01. The Founder's Series: Introduction and Long-Term Skin Health


Welcome to the Founder’s Series. A behind the scenes look at Skin Wise, inspired by treatment room conversations and marking four years since we opened our doors. From my fifteen years industry experience, I’ll be sharing what I’m noticing on clients skin, the quetions I'm often asked, products I’m trialling and the routines and techniques I trust to deliver real, lasting results. Grab a cuppa or save for your next commute, because this first edition is long!

What I’m Noticing on Clients Skin (First Weeks Back in January)

The start of the year always shows the effects of winter, stress and lifestyle. Tired, sensitive, dull skin and congestion are common. I’ve been focusing on gentle exfoliation, circulation and lymphatic drainage to support cellular energy and repair. These techniques make a huge difference to skin resilience.  After Christmas, travel and over-indulging, I’m reminding my clients to return to their simple but effective routines. Consistency is truly the most powerful ingredient in skincare. If your skin feels “off” right now, this isn’t the time to over-do everything - it’s the time to support, simplify and stay consistent. The right treatments and a well chosen routine will always outperform trends. And speaking of trends - it's something you’ll never see at Skin Wise. We focus on quality, expertise and proven results. Every recommendation is considered, evidence-led and chosen for long-term skin health - not hype.

FAQ: What Is Your Opinion on Home LED Masks?

As a qualified facialist and clinic owner, choosing and recommending technology is something I take seriously. I’ve trialled many LED devices over the years and only put my name to what I trust, understand deeply and see delivering consistent, real results.

I completely understand why many people choose at home LED masks. They’re convenient, multitasking-friendly and easy to fit into busy lives. I’m not here to dismiss them. That said, one of the biggest differences between devices comes down to quality, strength and consistency of light output.

Celluma is the device I’ve used consistently in clinic since opening Skin Wise and it remains my top recommendation for home use. It’s professional-grade, with clinically proven wavelengths, output and coverage designed to reach both the skin and underlying tissue effectively. This is where many home masks fall short - lower strength often means the light doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to create meaningful, lasting change.

Celluma supports collagen stimulation, tissue repair and cellular renewal, helping to target fine lines, signs of fatigue, uneven texture, acne and inflammation. Designed as a flexible device for both face and body, it also aids circulation, relieves muscular tension and supports nerve sensitivity. When used for the face, you lie under the light, creating a therapeutic moment - a chance to slow down, restore and reset. Many clients (and I personally) find it a mood booster and say it gives the best sleep of their week when paired with a few minutes of meditation or calming music. For many, this sense of calm and nervous system balance is just as impactful as the visible changes in the skin.

We recently trialled several home LED masks, and the difference in results was clear. Having a Celluma is a luxury. But for those considering an investment in long-term health for both face and body, it’s definitely worth it.

I continue to research and trial new technologies to ensure only the most effective, evidence-based solutions reach my clients. I won’t recommend anything  or put my name to it until I’m fully confident in its quality, performance, and long-term results. Just last week, a client said after a month using her new Celluma Home Device, “I should have listened to you sooner. I wish I’d bought it earlier.” Moments like this are a reminder of why I take such care with every recommendation.

Celluma Home Devices are available via consultation. This month, we’ve also introduced a Celluma Home Guide and a personal demo session with every purchase.

FAQ: Whats Your Opinion On Collagen Supplements

Collagen is one of the questions I get asked most often. Over the years, I’ve trialled and worked with many supplement brands, but in the past year I’ve been very intentional in researching a few carefully selected options. Looking at efficacy, sustainability, clean ingredients, sourcing and nutritional composition. I’m close to settling on my favourites and will share these in detail soon. Collagen deserves context, not quick recommendations.

My view is simple: collagen supplements are not essential. If your skin, lifestyle and wellness routine are already on point and you’re serious about long-term results, adding collagen can be helpful - but taking it for one month and expecting dramatic changes won’t happen. It’s about consistency over time, combined with a 360° approach: professional treatments, effective homecare, lifestyle habits and targeted nutrition.

Collagen supplements don’t directly stimulate collagen production, but they provide the building blocks your body needs - amino acids and peptides to support skin, muscles, joints and connective tissue. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, so supplementing thoughtfully can contribute to healthy aging and overall resilience.

From a dietary perspective, bone broth is a simple, natural and effective way to add collagen. Unlike some supplements, it delivers a broad spectrum of amino acids, including glycine and proline, while also supporting gut health and digestion. Personally, I rotate between a few high-quality bone broths and collagen powders, continuing to trial and assess which are the most effective and reliable.

Because so many clients ask me about this, I’ve made it my mission to identify a trusted, clean, sustainable and well-sourced brand I can confidently recommend. I’ll go into depth on my top choices soon and how I integrate them.

My Skin Must Haves

Aside from my daily and weekly skin routines and products,  which I'll get into in way more detail in the coming posts. I've been ice rolling each morning on dry skin before I apply my products. I keep the roller in the freezer and it helps wake up my face and depuff in the morning. I sometimes ice roll over my Japanese eye or face masks for extra hydration.  In the evening a couple of times a week I'll use my Gua Sha with my favourite Multi Tasking Oil for a gentle lymphatic drainage and sculpting massage. I love the tension release this does. Ill take the gua sha and oil into my scalp on hair wash nights - if you've a headache or had a long week / poor sleep this is amazing. I posted a basic Gua Sha tutorial recently on my Instagram for those starting off. Key things to remember - you need a slip on the skin, like an oil. Use no pressure, let the tool do the work, it's a really gentle, easy way to massage and does so much to your face. Start on your chest to open up the lymphatic pathways. Running a business and long days in the treatment room, doesn’t leave much time for Facials so I am relying on my Celluma to stimulate cellular renewal, target signs of fatigue and keep my skin strong and resilient.

Behind The Scenes at SW

This month I’ve been busy recruiting, training the team and introducing our new massage treatments. Between researching new techniques, brands and fine-tuning our rituals, I’m reminded why I do what I do. Hearing clients say things like, “I was looking forward to this moment all week” and “Oh, you’ve no idea how much I needed this” - I understand completely. Our treatments are a moment to reconnect: a gentle reset for the nervous system, a lift for the face and a touch that leaves you grounded and replenished. The kind of ritual that truly fills your cup.

Your Winter Skin Reminder

Take a moment for yourself this weekend. Whether you have 10 minutes or 30. Give yourself a facial massage or put on a mask. Your skin will thank you. 

If you’re ready to try one of our treatments, book a Facial or Massage, browse our online boutique visit  skin-wise.com.

Consider this your first Winter Skin Journal check in and a reminder that slowing down isn’t indulgent. It’s essential and, we only get one skin, so take good care of it!

Speak soon,

Katie | Leading Facialist and Founder Skin Wise 

Links

Celluma Devices

Ice Roller

Gua Sha

Gua Sha Beginners Tutorial

Japanese Sheet Masks

Multi Tasking Oil

Book a Facial at Skin Wise

 


1 reactie


  • Laurie

    Yes she spills the beans! Love it. Can’t wait for more. Miss the treatments and you! Xx


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