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. With fifteen years experience in this industry, I’ll be sharing what I’m noticing on clients skin, treatments and 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, massage, fascia work, circulation and lymphatic support and light therapy in the treatment room to support cellular energy and repair. These techniques make a huge difference to skin resilience. After Christmas, travel and all the sweet things, 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?
I completely understand why many choose at home LED masks - convenient, multitasking friendly and easy to fit into a busy day. I’m not here to dismiss them. That said, my philosophy is slightly different: in a world where we’re constantly on the go and multitasking, some of the most powerful results come when we slow down.
Celluma is the device I’ve used in clinic consistently since opening Skin Wise and it’s also my top recommendation for home use. Professional-grade and flexible for both face and body, it delivers results beyond skin: supporting circulation, tissue repair, muscular tension, nerve sensitivity and inflammation. Thirty minutes, three times a week, is all it takes to encourage cellular renewal and nervous system regulation. Lie back with meditation or your favourite music - it’s a moment of calm and a serotonin boost that no home mask can replicate.
LED masks are everywhere these days, but after trying a few myself, it’s easy to see why I’ve stuck with Celluma for years. Its strength, quality and professional-grade design deliver results no mask can match. It’s not a must-have, but for those serious about skin health, it’s an investment that truly delivers - the results speak for themselves.Just last week, a client said to me, “I should have listened to you sooner. I wish I’d bought it earlier.”
Celluma Home Devices are available to purchase via consultation and this month we’ve introduced a Celluma Home Guide and offer a demo session with every purchase to help you get the most from your device.
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 Skincare Rituals
Aside from my daily AM and PM skincare steps, which I'll get into in way more detial in the coming posts. I've been Ice rolling each morning on dry skin before I do my skincare steps or over my Japanese eye or facial sheet masks. This helps wake up my skin and depuff in the morning. In the evening a couple of times a week I'll use my Gua Sha with my favourite Multi Tasking Oil for a nice 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 type of massage but 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 Amsterdam
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