When I began Art of Skin Care over 15 years ago, I was looking to use an all-natural line in my treatment room but was very frustrated with what I was finding. Most of what was out there was just not providing results. I decided to focus on more results-driven products with non-toxic ingredients.
Fast forward to a little over a year ago when I discovered Botnia skincare. I had gone in for a facial with my local esthetician and loved what I was smelling and feeling on my skin. I bought a sample kit, brought it on vacation with me, and I was hooked.
The whole team at AOS has been equally impressed—we’ll get more into some staff favorites later. What I love even further about the Botnia line is that everything is acne safe (aside from the body cream and scrub). Our acne clients really appreciate how these nutrient-dense products act as support products to their acne correctives. They work to feed the skin naturally with healing plants and maintain a healthy barrier for those treating acne.
I sat down with Justine, Founder & CEO of Botnia, to hear from her directly why she was inspired to create her own skincare line and what drives her. Read along to find out for yourself.
- Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE BOTNIA?
A: “Having worked as an esthetician and herbalist for many years, I knew there had to be a healthier, more effective approach to skincare. Traditional skincare products are filled with harsh chemicals that often lead to inflammation and irritation, and I saw firsthand how this impacted my clients’ skin health. I knew there had to be a better way – a way to nourish and support our skin’s natural functions with whole, healthy plants. After experimenting with plant-based treatments, I was amazed at the consistent, glowing results. And so, Botnia was born.”
- Q: HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR INGREDIENTS, AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE?
A: “When I’m selecting ingredients for our skincare products, I always start by considering what the skin needs most. If I’m looking to reduce redness, I’ll search for anti-inflammatory ingredients that also help strengthen capillary walls without any irritation. And if I’m trying to boost hydration, I’ll look for ingredients that deliver water-based moisture, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or honey.
As for my favorite plant-based ingredient, that’s a tough one! – I simply can’t. My goal is to provide the skin with the nourishment it needs to thrive, just like a balanced diet provides the body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.”
- Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE LABELS ON EACH OF YOUR PRODUCTS?
A: “Each one of our products has a hero plant that I wanted people to connect with. You can see the beauty of what these ingredients look like in nature. We all know what lavender looks like, so I thought it would be interesting to show the hero ingredients like rose geranium, jojoba, meadowsweet, and rose hips because it shows us what these healing plants that surround us look like. It also serves as an educational tool to be able to show ingredients like these on the labels.”
- Q: CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FAVORITE SELF-CARE ROUTINE?
A: “There are two moments in the day where I really get into the experience of spending time with my skin. Once in the morning and once at night, when I wash my face, are moments for me to love myself. My favorite part is spending time massaging my own skin, noticing how it feels and bringing the attention of caring for my own body in that moment. While I’m cleansing, I spend time massaging out any areas of tension that I’ve been holding onto, anywhere I feel bumps and lumps, and really get into the sensory experience of the plants.
I love to mist my skin with a hydrosol, currently our Rose Geranium Hydrosol. It smells of a sweet and soft spring day in the garden. Taking in the aromas in each step and each plant is all part of the experience of caring for myself and my skin. Right now, during the seasonal change, I’m using our soothing Gentle Cleanser, enjoying the calming scent of chamomile and earthy goldenseal. I massage my face and neck with our various oils, at night using our Wisdom Oil to give my skin a beautiful serving of antioxidants, while in the morning using our Replenishing Facial Oil to condition my skin and feed it with antiseptic fatty acids to help protect it from the environment. I finish my regimen with our Daily Face Cream to nourish and hydrate my skin. In these moments of self-care, closing the bathroom door to create an enclosed space that’s just for you to be with yourself and your skin creates a time for true nurturing and nourishment. You begin to look forward to these moments and carve out the space in your day for yourself.”-Justine Kahn, Botnia Founder & CEO
- Q: WHAT IS NEXT IN THE PIPELINE FOR BOTNIA?
A: “We’re always looking to push the envelope and innovate, and I’m thrilled to say that we have some really exciting things in the works. First and foremost, sustainability is a top priority for us, and we’re currently transitioning all of our packaging to a fully sustainable system. We believe this is a major step forward in the way we consume personal care products, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on the environment.
We’re also developing a sunscreen that we’re incredibly proud of. We’ve spent the last three years perfecting a formula that is not only effective in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but is also healthy for both you and the planet. It’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, and we can’t wait to share it with the world once we’ve finalized the formula.”
Watch my LIVE chat with Justine or read my brand highlight blog for more information.
Botnia Skincare Reviews
Art of Skin Care Staff Favorites
At AOS, we are passionate about standing behind every product we carry. We all instantly fell in love with the entire Botnia line, but unlike with children, we did choose some favorites. Read on to see what they are and why, along with some pro tips!
Madeleine: Botnia Essential Enzymes
Why I love it: “I’m absolutely in love with the Essential Enzymes because they leave your skin ultra soft and glowing, plus they’re gentle enough for all skin types.”
Pro Tip: “These enzymes are so versatile and can be used alone as your daily cleanser, as an all-over mask treatment, or mixed with a powder mask for an exfoliating duo!”
Madison: Botnia Soothing Repair Mask
Why I love it: “Well, what’s not to love? This mask is full of hydrating ingredients that really nourish my dry skin and bring it back to life. When my skin is irritated or stressed out, this formula is a lifesaver, and it feels so soothing. But it doesn’t stop there! It smells like the definition of BLISS. Sort of like a floral/rose honey from heaven. When I die, bury me with this mask.”
Pro Tip: “I love to use this as a sleeping mask for an extra treat!”
Celine: Botnia Toner
Why I love it: “I love the gentle exfoliating acids in this formula, along with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, arnica, and goldenseal!”
Pro Tip: “Apply to clean skin using a toner pad—this helps remove any leftover dirt or grime after cleansing and really pushes the ingredients into the skin.”
Kylie: Botnia Luminous Body Scrub and Botnia Body Cream
Why I love it: “I love the therapeutic aroma these products have to offer and also how soft and nourished they make my skin feel.”
Pro Tip: “One of my go-to evening self-care rituals involves using these products to help me relax. I begin by exfoliating with the body scrub and then sink into a relaxing bath. I finish my routine with the body cream to nourish and hydrate my skin.”
Looking for the perfect routine to nourish your skin for hydration and glow? Check out this special treat featuring all the best from Botnia.
Unsure where to start? Reach out for a free skincare checkup, and our licensed estheticians will optimize your routine for the best results. We’ll be here every step of the way!
