It’s that time of year to pack away the winter woollies, open up those windows and enjoy the light breeze and warm glow hitting our skin.

We often start changing our daily routines to welcome the longer days and warmer nights. We enjoy the burst of colours from flowers and the extra early wake up calls from the birds. And, speaking of changes, I would love to say a very big hello to you. Scenic News has invited me to share my skincare knowledge, ideas and general skin and hair information with you.

Who am I? My name is Rebecca Castano-Mander. Professionally, I am an organic chemist and formulate my own range of skincare. Personally, I’m a mum, wife, aunty, friend, fan of adrenaline sports, chocolate and plants. Originally from country Victoria, 17 years ago I moved to the Gold Coast, met my husband and built my life with my family here. And yes, I’ve heard all the jokes. There isn’t a “Southerner” joke I haven’t heard. You’re welcome to have a go...

My career as an organic chemist is to analyse organic materials and discover ways that they will work with our skin and hair. And then based on that information, create formulations, which if I do my job right, will lead to nourishing and beneficial organic skin, hair and body care.

I am incredibly fortunate because my husband has allowed me to renovate our home to fit in a lab. And now we grow most of my extracts from my back yard. We also undertake soil rejuvenation, so the extracts are always grown in healthy, thriving and optimum soil conditions.

It’s important to me that every aspect of what I do and how I do them meets and exceeds sustainable, safety and ethical standards. And on top of that, producing products that nourish and benefit you, and in more than just one way.

And with the introduction of spring, those of us who are familiar with the effects of pollen, sleepy or dry skin from winter, and skin that doesn’t cope well with the onset of humidity, will probably understand how important is getting on top of those things.
So, before I leave you today, I want to give you some ideas to help you combat ‘spring skin’:
Drink more water. Even add some fruit into it. Frozen berries, or cucumber. Anything. It will give your skin something to sing about.

If your skin is struggling, give it a reset. A quick exfoliation if you’re time-poor will be fine.

Wash your face if your eyes are itchy or if you feel congested. There is a good chance that washing your face will help to remove any pollen.