The better-aging secrets of facialist Ruth Niddam

“My mother, an artist and seamstress, had set up a haute couture workshop where I saw many women come and go, often lacking in confidence, sometimes hard on themselves when it came to their image and the passing of time. My mother had a rare talent: she never sought to transform, but to reveal—a look, a mouth, an allure—and give each woman a positive sense of self. Through her, I understood very early on that taking care of yourself was not a question of perfection, but of attention, perception, and respect. It was in this environment that I learned to inhabit my own skin. Very early on, I understood that skin needs to be worked on, corrected, and maintained over time, and above all that it retains the memory of how it is touched. 

“I have met many women who are unhappy with their bodies and eager to see immediate results. This can sometimes lead to invasive solutions, but that is not always the right approach. The right approach is to understand how your body, skin, and mind work, and then make informed choices. With the right support, non-invasive methods can often produce results very quickly. Taking care of yourself on a daily basis—self-massage, skincare routine, healthy lifestyle, posture, exercise—and seeking support when necessary: that, for me, is what aging well is all about. Mantra: "Care begins where the hand meets energy—where memory awakens, and everything begins to change." 

“The gesture that changes everything is regular self-massage combined with facial yoga. Just a few minutes a day is enough to boost microcirculation, activate lymphatic drainage, release deep tension, and restore mobility to the tissues. It is this work that allows the skin to regain its radiance, suppleness, and true firmness, without constricting it. A high-quality Gua Sha tool is essential for working on the fascia, microcirculation, and lymphatic system—our natural self-cleansing system. Used regularly, it improves skin texture, firmness, and radiance, and provides overall well-being for both the face and body. The key is consistency: it is repeated, conscious, and correct movements that give the most lasting results.

“With time and experience, I have learned to trust myself, respect my own pace, and stay true to my values, without trying to follow trends or external pressures. This consistency has been built up over time, through repeated actions, constant practice, and an approach that I have tested on myself and on many other people. I see the effects of it every day. I am often told that I am the best ambassador for my approach, without being demonstrative or pretentious. This confidence comes from the fact that I apply what I teach on a daily basis: paying attention to the body, the skin, and energy. When you are aligned with yourself, confidence comes naturally. It becomes almost silent."