In Bloom With Finn van der Aar

Finn van der Aar is a marine biologist, sustainability advocate, author and speaker. 

She spent the last 10 years in Donegal writing a cookbook, working as a marine biologist in marine construction and opening Ireland’s first zero waste, GF, plant based bakery! Since becoming a parent, she has become obsessed with more simple living - so decamped with her little family to a beautiful village on the Costa Tropical in the South of Spain. In this interview she shares her approach to wellness and living simply. 

There is more scientific research out now than ever that shows the negative impact stress has on our body and minds including our skin. How do you manage stress in your very busy life?

Omph, that’s so true and honestly something I’ve struggled a lot with. In 2023 I had non-stop skin issues, which in the end were all stress related. My doctors main recommendation was trying to see where stress could be reduced and sleep improved. Last year I took almost 6 months off social media (after reading a great book called The Digital Detox) and while it impacted my work, it was great for my mindset and really help put things in perspective. Now when I’m sleep deprived or frazzled I always try to make sure I’ve some moment in the day where I can get outside (ideally in the water) and exercise, a combination of the two is even better! Since paring back life considerably, all my skin issues have cleared up! 

Could you describe your favourite self-care rituals that help you ground and balance? 

It’s such a cliche, but as a busy working mom, it really has become a case of making the “everything shower” feel as luxurious as possible. With this in mind I set up the shower so that I can I can have a face and hair mask on while I’m doing everything else (shaving legs etc). Afterwards finishing up with all my favourite skincare products and doing a pedicure while watching a movie. While I know this is not revolutionary by any means, I’ve found I’m so much more consistent with doing this every week, then when I was trying to squeeze in any salon visits for a facial or pedi into an already hectic monthly schedule. 

Finn's post-free dive skincare ritual with Nunaïa's Earth Blossom Moisturising Cream

How do you feel after you practice your favourite self-care rituals? 

I feel like myself again! 

What is the hardest part about prioritising and carving out the time for your own self care? 

It’s absolutely just trying to find the time. With that in mind I’ll usually save it for the end of the day, since taking the time to look after my skin and hair also helps me wind down, the added bonus is a better sleep! 

What are the beauty rituals you swear by?

It has to be cleansing balm! I was so late to the game on cleansing balm, either taking off my mascara with coconut oil or soap. Yikes. I love using the Superfood Cleansing Balm every night to take off make up and also use it now as a face mask as well. I love any product that can be multipurpose and declutter my tiny shower room. 

Does your skincare ritual influence your overall wellbeing? If so, how?

Completely. Something cool that I noticed at a recent marine science conference, was how much the other delegates (regardless of where they were from) and I had similar skin. By that I mean we all had some element of skin pigmentation, crows feet, deep tan, regardless of age! All evidence (in my mind) of a happy life lived outside on the sea. So for me, taking the time to look after my skin (proper cleansing, hydration and sun protection) isn’t about trying to look younger or hold off ageing, it’s about taking care of myself, which lends to a better feeling of overall wellbeing. 

We make products in a unique way — using whole plants that build a connection with the skin and soul that you can’t get from synthetic ingredients. We know you are passionate about spending time in nature. Can you tell us more about why you think connection to nature in all its forms is a connection back to ourselves?

What a beautiful question! I think as a (marine & environmental) scientist, I’ve always found it odd that humans see ourselves as “other” than nature, for me we are a part of it. For my work personally, I find it so important to get people to connect back with nature - usually encouraging getting active outside - because when you’re out and enjoy nature in this way, you remember you are a part of it. I think being immersed in nature is the cure to the overwhelm and apathy we often feel when faced with the climate crisis. 

WELLNESS WISDOM

Your favourite place to go to find a moment of calm and tranquility? 

The marine nature reserve at Marina del Este (La Herradura) - often I’ll drop my daughter at daycare and head straight there for a swim/freedive. There’s such an amazing array of animals right on my doorstep. last month I even had an octopus come say hello and wrap around my ankle! 

Your favourite book, podcast, or music playlist that helps you unwind?

I’m re-reading Ernest Hemmingway’s The Old Man and the Sea at the moment and Paulo Coehlo’s The Alchemist is one I come back to almost every year. I use the app Borrow Box (connected to the Irish Library system) and its brilliant for borrowing e-books or listening to audiobooks from your phone for free. I just finished Robin Sharma’s The Wealth That Money Can’t Buy, highly recommend! 

Your top tip to restore instant balance?

Water - wash your face in cold water, have a cold shower, take a dip in the sea. 

Top tip for building self-care into your day?

Habit stacking - face mask while you shower, paint your nails with an audiobook on. Don’t get stressed out trying to carve out hours for self-care, see what little moments could be more lovely with a little self-care sprinkled in. 

Learn more about Finn's work @finnvanderaar and www.finnvanderaar.com

Shop Finn's favourite ritual skincare here