Interview

Let's Meet Outside… with Agnes Maltesdotter

In conversation with Rudolph Care, Agnes Maltesdotter shares her love for nature, her life in the Swedish wilderness, and her approach to skincare and self-care.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I live in Kiruna, in the very north of Sweden, surrounded by wild and untouched nature. Together with my partner Jonatan, our two dogs, and soon our baby boy, I’m creating a life that’s deeply connected to nature. We also have a summerhouse on Gotland, a Swedish island where we spend most of our summers.

I work full-time with digital marketing, photography, and Tori Retreats. At the same time, I’m going through a big transition in my life. I’m moving away from my old habits and interests—like constant traveling—and instead, I find myself drawn to the beauty of staying home, creating a family, and living simply. It’s a journey of self-discovery, and I’m learning to embrace change as an adventure.

What draws you to spending so much time outdoors?

Nature is where I feel most at peace. Life becomes so simple — starting a fire, cooking food, getting water, picking berries, or waking up with a cold dip in the river. It’s grounding, and I love how present I feel in those moments. It’s truly magical and gives me so much energy.

Where is the most beautiful place in the world?

It’s hard to pick just one place because beauty can be found everywhere if you’re open to it. But some places that mean a lot to me are:

• The wild landscapes around Kiruna.

• The archipelago on Sweden’s east coast.

• Lofoten in Norway.

• Costa Rica.

What has been your wildest nature experience?

One of the wildest experiences happened close to home. Last winter, we went ski touring to a remote hut near the Finnish border. We were out for more than 10 hours in -30°C, surrounded by complete wilderness. The short daylight hours meant it got dark around 2 p.m., and we didn’t reach the hut until late in the evening. After making a fire, eating, and resting for a few hours, we skied back. It was intense and humbling, being so far from everything in the freezing dark.

What has nature taught you?

Patience, adaptability, and the importance of change. Nature teaches you to follow its rhythm and reminds you that we can’t control everything.

What’s your favorite activity in nature?

It changes with the seasons, which is one of the best things about Sweden. In winter, I love skiing and especially cross-country skiing. In summer, it’s hiking, kayaking, and running.

How does nature affect your mental and physical well-being?

Nature has a hugely positive impact. If I’m feeling low, just stepping outside can help. Fresh air, natural sounds, and the calming presence of the outdoors are healing. Nature listens and never judges.

How do you care for your skin when spending so much time outdoors?

Spending so much time in cold air, wind, and water, I’ve learned to prioritize skincare. I keep my skin moisturized, especially in winter when the air is extremely dry.

What are your top skincare tips for outdoor activities?

When skiing:

Up north, the sun doesn’t rise for a month during midwinter, and the cold air dries out my skin fast. I keep it moisturized with a serum and facial cream, applying it an hour before going outside. In late spring, when the midnight sun returns, I always use SPF 50 to protect my skin and a good lip balm to prevent dryness.

When hiking:

For longer hikes, I keep it simple. I clean my face in a river, dry it with a towel, and apply a travel-sized facial cream.

When sleeping outdoors:

A morning dip in a river is my favorite way to wake up my body. Afterward, I use a moisturizer or facial oil to hydrate my skin.

What’s your skincare routine like?

Morning routine:

I wash my face with cold water and Hydrating Cleansing Milk. I use a cold towel on my eyes, followed by serum, eye cream, and a facial cream. If I have time, I love using a gua sha with Açai Facial Oil for a refreshing massage.

Evening routine:

After showering, I cleanse my face with the same cleansing milk, followed by serum, eye cream, and a facial cream. If I use the sauna, I often leave conditioner in my hair and apply a face mask before continuing my routine.

What’s your favorite product for SPF protection?

Sun Balm SPF 50. I love that it comes in three sizes, making it easy to pack for adventures or keep at home. The texture feels like butter, and the packaging is so practical, it doesn’t leak, no matter where you bring it.

Do you have any Rudolph Care favorites?

Absolutely! Some of my must-haves include:

Hydrating Cleansing Milk: Gentle and refreshing.

Açai Anti-Stress Facial Cream: Perfect for everyday use.

Instantly Smoothing Serum: A great boost for my skin.

To The Rescue Balm: My go-to lip balm for hikes and skiing.

Sun Balm SPF 50: Always in my pocket when the sun returns.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about skincare in the outdoors?

Adapting is key. Seasons and weather change constantly, so I’ve learned to listen to my skin and adjust my routine accordingly.