Go natural this summer - but we're not saying you should stop waxing or forgo facials. This is a call to ditch chemical-heavy beauty rituals and invasive machine-based treatments. Instead, opt for skincare rituals and spa experiences that focus on wellness and holistic approaches. There are beauty products that favour eco-certified and sustainable ingredients, placing less stress on our bodies and on the earth. And an increasing number of local spas are now taking a natural approach, showing it's possible to look good and to feel good about it. Why should we make the switch? 'The benefits of choosing holistic-based spa treatments go beyond beautifying your look,' says Charlotte Chen, spa director at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental. 'They focus on physical, emotional and mental well-being. They are designed to relax, calm, and soothe the body and mind.' There are a few grooming preparations that can be done to get ready for the beach or just to look polished when you're out on the town. 'In the summer, body scrubs are highly recommended to exfoliate and smooth the skin before you put on your T-shirts, shorts and bikinis,' Chen says. 'This will also ensure an even tan for those who plan to spend time in the sun. 'Pedicures will also keep your feet looking great in sandals.' Maggie Lee, lead therapist at the Ritz-Carlton spa, is also in favour of less-invasive treatments and products that shy away from chemical cocktails. 'We use natural tools because they are more effective in helping our guests relax,' she says. 'It also helps in restoring health and addressing problems. 'Above all, it's about safety. Guests who want immediate results may want to go to trendy medical beauty centres. We prefer to focus on safety and wellness.' For some women, finding spa treatments that are organic or as close to organic as possible becomes a priority during pregnancy. Helen Barker, spa director at The Feel Good Factor, says: 'As I got to know my clients and realised what they were asking for and inquiring about - particularly once they got pregnant - I started to think we had to go green.' But will these alternatives get the beauty job done? 'A natural approach is sufficient,' says Gricia Gan, an independent consultant for small wellness centres and spas. 'We don't need to resort to technology or tools used in beauty salons nowadays. Natural therapy is more effective. It is better - but you just have to be more patient.' One of her consulting clients is Chain's, which offers treatments rooted in traditional Chinese medicine using products that are 100 per cent natural. To look good in the summer, staying hydrated is key. 'I recommend stepping up the frequency of facials in the summer compared with the winter,' says Gan. 'You get really dehydrated, and the skin gets irritated a lot easier.' Gan has several great tips for post-spa upkeep. The first is to have a good facial scrub, preferably one that isn't pre-prepared. But there are also remedies that you can whip up from items found at the grocery store. 'My secret is high-quality, organic yogurt,' she says. 'I keep it in the fridge, and basically [put a layer on my face] if I feel I've been out in the sun for the whole day. I do it as often as two to three times a week ... You put it on for five minutes, it dries up, you wash it off, and your skin feels completely soft. Yogurt has a whitening affect as well. It's really a cheap way to get a face mask. 'And it never really expires, because you can eat the rest of it.'