How I could have fallen into breaking this, the 11th Commandment, I really can't explain. All I can say is it's like taking vitamins. You do it dutifully every day until one time you forget and the chain is broken. Before you know it, dust is gathering on the Pharmaton box and you can't explain why you're so tired.

Sadly, I can easily explain why I'm suddenly breaking out in spots on my chin and forehead and my cheeks are looking dry and lack-lustre. The lack of routine is taking its toll and it's time to get my act together. So when I arrive to sample the new flagship Guinot spa at Sam McAuley's in Greystones . . . which has been renovated and now boasts eight spacious treatment rooms, including a relaxation room, a laser room and a balneotherapy bath . . . I'm cheered to hear an Aromatic face and body treatment is on the menu.

The Aromatic face and body treatment is new to Guinot and designed to restore moisture levels and soothe rough and irritated skin . . . exactly what I need. As Samantha, my therapist, removes my make-up and examines my more patchy areas, she explains how she will use a mask to draw out all my impurities and get my skin back to normal. Yummy.

After a cleanse and tone comes the surprising bit . . . an exfoliation gel that feels rich and smooth. Not a single scrubby particle to be seen but it feels incredibly refreshing. After that comes the mask . . . a thick green cream that dries slowly on my face before being peeled off.

"Women under 35 should exfoliate and do a face mask twice a week, " explains Samantha. "Over 35 only need to do it once a week but you should always do them at the same time. I call it the Coronation Street mask. By the time the break comes round, you should be exfoliated and have your mask applied."

Now that sounds like a plan, although I might call it the Fair City mask in tune with my soap preferences. I'm already beginning to feel motivated about looking after my skin. But it's not over yet . . . after a luxurious head massage, facial moisturisation and a healthy dollop of Guinot Longue Vie Yeux (one of the best eye creams around), I'm dispatched back to the relaxation room to await my next treatment.

This is the Aromatic body treatment and I can look forward to an all-over body exfoliation followed by a moisturising treatment and massage.

First, however, I spend half-an-hour lolling in a personal sauna room to ensure my skin is at its most susceptible for the treatment.

At Sam McAuley's, they have introduced packages for new and expectant mothers as well as brides to be, which involve an full day at the spa being pampered and fed a delicious lunch.

As I leave the spa an hour later feeling rather sleepy (getting treatments is hard work you know), my skin is supple, smooth and beautifully moisturised. My dodgy areas clear up within a couple of days and yes, I am firmly back on the make-up removal wagon again.

TOP TIP

According to Samantha at Guinot, the best way to apply eye cream is to concentrate solely on the eye socket bone, starting at the inner top just under your eyebrow and working your way around to underneath your inner eye.

"You shouldn't put it any closer to underneath your eyelid because it rises anyway and too much cream can cause dark circles, " she says.

Guinot Aromatic Spa face and body treatment is available from Guinot salons nationwide (/130). Contact the Guinot Spa at Sam McCauley's on 01 2872 600 or lo-call 0818 719303 for your nearest salon

NEW PRODUCT OF THE WEEK CLARINS DOUBLE SERUM

FOR excellent skincare at home, try Clarins new Generation 6 Double Serum firming cream. Those with long memories will remember this oil-andwater dual-phase serum used to be sold together in separate bottles. The product has now been redesigned into one bottle.

The serum stimulates the skins five vital functions: hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, protection and revitalisation . . . and throws in a vitamin supplement as well. 50 nationwide.

PURE GOLD CERAMIDE CAPSULES

MEANWHILE, Elizabeth Arden have just introduced Ceramide Gold Capsules . . . a box of 60 single-dose capsules that deliver supercharged anti-ageing benefits to mature skin. Available from 15 September, 77.

TREND SETTERS ISADORA MINERAL MAKE-UP

FINALLY, if you're looking to treat your skin to a better kind of make-up, try IsaDora's new mineral make-up range. Their powder foundation ( 19.95) is made entirely with minerals that nourish and protect the skin while giving surprisingly light coverage.