Embrace the winter season with Skins Expert Jetske's golden tips

2 January 2025

Embrace the winter season with Skins Expert Jetske's golden tips

The transition to a new season is something out of our control. Therefore, the best thing we can do is to move with the rhythms of nature - in this case, embracing winter. Of course, you don't have to do this alone. Skins Experts Jetske shares her rituals, which products are indispensable in them and gives tips on how to regain your own balance.

Jetske, first of all, we are naturally curious about who you are. Can you introduce yourself?
"As an in-house photographer and videographer at Skins, I am involved in image creation on a daily basis. I have always had a passion for images, health and wellness. Earlier in my career, I worked for the print editors of Vogue as Image Editor, where I first came across Skins. Now I am inspired every day by discovering new brands and meeting founders. Their personal stories and rituals motivate me to continuously challenge and develop myself."

The start of the new year marks a transition from the festive season to our daily lives. With what main intention are you starting 2025?
"At the end of every year, I choose a word that symbolises the coming year for me. For 2025, I have chosen the word 'focus'. My intention is to focus on self-care, to choose what makes me feel good every day. By this I mean food, for example: for instance, I have not been drinking alcohol for over a year. I also look very consciously at my beauty routine and only choose products that suit me. All other noise I block out, which gives me the inner peace I like to start the new year with."

In what ways do routines enrich your daily life?
"I have valued routines all my life and see them as a reset. A good morning routine restores my focus every day, just as a short meditation does. Therefore, I don't wait until a new year or a seasonal change to change or add to my routines. I prefer to start several months earlier so that I have time to get used to them; that also reduces the pressure that the start of a new period can bring."

Are there any routines that you are embracing again this season, or that you are saying goodbye to?
"A recurring ritual that I definitely maintain is seeking out nature. I prefer to go outside every day, whether it's a walk around the block or a long walk on The Heath. I also take my skincare a lot more seriously as I get older. I find that both my skin and my head benefit from this - my skin glows and following the steps brings me a lot of peace of mind. That doesn't mean I am strict with myself, by the way. I move every day with how I feel at the time, adjusting my routines accordingly. That also brings me back to my intention for the coming year: focus. One habit I want to get rid of? Going to bed too late."

Will you take us through your morning routine, from the moment you wake up until you step out the front door?
"I start my day very quietly: with a cup of coffee on the sofa, followed by a fresh ginger tea. Instead of scrolling on social media, I prefer to open inspiration platforms. Being visually inclined, I like to manifest my biggest goals through images. Our dream house in South Africa, for example. Then I prepare breakfast and it's time to move: on weekdays I stretch or do yoga, on weekends I take a long walk with my family. After showering, my skin and body care, I choose my clothes and it's time to head out the door. Meanwhile, I always open a window to let fresh air in, even when it's cold. This helps me start the day fresh and energetic."

Zooming in on skincare, which steps and products are essential for you?
"Recently, I have been scrutinising my skincare routine. I now limit the steps to products that work best for my skin. For example, the products from The Beauty Alchemist Set by TEAM DR JOSEPH, which, by the way, are also easy to take with you when travelling. For both my morning and evening routine, I cleanse, apply a toner and serum and finish with a moisturiser. Going out the door, I spray on another nice perfume. Cri du Kalahari by Ella K is one of my favourites, the warm and woody tones reflect my love for African nature."

"Other than that, my make-up routine is pretty minimal. To even out my skin, I apply my day cream together with my foundation. A bronzer and highlighter, more specifically the Lit Up Highlight Stick from Westman Atelier, give my look a subtle glow. Mascara and a hydrating lip balm complete the look."

Are there any specific scents or textures that are inextricably linked to the winter season for you?
"To bring atmosphere and light into the house during the winter season, I really like to light candles. When I come home at the end of the day, a scented candle helps me to ground and relax. One of my favourites is the Large Ember Candle by Vyrao, a brand that offers a spiritual experience with each scent. For example, this candle stimulates positive energy with ingredients including frankincense, cedarwood and birch tar. I also like to choose caring products with a firmer texture, which offer my skin extra hydration with this cold weather."

Finally, how do you inspire others to move with the rhythms of nature, especially during seasonal change?
"Just as nature does, it is important to follow your own rhythm. Try to block out external opinions and other noise so that you stay centred in yourself. You will find that by doing so, you inspire others to do the same."

Will you take us through your morning routine, from the moment you wake up until you step out the front door?
"I start my day very quietly: with a cup of coffee on the sofa, followed by a fresh ginger tea. Instead of scrolling on social media, I prefer to open inspiration platforms. Being visually inclined, I like to manifest my biggest goals through images. Our dream house in South Africa, for example. Then I prepare breakfast and it's time to move: on weekdays I stretch or do yoga, on weekends I take a long walk with my family. After showering, my skin and body care, I choose my clothes and it's time to head out the door. Meanwhile, I always open a window to let fresh air in, even when it's cold. This helps me start the day fresh and energetic."

Zooming in on skincare, which steps and products are essential for you?
"Recently, I have been scrutinising my skincare routine. I now limit the steps to products that work best for my skin. For example, the products from TEAM DR JOSEPH's The Beauty Alchemist Set, which, by the way, are easy to take with you when travelling. For both my morning and evening routine, I cleanse, apply a toner and serum and finish with a moisturiser. Going out the door, I spray on another nice perfume. Cri du Kalahari by Ella K is one of my favourites, the warm and woody tones reflect my love for African nature."

"Other than that, my make-up routine is pretty minimal. To even out my skin, I apply my day cream together with my foundation. A bronzer and highlighter, more specifically the Lit Up Highlight Stick from Westman Atelier, give my look a subtle glow. Mascara and a hydrating lip balm complete the look."

Are there any specific scents or textures that are inextricably linked to the winter season for you?
"To bring atmosphere and light into the house during the winter season, I really like to light candles. When I come home at the end of the day, a scented candle helps me to ground and relax. One of my favourites is the Large Ember Candle by Vyrao, a brand that offers a spiritual experience with each scent. For example, this candle stimulates positive energy with ingredients including frankincense, cedarwood and birch tar. I also like to choose caring products with a firmer texture, which offer my skin extra hydration with this cold weather."

Finally, how do you inspire others to move with the rhythms of nature, especially during seasonal change?
"Just as nature does, it is important to follow your own rhythm. Try to block out external opinions and other noise so that you stay centred in yourself. You will find that by doing so, you inspire others to do the same."