From a dream to reality: the story behind Belskin

Three years ago, I embarked on a grand adventure. I dreamed of developing my own cosmetic line, specifically aimed at treating acne-prone skin. As a complete novice, I dove in with full enthusiasm. I enlisted the help of three different consultants, hoping they could help me realize my idea. But each time, I hit a wall: insufficient knowledge, unprofessional advice, or simply no genuine intentions. I not only lost time but also my trust in others.

In January 2024, I decided: if no one could truly help me, I would do it myself. I continued without consultants and worked independently on my products. What followed was an intense process of trial-and-error, and I admit: mostly a lot of error. We had testers, mainly younger people with severe acne, but the results were disappointing. I became frustrated. Scientific studies said it should work, but what was I doing wrong? It cost me sleepless nights, and even my husband asked if I shouldn't just stop with that one ingredient I had become so fixated on.

But giving up? That wasn't an option. I believed in it. In July 2024, an adult customer came in, a woman who was at her wits' end with her skin. I gave her my last tester. "It can't hurt to try," I thought. A month later, she came back, and what I saw left me speechless: her skin had completely cleared up. No more acne. I cried tears of joy. It worked! Not for the younger target group, as I initially thought, but for adults.

That was the starting point. I adjusted my formula, continued testing, and saw increasingly better results, both for younger and older skin. That gave me the strength to continue. Meanwhile, I obtained my diploma as a cosmetic formulator, and my practice transformed into a mini-lab where I work daily on my products. The process was anything but easy: finding the right ingredient in the right form was a hellish quest. It cost me sweat, tears, and an enormous amount of time. But thanks to those countless tests, I now know what truly works.

The first test results for my products are in, and they are very promising. If all goes according to plan, we will launch our first four products in October 2025: a cleanser, two serums, and a moisturizer. It still seems far off, but there is so much left to do. The products must pass stability tests, production needs to be planned, and everything must comply with legislation. In early January, we will meet with our Belgian producer to schedule production. Meanwhile, I am working behind the scenes on new formulas, a website, social media, and everything else needed to prepare Belskin for the European market.

This journey has also changed my focus. My practice, "Het Stille Seizoen," which I started 21 years ago, is quietly moving into the background. In January, my practice's website will make way for Belskin's.

Thanks to the enormous support of my family and clients and my belief in what I do, I keep going. And that's what makes 2025 so special for me: the year a dream comes true.