The Farm to Skincare Movement: Botnia Skincare sticks to its roots

SAUSALITO, Calif. -- SAUSALITO, Calif. (KGO) -- Botnia Skincare is sticking to their roots - harnessing the power of plants to nourish skin.

"Plants are really incredible at healing us internally," Owner of Botnia Skincare Justin Kahn said. "And it turns out, they're also really incredible at healing us externally as well."

In developing Botnia, Kahn relied on their founding principle that our body and our skin are a holistic system. She adds that skin is the body's largest organ and not only is it a layer of protection, but it is also a reflection of our internal organs.

Kahn points to the many nutrients and antioxidants that naturally exist in plants, organically providing a system of nutrition for one's body.

"And all of these plants are packed with Vitamin A and Vitamin C and Manganese and all of these vital pieces of nutrition that our cells can assimilate and use and help increase the vibrancy of our skin and protect our barrier function," she said.

Botnia's products begin their life as a seed in their own micro-farm or partner farms where staff meticulously watches their growth. After being harvested at their peak, plants are dried or processed into extracts or hydrosol. The process culminates at Botnia's Sausalito laboratory, combining these organic materials with ingredients to make skincare products.

Botnia Skincare began in 2017, but its story goes further than that. Back in 2010, Kahn opened a spa on San Francisco's Sacramento Street. Justine applied her eight years of experience and observations in the treatment room into the formation of Botnia's products.

"After years of watching and waiting and looking and getting feedback, we launched Botnia," Kahn said. "And it was just an incredible experience to have the public, be a part of that process, and really support this beautiful brand, from the very beginning."

Accessibility and inclusivity are integral to Botnia's mission.

Every plant is specifically chosen to heal and nurture sensitized or sensitive skin, Kahn said. The company offers a full range of skincare and body products: cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, masks, eye creams, body lotion, handwash, and more.

"We have a huge range of products, because everybody's skin is so different and unique," Kahn said. "It's so important to think about every different skin's physiology."

Though the process of running Botnia comes with its own challenges, the authenticity of its mission and reception from customers keeps Kahn going.

"It is a lot to grow a plant through its lifecycle, it is a lot to process it with such integrity, it is a lot to hand make these products, but it's also a massive responsibility for us as a company to be the place that people go back to for their health care," Kahn said. "And it's just incredibly rewarding to be able to have that kind of impact on other people."

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