You write
Open the consultation. Tell me about your skin in your own words: what it does, what bothers you, what you've already tried. It takes about five minutes.
The consultation
Tell me about your skin.
Six questions. No account, no commitment. I'll reply within 48 hours.
A
Anneke from Ascense
Usually replies within 48 hours
Thank you. I've got it.
Your consultation has reached me. I'll read it carefully and email you back within 48 hours, often sooner. Look out for a note from info@ascenseskincare.com; sometimes it lands in promotions, so check there too.
The process
How it works, in three steps
I read & reply
I read every word. Within 48 hours, I email you back: a written recommendation based on what you told me, with ingredients to look for, a routine to try and products I'd suggest from brands I trust.
You decide
No pressure to buy anything, or book a treatment. The advice is yours to keep. If you want to ask follow-up questions, just hit reply.
About me
Greetings from Anneke
I'm Anneke van Ofwegen. For more than twenty years I've worked in skincare, first as a beautician and massage therapist in the Netherlands, then, from 2011, as a qualified dermal therapist drawn to the skin that needs (a little) extra support. In the Netherlands, the dermal therapist is a healthcare professional focused on the treatment of different skin conditions, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, scar tissue and lymphatic congestion.
In 2022 I moved with my family to the countryside of Portugal, and I really needed to reinvent myself, because dermal therapists are still unknown in Portugal. Building a farm on a mountain, surrounded by nature and following the seasons, I soon discovered that my house was surrounded by plants, herbs, and flowers that can support healthy skin. They were literally growing at my doorstep, inviting me to study and dive into natural skincare. I enrolled in a course and immersed myself in the world of natural skincare.
Nature invited me to dive into the world of natural skincare. It showed me how I could continue my passion for skincare, in a way I could not have imagined a few years earlier.
I immersed myself in botanical ingredients, natural formulation, and traditional herbal knowledge. Working with cleavers, nettle, dandelion, calendula, daisies and more, and studying vegetable oils and their benefits, deepened my appreciation for what nature can offer. Its touch is gentle, which suits skin that needs a bit of extra support. A whole new world of knowledge opened up to me.
At the moment I offer treatments and products in my studio in Central Portugal. Does my story resonate with you? I invite you to contact me for more information.
The products
Natural skincare
Ascense skincare provides natural, botanical mixtures, carefully selected for different skin types and focused on the skin in need of extra support. Every product is formulated to offer a luxurious, nurturing skincare experience, inspired and supported by nature.
No difficult ingredients, no chemical additives. Each product contains plants, flowers and/or herbs, blended with vegetable oils and butters, following nature's seasonal changes. A personalised mix to support the skin, without disrupting its natural balance.
The botanical ingredients are locally sourced, hand-harvested, and chosen within the different seasons. Slight variations in colour, texture, or scent may appear through the year. That is the natural signature of the plants and the moment they were picked.
Webshop
Coming soon
The Ascense webshop is on its way. Until then, send me a message to order or to ask about a product.
Workshop
Looking for something fun to do on a cosy afternoon, for a birthday party or with a group of friends? Creating natural skincare can be so much fun! I can offer a workshop to introduce you and your friends to the exciting world of natural skincare. Reach out to me for more information.
Treatments
(Massage) treatment
Want to experience the power of nature on your skin? Treat yourself to a nourishing, restorative skincare experience at my studio in the countryside of Portugal.
You can book facial treatments and body massage treatments for a relaxing and restorative experience. Even though I can apply different kinds of massage techniques, I don't follow one particular philosophy. My massages are mostly intuitive. Massages can be offered on location, upon request.
Are you curious, or searching for how to support your skin in a natural way? I can give you personal, professional advice, both as a natural skincare maker and as a dermal therapist, with the knowledge and experience I've gained over the past 20 years. Whether you're after a moment of relaxation, a personalised natural skincare experience, and/or professional advice regarding your skin, you're warmly welcome to reach out.
Send me a message
Dermal therapy
Dermal therapy sessions
Dermal therapy focuses on improving the condition and appearance of the skin through evidence-based care and professional guidance.
I work with skin issues such as uneven texture, redness, acne, dry or irritated skin, pigmentation, lymphatic congestion, and the appearance of scars. In the Netherlands, dermal therapy is a paramedic profession: in 2022 there were about 1,500 specialists working in different clinics, and the profession is still growing, slowly spreading to other countries too. Dermal therapists don't diagnose medical conditions; when it's needed and possible, we work alongside healthcare professionals.
Do you want to know more? I invite you to start the online consultation or contact me.
I'm a dermal therapist and natural-skincare maker, not a doctor. My recommendations are general skincare guidance, not medical advice. Dermal therapists don't diagnose medical conditions; for anything severe, painful, or persistent, please see your doctor or a qualified dermatologist.
Send me a messageFrequently asked
Things people ask me.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. I'm an independent maker building Ascense quietly, and I learn more from each consultation than I could pay for. If that ever changes, I'll be honest about it before you spend a minute of your time.
What will you actually send me?
A written reply by email, usually 400–700 words. It will cover: what I see in what you described, the ingredients I think would help (and the ones I'd avoid for you), a simple morning/evening routine, and a few specific products I'd consider.
Will you try to sell me your products?
Not as a default. If something I make is genuinely the best fit for what you described, I'll mention it. I'd much rather be useful than sell you something.
What do you do with my data?
I store your message and email so I can reply. I don't share it with anyone, run ads against it, or send marketing without asking. If you want me to delete everything, send me a message and it's done within seven days. Full details in the privacy notice.
Are you a doctor or dermatologist?
No. I'm a qualified dermal therapist with over twenty years' experience, and a natural-skincare maker. Dermal therapy focuses on the condition and appearance of the skin through evidence-based care, but I don't diagnose medical conditions or recommend prescription products. For anything painful, persistent, or unusual, please see a doctor or dermatologist. If that applies to you, I'll say so in my reply.
Where are you based? Do you ship products?
I'm in the countryside of Portugal, and I reply to consultations by email. I'm not running an online shop yet, but I do handcraft anhydrous products and offer treatments in person here. If you'd like to try something I make, or book a treatment, I'll point you the right way.
In what languages can I write to you?
Português ou inglês. I read both fluently and reply in whichever you wrote in. I can also read French, Spanish and Italian, but I'll reply in English unless you'd prefer Portuguese.
Send me a message
Ask about a product, book a treatment or a workshop, or just say hello. I'll reply by email, usually within a couple of days.