exploration is not a sign of failure. It is a developmental necessity.

What teens need during this period is not complete freedom without guidance, nor rigid control disguised as protection. They need emotionally safe relationships where curiosity can exist without immediate judgment.

This does not mean parents must agree with every choice or suppress all concern. It means creating space for conversation instead of interrogation. It means asking questions with genuine openness rather than hidden agendas. It means separating a teen’s evolving identity from parental fear.

One of the most supportive things a parent can say is: You do not have to become who I imagined in order to be loved by me.

Many teenagers carry silent anxiety around disappointing their parents. Even in loving homes, they often fear that authenticity will cost them connection. When parents respond to identity exploration with excessive control, criticism, or panic, teens tend to move further away emotionally. Not because they no longer care about the relationship, but because they no longer feel safe being seen within it.

The opposite is also true. When teens experience emotional safety, they become more likely to reflect honestly, communicate openly, and stay connected even while differentiating.

Identity crises are not problems to eliminate quickly. They are invitations into deeper self-awareness. Adolescence is supposed to include uncertainty. It is supposed to involve questioning, experimenting, and revising. The goal is not to help teens arrive at a perfectly stable identity as fast as possible. The goal is to help them develop enough internal safety to explore who they are without shame.

This requires patience from parents, especially because identity development often activates unresolved fears in adults too. Watching a teen move away from familiar versions of themselves can stir grief, loss of control, or fear about the future. Parents may mourn the child who once mirrored them more closely. They may fear judgment from others. They may worry that uncertainty itself is dangerous.

But uncertainty is not dysfunction. It is part of becoming.

Teenagers are not asking parents to have all the answers. Most are simply asking for room to discover themselves without feeling emotionally abandoned in the process.

The deeper question beneath many parent-teen conflicts is not really about clothes, friendships, career paths, or social media. It is this: Can I still belong here while becoming myself?

When parents can hold that question with compassion instead of fear, something powerful happens. Teens begin to feel that authenticity does not require disconnection. That they can grow, change, question, and evolve without losing the safety of home.

And that sense of emotional safety becomes the foundation from which a more grounded identity can eventually emerge.

While this change is outside of our control and will be managed, maybe even embraced in the future, we must allow ourselves to ‘have our moment’ and allow time to genuinely feel uncomfortable feelings. I am not a ‘get on with it’ type of person and very often find it hard to disguise what I’m feeling. The process of anything, as far as I’m concerned, is as, if not more important, than the task. So how something happens is as valuable as the way it actually happens.  The balancing of the process and task is embedded as a principle in community work training and in mindfulness training also. It’s the journey, not the destination that is important.  

But, in this moment, the destination matters too, because we don’t know where the mindfulness groups at Myross Wood will re-locate to. This will take months to figure out but I am relying on patience and trust and will take it one step at a time. And I’m not at all on my own, so many people care, including my weekly drop-in meditation group on Tuesday mornings, people who have been sitting meditating collectively for six years. Everyone offers comfort and potential solutions. My monthly mindfulness peer support for family carers, also in its sixth year, care very much where we will gather in the future.  

This work really matters to me, it supports us through grief, loss and change in our lives, helping us to manage the micro and the macro moments, allowing us to feel real happiness and joy. We are in the process of developing an online communication page and notice board for all carers in West Cork and this is vital work, led by the carers group at Myross Wood.  The empathy and compassion for others in this monthly group is very special to behold. Huge thanks to Cork ETB who have funded this work for a number of years through REACH funding with the welcome addition this year of the Collaboration and Innovation Fund. The work won’t stop, it will need a new venue.

But here now, reflecting over my time at Myross Wood, I have such appreciation for every single person I have encountered along the way.  Whether it was at a weekly mindfulness drop-in session, a themed workshop, staff teambuilding/wellbeing days, last year’s overnight retreat for family carers, or at a fundraising workshop last November to honour Dermot and all the souls. Or perhaps we connected at our monthly mindfulness peer support sessions for family carers, annual reconnect and re-engage programme or outdoor mindfulness in nature sessions.  Thank you every single one of you, from the bottom of a very full heart.

I have an appreciation for the place itself, close to my native Castlehaven, that held us all, surrounded by nature, such a special place connecting us to our very roots. Walking the other day, I had the most magical encounter with a giant hare, who lolloped along the road, stopped and rose up to his/her full height, just looking at me for a couple of minutes before heading off down the path.  I hope so much that the wildlife and nature living there will continue to be supported after CECAS leave.  The many staff and volunteers who supported us over the years deserve a massive mention on this list of gratitude and appreciation. Thank you for the wholesome soup for our carers group and associated events, the homemade cake and most of all the care.

We will deal with what’s happening but it’s ok to pause and take a moment or more, to feel our feelings around the loss of this community space. I will keep people posted in these monthly writings but please keep an eye on my Facebook page for up-to-date information on where we’re heading.  Care by Rachel Holstead feels very apt today.

‘In those moments when you want to care for all the world, / Remember that in you is also the whole of the world. / And you can only begin here – caring for this skin, / These bones, this heart. / Delve deep into caring, and every cell becomes a temple in which to honour the world.’

Mindfulness in June

Our last two drop-in mindfulness sessions at CECAS, Myross Wood, Leap on Tuesday mornings 10-11am, June 16, and 30. €12. Beginners, returners and newcomers are always welcome.

For more information: phone: 087 2700572 or email: susanoreganmindfulness@gmail.com 

f susanoreganmindfulness

www.mindhaven.ie

by Niamh Cooper, Melissa Byrne & Gillian Hegarty

We know them as something we get in our local takeaway. But making your own spring rolls is actually so easy – and fun – a four-year-old could do it! It’s actually the perfect food to make at a party.

Spring rolls are one of those dishes that look amazing and are surprisingly simple to put together. They are incredibly nutritious, bursting with nutrients and so full of flavour. Everyone gets to make their own, with ingredients they love. Perfect for a party or playdate. Kids love them and it encourages everyone to try new foods.

Fresh Spring Rolls

You will need:

• 8 rice paper wrappers*

• 1 carrot, peeled, cut into matchsticks

• 1 small red or yellow pepper, thinly sliced

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

• 4 leaves of butter-head lettuce, torn

• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced lengthways

• 1 mango

• 1 avocado

• 100g vermicelli rice noodles, cooked and cooled

• Fresh herbs: mint, basil, coriander, chives 

• Edible flowers: chive flowers, marigold, cornflowers

• 1 chicken breast**, cut into 1cm pieces

• 2 tbsp soy / tamari* sauce

• 2 tbsp mirin*

* Most supermarkets have these in the oriental foods aisle.

** You can use tofu, prawns, beef, or any other meat you fancy, too. 

Place the tofu/meat in a bowl with the soy/tamari sauce and the mirin, and leave to marinate for at least 10 minutes. Cook slowly in a bit of oil in a frying pan or oven until cooked through, then leave to cool completely.

Slice all the vegetables you have chosen to use into thin batons, no longer than the width of the wrapper. Lay them out on a plate.

Fill a large bowl with water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper at a time for a few seconds until it softens and becomes flexible. Lift it out carefully and place it on a damp tea towel.

Lay a few pieces of lettuce horizontally across the centre of the wrapper, leaving about an inch free on each side. Add your chosen fillings on top: a little of everything, or whatever takes your fancy.

To roll: gently lift the bottom of the wrapper up and over the filling, pull it snug, then fold in the two sides and continue rolling until your spring roll is fully wrapped. The tighter you roll, the better it holds together.

Peanut Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup peanut butter

• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp soy or tamari sauce

• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 small clove garlic, finely grated

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together with one-third cup hot water until smooth. Add a little more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)

• 3 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 small chilli, sliced (optional)

• ¼ cup water

Stir all ingredients together until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust, depending on your taste.

Follow us for more news about our cooking and gardening workshops in West Cork schools: c @kidsfoodrevolution. Newsletter: kidsfoodrevolution.substack.com.
wwwkidsfoodrevolution.com.

This month’s beauty edit features a mix of skincare, haircare, makeup and fragrance launches that focus not just on results, but on supporting the skin and hair over time. From advanced vitamin C and collagen-focused skincare to restorative haircare and niche fragrance, these are some of the new products and brands that recently caught my attention.

Juvaré Advanced Hair Repair

New Irish haircare brand Juvaré has launched with a focus on repairing and strengthening over-processed, heat-styled and environmentally stressed hair. Founded by Jane Buckley, the range combines performance-led formulas with accessible pricing. 

At the heart of the five-piece COM-PLEX collection is an advanced Amino Acid Complex designed to help replenish amino acids the hair naturally loses over time through colouring, heat styling, UV exposure and environmental stress. The formulas also include ingredients such as Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E and nourishing oils including argan, raspberry, macadamia and sweet almond oil. The collection includes the Bond Repair Shampoo, Blonde Toning Shampoo, Intensive Treatment, Leave-In Conditioner and Repairing Oil, all created to help leave hair softer, smoother and healthier-looking over time, from €11.99 available online juvare.ie and pharmacies nationwide

Brow Aid Lash Lab Restorative Mascara

Brow Aid Lash Lab Restorative Mascara combines makeup performance with a more treatment-focused approach to lash care. Developed with 86 per cent naturally derived ingredients, the formula is designed to volumise, lengthen and define lashes while also helping support lash condition over time. Flexible coating technology helps protect lashes from daily wear and breakage, while conditioning ingredients help keep lashes softer and less brittle. Independent clinical trials carried out over five weeks, showed Lash Lab mascara delivered up to 250 per cent more volume, 27 per cent longer-looking lashes and improved curl, while also offering smudge-resistant, flake-free wear for up to eight hours, €22 available online browaid.com, Brown Thomas, Arnotts and selected stockists nationwide.

Neutrogena Collagen Bank Range

Neutrogena has launched its new Collagen Bank range, a science-backed skincare collection focused on helping support and preserve the skin’s natural collagen.

Research shows we naturally lose collagen over time, with UV exposure and environmental stressors playing a major role in accelerating that process. Designed as a “pre-ageing” approach to skincare, the range focuses on supporting skin before more visible collagen decline occurs. Using Micro-Peptide Technology, the formulas are designed to help improve early signs associated with collagen decline including fine lines, texture, radiance, firmness and elasticity, while also helping defend against environmental stressors and daily UV exposure. The collection includes the Collagen Bank SPF 30 Moisturiser, Collagen Bank Moisturiser and the Reviving Eye Gel Cream, combining ingredients such as peptides, niacinamide and bakuchiol in a simple routine focused on hydration and long-term skin support, from €26.99 available in pharmacies nationwide.

ASAP Super C+ Complex

ASAP has launched Super C+ Complex, a next-generation vitamin C serum designed to target dullness, uneven skin tone and visible signs of ageing while supporting overall skin health. Powered by 20 per cent L-Ascorbic Acid, the water-free formula is designed to help brighten the complexion, support collagen and smooth the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation. The silicone-free formula also contains squalane for hydration and barrier support, CoEnzyme Q10 to help defend against environmental stress, Echinacea Purpurea Extract for antioxidant and skin-soothing support, Holy Basil to help calm and protect the skin, and Sea Buckthorn, rich in antioxidants and nourishing fatty acids, €89 available online asapskincare.ie and ASAP skincare stockists nationwide.

Republic of Oud Midnight Glow

Founded by Cork native Alan Coakley, Republic of Oud is a luxury fragrance boutique located in Winthrop Arcade in Cork City, specialising in carefully curated niche fragrances from around the world. One of their bestsellers is Midnight Glow, from perfume house Emirates Pride, this woody fresh scent is inspired by the changing tides and quieter elements of the natural world. Created by perfumer Jórdi Fernandez, it opens with bergamot before moving into cedarwood and pridewood notes, grounded by a musky ambergris base. Elegant and comforting with a modern depth, Midnight Glow is available both in-store and online through Republic of Oud, €180 100ml.

To make an appointment for one of my Advanced Facial Treatments | Medical Microneedling | Byonik Laser | Dermalux LED Light Therapy |Slimyonik Body Airstyler | Teen Facials book online at www.shernamalone.ie 

by Amanda Roe

Varicose veins are a common concern for many people, especially women, affecting both appearance and comfort.

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, swollen veins that most often appear in the legs and feet. They happen when the tiny valves inside veins which normally keep blood flowing upward toward the heart become weak or damaged. Instead of moving smoothly, blood pools in the veins causing them to bulge, stretch and sometimes look rope-like or raised under the skin.

Varicose veins can make us feel self-conscious when they are visibly bulging, twisted or discoloured, however they are not just a cosmetic issue. Physically, they are weak or faulty veins that are not circulating blood properly, and this can lead to discomfort and pain. Legs can ache, swell, throb, itch or burn. They can also feel heavy, tired or weak with fatigue limiting daily activities and discomfort or restlessness causing sleep disturbances.

If you have varicose veins, it is important to stay active and take movement breaks, as sitting or standing for long periods can make them worse. Regular exercise or activity will help to improve circulation and strengthen leg muscles. Wearing flat or low-heeled shoes instead of high heels will help calf muscles pump blood more effectively, and putting your legs up above your heart for 15-20 minutes can help to reduce swelling. Compression stockings are also helpful, as they support the legs whilst you are busy through the day.

For those seeking early intervention or complementary therapies, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer effective options for supporting vascular health. Acupuncture can reduce pressure within the vascular system, improving blood flow and circulation while offering cosmetic benefits for both spider veins and varicose veins. Chinese medicine also works to regulate fluid metabolism, helping decrease swelling, and activates the body’s natural pain-relieving pathways to ease aching, throbbing, or burning sensations. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, addressing underlying issues such as blood stagnation or Qi imbalance not only supports vein health but also strengthens the body and promotes mental relaxation.

By combining practical lifestyle strategies with the holistic approach of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, individuals with varicose veins can experience meaningful relief, improved circulation, and greater confidence. These therapies work holistically to support the body as a whole, nurturing both physical comfort and emotional wellbeing.

Amanda Roe is a clinical hypnotherapist, acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, life and health coach specialising in women’s holistic health. She uses a range of therapies including dietary guidance to optimise fertility and obstetric health whilst also supporting recovery from trauma, eating disorders and other chronic health conditions.

For more information or to book a consultation visit www.roehealth.ie or call/text Amanda on: 087 6331898.

I’m not a dermatologist but, as a GP with 30 years experience, I have seen one skin condition commonly affecting the face that can be particularly distressing for women: Rosacea can have a significant impact on confidence and quality of life.

What exactly is rosacea?

Many people think that Rosacea is a type of acne, but that is not the case. 

Rosacea is a common female skin condition, mostly affecting the face. It predominantly affects fair-skinned individuals but may appear in any skin type. Rosacea can start at any age from childhood onwards, but most commonly appears in young adults.

While it is more common in women, when affecting men it may be more severe. It is a long-term condition and fluctuates from mild to severe. Rosacea mostly affects the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. What is going on in the skin is a mixture of inflammation and increased blood flow caused by rapid vasodilation, in the same way that blushing occurs. Women feel the skin on their face is often sensitive and the affected area can feel very hot or sting.

She finds that pretty much any cream she applies causes redness. As well as the redness there can be elements of thickening of the skin, with small bumps, and pus-filled spots similar to acne. There may also be uncomfortable redness and irritation of the surface of the eyes and eyelids. Some people affected by rosacea may develop eye problems such as painful inflammation involving the front part of the eye (rosacea keratitis) and this may cause blurred vision. If you develop symptoms affecting the eyes, see your GP, as they may need to refer you to see a dermatologist or an optician.

Because this skin condition affects the face, it can be very stressful, result in low self esteem, anxiety, social withdrawal and even depression. 

What does rosacea look like?

Rosacea usually starts with a tendency to blush easily. A red rash on the cheeks can be an early sign. After a while, the central areas of the face become a permanent deeper shade of red, with small, dilated blood vessels, bumps, and pus-filled spots.

Occasionally, there may be some swelling of the facial skin called lymphoedema, especially around the eyes. Occasionally, an overgrowth of the oil-secreting glands on the nose may cause it to become enlarged, bulbous and red called rhinophyma, but this rarely occurs in women. 

What causes rosacea? 

The cause of rosacea is not fully understood. Genetics, immune system problems and environmental factors may all play a part. Factors that trigger rosacea cause the blood vessels in the skin of the face to enlarge (dilate). The theory that rosacea is due to bacteria on the skin or in the gut has not been proven. However, antibiotics have proved helpful to treat rosacea. This is because of their anti-inflammatory effect. Rosacea is not contagious.

Is rosacea hereditary?

Rosacea does seem to run in some families, but there is no clear genetic link.

There are many triggers that may make rosacea worse. These include alcohol, exercise, high and low temperatures, hot drinks, spicy foods, hormone changes and stress. Rosacea patients can be sensitive to the sun. In my work as a menopause doctor, seeing women going through menopause skin changes is a common complaint. If there is pre-existing Rosacea, it often flares up and becomes very difficult to control, triggered by the hormone fluctuations of the menopause transition. Combined with the increased dryness of our skin as we age, the redness and inflammation seen in Rosacea can become really difficult to control over the age of 45. 

How will rosacea be
diagnosed?

Rosacea can be diagnosed by its appearance. Specific tests are not usually required.

Can rosacea be cured? 

No, but long-term treatments can be helpful.

How can rosacea be treated?

There is no magic cream! Resist the urge to buy expensive, lovely smelling and often coloured potions, as many ingredients in our cosmetic creams will aggravate the inflammation of Rosacea.

Use a simple, colour and scent free SPF 30 face cream daily. Avoid gritty exfoliation, as this will definitely flare the inflammation.

There are specific anti-inflammatory creams and oral anti inflammatories can also be helpful. But the redness is also caused by vasodilation or increased blood flow to the skin giving that bright red blush look.  This is harder to manage.

Local treatments: The inflammatory element of rosacea may be controlled with a medication applied to the affected areas. It may take at least eight weeks for the effect to become evident. Some applications work specifically to reduce the redness associated with rosacea.

Oral antibiotics: These are helpful for the inflammatory element of moderate or severe rosacea. The most commonly used antibiotics belong to the tetracycline group and include tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, lymecycline and minocycline. Erythromycin is another commonly used antibiotic. The duration of an antibiotic course depends on how your body responds to the treatment. Your doctor may suggest that you use a cream and an oral treatment together.

Other treatments for rosacea may be recommended depending on the severity of symptoms. An eye specialist can help manage severe eye complications associated with rosacea. For patients who develop rhinophyma, a bulbous enlargement of the nose, treatment by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help reduce its appearance. Persistent redness and visible dilated blood vessels may be improved with laser therapy performed by a dermatologist. If excessive blushing is a significant concern, medications such as beta-blockers or clonidine may be prescribed. In cases of severe rosacea, a dermatologist may also prescribe isotretinoin tablets to help control symptoms.

What can I do?

Protecting your skin from the sun is an important part of managing rosacea. Before going outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to your face every day. Sunscreen should be reapplied regularly, especially during prolonged outdoor activities, to maintain effective protection.

When cleansing your face, avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin, as this can aggravate rosacea symptoms. Perfumed soaps should also be avoided because they may irritate sensitive skin. Instead, use a soap substitute, such as an emollient cleanser, which is gentler on the skin. If your skin is dry or sensitive, regular use of a non-perfumed moisturiser can help maintain the skin barrier and reduce irritation.

Many people find that certain lifestyle factors can trigger or worsen their rosacea. Keeping a diary of flare-ups may help identify personal triggers, allowing you to avoid factors that aggravate your symptoms. In some cases, cosmetics can be used effectively to conceal redness, and specialised skin camouflage products may provide additional coverage for excessive facial redness.

Unless specifically recommended by your doctor, it is generally advisable to avoid some acne treatments, as these products can irritate rosacea-prone skin. Similarly, creams or ointments containing corticosteroids should not be used unless prescribed by a dermatologist, as they may worsen rosacea over time.

If your eyes are affected by rosacea, it is important not to ignore the symptoms. Consult your GP, as referral to a dermatologist or ophthalmologist may be necessary for further assessment and treatment. In addition, some medications can increase facial flushing and blushing. Your doctor or dermatologist can review your current medications and make appropriate adjustments if necessary.

For more information go to www.irishskin.ie and www.rosacea.org.

I hope this has been healthful. If you wish to request an article on any particular female health topics please email any
suggestions to the editor for consideration:
mary@westcorkpeople.ie.

Hair loss can happen for a variety of reasons, as herbalist Rosarie Kingston explains, looking at the different types of hair loss and approaches to preventing or treating this condition

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, and it can occur due to family history, autoimmune conditions, hormonal changes, lack of certain nutrients in the diet, some medications, scalp problems, and stress. It is often more helpful to think of alopecia as a sign that something else is going on in the body, rather than one single condition, because the way the hair falls out can point to different underlying causes.

Hair grows in a repeating cycle with three main stages: a growing phase (anagen), a short transition phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen) during which the hair stops growing and eventually sheds. After shedding, the follicle rests for a while before starting a new growing phase and producing a fresh hair strand. If there is a disruption in this cycle we get hair loss.

The most common type of long-term hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia, often known as female-pattern or male-pattern hair loss. This type runs in families and gets worse slowly over time. It is the kind of thinning that many women notice as they get older.

Another common type is alopecia areata, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Hair can also shed more than usual after an illness, very high stress, childbirth, surgery, rapid weight loss, or if there are low levels of iron, zinc, vitamin D, or B vitamins.

Hormonal changes are another major cause, especially during pregnancy and menopause. Certain medicines, scalp infections, very tight hairstyles, and harsh hair treatments can also weaken the hair follicles and lead to shedding.

Oestrogen plays an important role in keeping our hair healthy by helping it stay in its growing phase for longer. When oestrogen levels drop, hair can begin to shed more easily and may take longer to grow back. This is why many women notice thinning hair during times of hormonal change, such as after childbirth or during menopause.

During menopause in particular, the hair follicles (which produce each strand of hair) are quite sensitive to changes in oestrogen. Lower levels can affect not just how much hair grows, but also its thickness and texture. However, it is not always as simple as ‘low oestrogen’ causing hair loss. In some women, hair follicles are more sensitive to other hormones called androgens, even when these hormone levels are within a normal range. This means that hair thinning can also be influenced by genetics and how the body responds to its hormones, which is why blood tests do not always show a clear cause.

Stress can lead to hair loss in two main ways. First, it can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, where many hairs move into the resting phase too soon and then fall out a few months later. Second, stress may help bring on alopecia areata in people who are already prone to it, possibly by affecting how the immune system and inflammation work.

This does not mean stress is always the only cause. More often, it acts as a trigger on top of something else already going on, such as a family tendency, hormonal changes, illness, or a lack of certain nutrients. In everyday terms, stress can ‘tip’ the hair cycle out of balance, because the tiny structures that grow our hair are very sensitive to what is happening inside the body.

Nutrition is important because hair grows quickly and needs protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and several B vitamins to build strong strands. If these nutrients are low, hair can become thinner, more brittle, or fall out more easily. A Mediterranean-style diet, enough protein in the diet, and fixing any confirmed nutrient shortages are often the most sensible place to start if you notice hair thinning.

Among herbs and plant oils, rosemary is one of the better-known options, with studies suggesting it may support hair growth through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Pumpkin seed oil is another promising remedy, with clinical and preclinical evidence in pattern hair loss, possibly through effects on 5-alpha-reductase and support for the hair follicle. Nettle and horsetail (equisetum) are also traditionally valued for hair health, as they are rich in minerals that support strong, resilient hair.

For rosemary, a simple and effective use is as a rinse: simmer a handful of dried rosemary in water for 15-20 minutes, strain, and use the cooled liquid as a final rinse after washing your hair. Pumpkin seed oil is best taken internally, typically as a supplement (following the dose on the product label). Nettle can be used as a daily tea (steeping dried nettle leaves in hot water) or as a rinse made from a strong infusion. Horsetail is most commonly taken as a tea or tincture, though it can also be used as a rinse. Do not plant horsetail in your garden. It is very invasive and will take over in a short space of time. 

The best approach really depends on what’s causing the hair loss. If you’re noticing sudden shedding after a period of stress, illness, or a big life change, it often improves on its own once that trigger settles down. On the other hand, pattern hair loss and autoimmune-type alopecia usually need a more targeted plan.

If hair loss is ongoing, it’s sensible to take a close look at things like your iron levels, thyroid function, vitamin D, zinc, your diet, any medications you’re on, and whether you’re going through menstrual or menopausal changes, or showing signs of an autoimmune condition.

A  realistic approach might include fixing any nutrient shortages, easing up on stress where possible, using well-studied herbs like rosemary or pumpkin seed oil, and addressing any hormonal or medical factors at play. This kind of combined approach is often far more helpful than focusing on just one cause.

Here is my summer skincare routine to help your skin look and feel its absolute best, without needing fillers or harsh treatments!

Hydrate from within

We’ve all heard it a thousand times, but true hydration really does start on the inside. As we get older, our skin naturally produces less of its own oils and struggles to hold onto moisture. Drinking plenty of water is a great start, but you also need healthy fats in your diet to act like a seal, locking that moisture into your skin cells.

This is where Omega-3 essential fatty acids come in. They help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, keeping it plump and preventing it from drying out. Try to include plenty of Omega-3-rich foods in your meals, like walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or wild-caught fish. If you feel your skin needs an extra bit of help – especially during dry spells – a high-quality, pure fish oil or a plant-based algal oil supplement can make a world of difference in softening dry patches and keeping things supple. Flax, Hemp or Udo’s oil also works beautifully – all can be added to a smoothie or yoghurt and granola in the morning.

Smart sun care

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the kindest things you can do for it. Strong UV rays speed up the breakdown of collagen, which is what keeps our skin firm, and can lead to uneven skin tone or age spots.

Your best ally here is a good quality mineral suncream. Unlike standard chemical sunscreens, mineral formulas sit gently on top of the face using natural ingredients like zinc oxide to reflect the sun’s rays away like a mirror. Look out for Green People, Suntribe, Biosolis and Badger suncreams – all mineral, safe for you and for the ocean life. 

My favourite is Dr Hauschka’s Tinted SPF 30 – it gives a fabulous glow even if you don’t have a tan! 

I’m also trying to make a habit of wearing a hat or a cap when I’m out walking on a summer day – even on the shady days. 

Gentle exfoliation

Our skin’s natural renewal process slows down a bit over time, meaning dead skin cells can sit on the surface longer, making our complexion look a little dull or uneven. Gently clearing these away makes an instant difference and helps your regular creams absorb much better.

The trick with mature skin is to avoid anything harsh or abrasive – no gritty scrubs that scratch or irritate the face. Instead, opt for something kind to the skin barrier:

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream: This is a real classic and one of my personal favourites. Instead of scrubbing, you use a gentle ‘press and roll’ motion with wet hands. It uses almond meal and soothing herbs to lift away impurities while keeping your skin’s natural moisture entirely intact.

Olae PHA Exfoliant: Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) are fantastic for mature skin. They have a larger molecular structure than other exfoliating acids, meaning they work slowly and gently on the surface without causing redness. Even better, they actually draw moisture into the skin while they work. I use this PHA Exfoliant twice a week – it’s very gentle but I really notice the difference if I stop. 

Natural oils and plant actives

Once your face is clean and fresh, feeding it with natural oils leaves you with a gorgeous, dewy finish.

Olae Anti-Aging Oil: This is a beautifully crafted fantastic value French Oil designed specifically to deeply nourish mature skin, helping with elasticity and smoothing out fine lines. It contains so much Astaxanthin that it’s bright red – which is a great thing for your skin (again, it gives a lovely glow)

Trilogy Bakuchiol: If you want the smoothing benefits of Retinol but find it makes your skin dry, peeling, or sensitive to the sun, Bakuchiol is your answer. It’s a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol that helps refresh skin texture and boost radiance without any of the irritation.

Hydrating masks

Think of a face mask as a weekly top-up to give your skin a concentrated dose of moisture. It’s a simple ritual that yields wonderful results. I love using a mask in the bath. 

Dr. Hauschka Revitalising Mask: This is an absolute lifesaver for tired or parched skin, helping to even out the complexion and soothe any redness. A favorite trick of mine is to apply a thin layer in the evening and simply leave it on overnight. You’ll wake up with skin that looks beautifully rested and plump.

Urtekram Agave 3-Minute Mask: If you’re short on time or heading out for the evening, this organic mask gives your skin an express shot of cooling hydration in just three minutes.

If you like natural skincare, call in to Organico or visit our website – we have a very comprehensive selection of brands – from locally-made WaSi skincare (their Lemongrass soap is a bestseller!) to Irish Tallow Skincare to favourites like Weleda, Dr Hauschka and Trilogy. We’re passionate about everything to do with natural skincare.