At Mash + Mint we believe skincare is more than just a daily task it’s a ritual of self-care, design, and wellbeing. In this Q&A, we sit down with Louise Thomas, founder of the beautifully formulated Louise Thomas Skincare, to explore the connection between skin health, emotional wellbeing, and the interiors we inhabit. From her science-backed, soul-led skincare philosophy to expert tips on creating a calming skincare sanctuary at home, this is your invitation to slow down, reconnect, and build a beauty space that soothes both skin and spirit. Louise Thomas Skincare is proudly made in the UK.
What inspired you to start Louise Thomas Skincare?
Skincare has been my lifelong passion, but also a deeply personal journey. I struggled with my own Acne journey and spent years trying to find a solution that supported it gently, effectively, and holistically. It was how my signature facial was developed on a 3 pillar, bespoke approach to skin health. I wanted to create a brand that offered not just results, but respect for the skin, something that felt purposeful, not pushy. Louise Thomas Skincare was born from that mission: to provide intelligent, kind skincare grounded in both science and soul.
What philosophy or values sit at the heart of your brand?
Integrity, education, and empathy. At LTSC, we believe in treating skin with understanding, not aggression. We’re here to empower, not overwhelm, through formulas that are backed by science with three decades of expertise from me, grounded in compassion. We also champion the connection between skin health and emotional wellbeing. Your skin deserves respect, and so do you.
How do you approach creating a new formula or product?
Every product begins with a problem I want to solve or a need I’ve witnessed in real skin, whether it’s through years of hands-on treatment or personal experience. I work closely with expert formulators, carefully choosing each ingredient for a reason, not just a trend. This is not a ‘white label’ process but one backed by science and expertise. Texture, scent, efficacy, and user experience all matter. Nothing goes to market until I feel it offers both a result and a ritual.
Why should skincare feel like a ritual, not just a routine?
It’s everything. We’re constantly moving, doing, pushing, so skincare should be a moment of returning to yourself. A ritual, however simple, grounds you. It reconnects you to your body, your breath, your presence. Our products are designed to turn skincare into something sensory, soulful, and calming, not another task on your to-do list.
What are your proudest moments since launching?
Finally launching the Signature Collection after nine years of obstacles and perseverance is definitely a high point. Seeing people connect with the products and feel more confident in their skin is incredibly fulfilling. But also, every message I receive from someone who says, “I feel more skin confidence,” or “my skin finally feels healthy again” those are the real milestones.
Describe your brand in three words
Simplicity, customisation, science.
One skincare myth you wish people knew the truth about?
That more is better. So many people are over-exfoliating or layering actives without understanding their skin’s needs. Sometimes, simplicity is more effective. Your skin is incredibly intelligent, it doesn’t need to be constantly ‘fixed,’ just supported wisely.
What advice would you give to build skincare confidence?
Start by listening to your skin, not the noise. Pay attention to how it responds not just in the mirror, but in how it feels. Build a foundation of knowledge, ask questions, speak to a skin health professional and don’t be afraid to pare it back to basics. Confidence grows when you trust yourself, and your skin to lead the way.
How to Create a Skincare Sanctuary at Home
Why is having a dedicated skincare space so powerful?
Because it creates intention. When we carve out a space just for ourselves, even if it’s small, we’re telling our nervous system: “This is your moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect.” A dedicated skincare corner becomes a daily anchor a grounding ritual where care for the skin reflects care for the self.
Best place in the home to create a skincare corner?
Wherever you feel calm and uninterrupted. For some, it’s a bathroom shelf bathed in morning light. For others, it’s a vanity in the bedroom where they can sit and slow down. It doesn’t have to be grand just somewhere that feels like yours. One of the reasons we do call our treatment spaces ‘Skin lounges’ is because I wanted them to feel like a little bit of home.
Must-haves for a calming skincare space?
Soft lighting, a clean surface, and a few sensory touches, like a natural fibre cloth, your Louise Thomas skin care of course, and a beautiful mirror (not the magnifying variety!). I also love including a candle or small plant. It’s about making the space feel nurturing, not clinical.
How to store skincare products for both luxury and practicality?
Group products by use, morning vs. evening, or treatment vs. daily. Use simple trays, ceramic dishes, or glass containers so everything feels considered and visible. Keep it minimal and curated, clutter can dilute the ritual. And always keep your actives (like vitamin C) away from sunlight. Don’t fall into the trap of storing products in the fridge! As a product formulator I understand the rigorous tests that skin care have to go through to ensure they are stable up to 40 degrees c.
Tips for turning a bathroom or bedroom into a self-care sanctuary?
Start with clearing the clutter. Then add one or two sensory elements, a calming scent, a tactile cloth, or a warm-toned lamp. Use textures that invite softness. Even a fresh towel folded neatly beside your products changes how that space feels.
How important are textures in enhancing the skincare experience?
Textures are incredibly important. They speak to the subconscious. When your feet touch something soft, or your hands hold a beautifully weighted jar like the one that house ‘The Hydrator’ from Louise Thomas skin care, your whole body responds. It signals to your mind that you’re safe, supported, and cared for which is what skincare should always feel like.
One personal ritual you include in your own routine?
I always take a deep breath when I apply ‘The Hydrator’. I massage it into my skin slowly, like a gentle pause button before bed. It’s become a non-negotiable moment of calm in my day something small that carries so much weight.
How can objects like trays and candles enhance the ritual?
They help transform the function of skincare into a feeling. A candle softens the atmosphere. A tray tells your brain “this is curated, not chaotic.” Mirrors invite presence. These pieces don’t just decorate they help you drop into the moment. And when skincare becomes a moment, that’s when it becomes transformational.
What’s your personal favourite product from your own range, and why?
It has to be ‘The Hydrator’. From the lightweight shea butter, sustainably sourced from the Kolo Nafaso women’s supply chain, to the soft Neroli scent that I would wear as a perfume to the serum level Vitamin C that brightens & gives the skin an luminosity, I just love using it morning & night.
Describe your dream self-care setup at home
My dream setup is soft, minimal, and deeply sensory. Like a mini Spa at home! I’d have a warm-toned dressing table near natural light, with a linen-covered stool, a marble tray for my skincare, and a softly scented candle burning something grounding like vetiver or rosewood. A silk robe, herbal tea, a calming playlist in the background, and time, that’s the real luxury. Just being able to move slowly and tune in.
Whether you’re curating a skincare corner in your bedroom or seeking results-driven products that honour your skin’s intelligence, Louise Thomas Skincare offers a perfect blend of science, sustainability, and soul. At Mash + Mint, we’re passionate about bringing together thoughtful home decor, wellness rituals, and independent beauty brands that support your lifestyle from the inside out. Discover more ways to create a mindful home and shop Louise’s curated collection online, where beauty meets interiors, and every detail is designed to help you feel good, inside and out.
Shop Louise Thomas Skincare here https://louisethomasskincare.co.uk/
