Paola Chellew recently sat down with Jessica Nkosi, an award-winning South African actress and TV presenter. As the face of Bepanthen Derma developed by Bayer, Jessica shares her personal journey with skincare, offering a candid look at her beauty habits and philosophies. In this interview, she reveals how her mother’s influence, her role as a brand ambassador, and her passion for self-care have shaped her approach to skin health. Best known for her leading roles in M-Net commissioned telenovelas Isibaya, Ayeye, The Queen, and Lavish, Jessica Nkosi says that “the first thing you see is my skin, and it’s something I want to prioritise.”
1) How and when did your love of skincare start?
My mother taught me about the importance of looking after myself and my skin. I also went to boarding school, where I watched the older girls using different products and taking care of their skin routines. It was a good example for me, as I wanted to do the same for my skin. So, I grew up knowing that skincare was very important, and thanks to my mother, I have a natural love of drinking water, which is great for my skin.
2) What is the biggest issue you’ve had to face regarding the health of your skin?
Definitely sensitivity! And dryness – my skin reacts very quickly to discomfort of any sort, even changes in the weather! Consequently, I cannot use anything with fragrance or any products that contain harsh ingredients. Before the launch of Bepanthen Derma, I was mixing Bepanthen nappy cream into my daily moisturiser for extra hydration. The brand now has a brilliant range of face and body creams and cleansers, providing effective relief for dry and sensitive skin. Skincare that focuses on hydrating my skin is ideal.
3) What would you say to 20-somethings who take their beautiful skin for granted?
If you are wise enough to be interested in taking care of your skin, then start – the earlier, the better! You will thank your 20-year-old self in 10 years’ time. Even if you start by religiously taking off your makeup before going to bed – that’s essential. You don’t need much – just a good cleanser and moisturiser – but don’t forget the sunscreen! And sleep…
4) What is the best habit (regarding skincare) that you can teach your daughter?
I think good nutrition is essential, as is drinking water. What you put into your body is vitally important for good health – and your skin will benefit.
5) Do you think South African men are lagging behind when it comes to skincare in general?
Yes, I think it’s just laziness – they tend to use their partner’s products. But I do think there’s some awareness when it comes to sunscreen, so I guess that’s a good thing! My husband has started taking his skincare routine more seriously since I became a brand ambassador. The Bepanthen Daily Face Cream also contains SPF 25, which offers immediate and long-lasting hydration with sun protection – so being a 2-in-1 is a plus.
6) Tell us how you feel about your role as brand ambassador for Bepanthen Derma.
It is such a great honour to represent a brand that focuses on skin health and taking care of our skin in the most gentle and nurturing way. You can see that years of research went into developing Bepanthen Derma because it really does what it promises. They actively researched the skin issues that most of us struggle with, and the solution was perfected in these products.
7) Your thoughts on daily sunscreen?
It’s just so important for everyone to use sunscreen daily – even if it’s cloudy. Sunscreen is the best way to prevent signs of ageing. You really have to protect your skin from damaging sun rays. It’s the best beauty product to prevent pigmentation as well.
8) Who has inspired you in your skincare journey?
My mom is my inspiration. She still looks so young – you would never guess her age. It’s clear that she started taking care of her skin when she was young – it really shows!
9) Tell us about your beauty routine.
Getting enough sleep is a big priority. I like to use water, and I use a gentle face cleanser – I never use a towel to dry my face, I prefer a soft sponge. A regenerating night cream is a must for dry skin, as is a generous dose of replenishing body lotion all over the body.
10) The one product from the range that you cannot live without?
There are two: Bepanthen Derma Replenishing Body Lotion and the Restoring Daily Face Cream.
To sum it up
Jessica Nkosi’s dedication to skincare and her insights as a Bepanthen Derma ambassador shine through in her thoughtful approach to beauty and wellness. Her story serves as a reminder that good skincare starts early and is nurtured through consistent, gentle care.
The Bepanthen Derma range includes:
Bepanthen Gentle Body Cleanser
Bepanthen® Derma Gentle Body Cleanser is formulated with dry and sensitive skin in mind. This soap-free body gel gently cleanses and protects your skin, removing impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Bepanthen Restoring Daily Body Lotion
Bepanthen® Derma Restoring Daily Body Lotion has a light, non-sticky texture and is rapidly absorbed to ensure immediate and effective relief of dry, sensitive skin.
Bepanthen Replenishing Daily Body Lotion
Bepanthen® Derma Replenishing Daily Body Lotion has a rich formulation to calm, soothe, and provide an additional hydration boost to very dry, sensitive skin.
Bepanthen Gentle Face Cleanser
Specifically formulated for cleansing the skin without drying it out, Bepanthen® Derma Gentle Face Cleanser maintains your skin’s natural protective barrier.
Bepanthen Daily Face Cream with SPF 25
Bepanthen® Derma Restoring Face Cream with SPF 25 offers immediate and long-lasting hydration with UVA/UVB protection.
Bepanthen Regenerating Night Face Cream
Rehydrate your skin overnight with Bepanthen® Derma Regenerating Night Face Cream, a deeply moisturising face cream formulated to soothe dryness and make your skin feel soft and smooth.
Bepanthen Derma is available nationwide at Dis-Chem, Clicks, and Takealot.
Follow Bepanthen Derma South Africa:
Website: www.bepanthen.co.za
Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Having turned 60 last year, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly side-lined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.
📸 Profile photo credited to Lerissa Kemp Photography
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
- Paola Chellewhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/paola-chellew
