THE BRAND EVERY SKINCARE NERD SHOULD TRY: 111SKIN

There is a strong argument for putting your money into a doctor-led brand, just ask some of Hollywood’s elite or any beauty editor worthy of their column inches. Having experts develop science-backed formulas offers additional confidence that the products will actually deliver results. Healthy skin and good skincare, after all, comes down to science, so it makes sense to buy skincare developed by a doctor, as the products are focused on efficacy and superior ingredients.

Founded by Harley Street cosmetic surgeon, Dr Yannis Alexandrides, 111 Skin was originally launched to offer his patients’ post-treatment skincare needs, and to ensure they were following an effective regime to enhance in-clinic results. Now it’s a line – loved by everyone from Kim Kardashian to Olivia Palermo – that offers unbeatable sheet masks (we love the Sub-Zero Depuffing Face Masks), as well as the Y Theorem Concentrate, a seven-day treatment programme designed to repair the skin barrier and alleviate stress. Today, Dr Alexandrides and his wife and co-founder Eva Alexandridis have together created one of the beauty industry’s most sought-after luxury brands.

With so many skincare brands already on the market, what inspired you to start your own?

“You could say 111SKIN’s beginnings were serendipitous. It all began with the need to fill a gap for an effective healing treatment at my Harley Street clinic for patients recovering from surgery. Traditionally, I find that post-op treatments can be harsh, complicated to use or simply ineffective, so I wanted to create a product for my patients that would be highly efficacious and also incredibly simple to use. It was only when clients kept coming back for more that we thought about exploring expanding into skincare.

“That said, I think what ultimately sets 111SKIN apart is that there’s something for everyone within our ranges. Our formulas are deeply rooted in science and research to replicate in-clinic treatments, while also feeling like an indulgent treat and delivering tangible results, so you feel great in your own skin. That’s the most important part for us and I guess what inspires us to this day – seeing people feeling confident and happy in their own skin.”

How has your career in medicine informed the brand

“111SKIN was born from my Harley Street clinic and I like to think of it as the culmination of over 20 years’ surgical experience, as well as a drive to innovate within the industry. Our first ever product – The Dramatic Healing Serum – was formulated in collaboration with space scientists and used in-clinic as a complimentary aftercare product to help increase the rate of healing. It was then that our signature NAC Y² complex was born, and to this day, the very same complex is at the core of our best-selling Reparative range.”

What do you think are the most common mistakes people make when choosing skincare?

“Using more products than necessary and not being targeted enough with their approach to skincare. The saying less is more comes into its own here. Whether your skin is oily, sensitive, dry, or you have other concerns, it’s important to focus on the products that will work in harmony to balance and enrich the skin.

“A good starting point is creating a basic routine that includes an effective cleanser, toner, SPF and moisturiser. Then, if you’re wanting to tackle specific concerns like blemishes or dullness, you can add in a targeted booster, like our 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster or Vitamin C Brightening Booster. Once or twice a week, add a liquid mask for extra hydration and then, face and eye masks when you’re after more instant results.”

Unique to the entire 111SKIN portfolio, is a custom molecule – NAC Y². Can you explain what that is?

“NAC Y² is the principal ingredient in our Y Theorem Repair Serum, as well as the complete Reparative collection. It’s a unique and powerful complex made from a trio of actives that boasts a high antioxidant content, including NAC that helps stimulate the production of Glutathione (often described as the body’s master antioxidant). As well as helping to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation, these important antioxidants also help boost levels of Vitamin E and C, as well as prime the T-cells in your body (the natural fighter cells) to encourage the production of infection-fighting substances.”

Has customer feedback impacted product development?

“We’re very lucky to have a close-knit team, so any feedback filters directly to myself and Eva. We’re always thinking about ways to reinvent and implement feedback, which is why during the lockdown, we decided to develop and launch our medical-grade ampoules. It was an incredibly difficult time for everyone and aware that our clients were missing the normality of regular treatments, we decided to bring the clinic to their home. Designed to be used as a targeted seven-day programme, our potent concentrates are housed in glass vessels to prevent oxidation and act like prescriptions for the skin that help to treat varied skin concerns from blemishes and inflammation to dryness.

“Our Beauty Dose supplements were also created from feedback in some ways. We’re aware that clients approach skincare differently now, with long-term solutions and lifestyle changes preferred over siloed products. We created these three supplements (formulated with an expert blend of superfoods, minerals and vitamins) to work in tandem with your everyday skincare routine, detoxing from within to help you achieve a healthy gut and skin.”

If you were to pick a favourite product from your entire range, what would it be and why?

“That’s a hard one! It’s hard to decide on a favourite because skin concerns can change periodically, but if I’d have to choose, there are two that standout because they’re suitable for all skin types and can be implemented into any routine. “The Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y² holds a special place because it’s really our hero product and the one that inspired the entire 111SKIN range. It harnesses our signature complex and helps heal, protect and repair, so it’s ideal for adding to your routine when you feel your skin could do with a boost. It also helps reduce redness, soothe irritated skin, and provides optimum conditions for enhanced collagen production.

“The Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Booster also gets a mention because it’s a multi-action product that’s ideal for everyone and leaves a weightless finish on the skin. It’s made with low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that hydrates deep into the epidermis and additional humectants that really work to combat dryness.”

If you could recommend one positive step you can take for your skin, non-product related, what would it be?

“Sleep! Make sure to get the necessary amount of sleep every night. The recommended amount is between seven to nine hours, and while it can be difficult to achieve this every night, if you can try and implement a routine, it’ll make all the difference on your skin. Although the term ‘beauty sleep’ isn’t the most scientific, it’s not inaccurate, since during those precious hours of rest your skin’s blood flow increases, in turn repairing damage from daily stressors and allowing the skin to rebuild its collagen and cell tissue.”

What role does sustainability play in the business?

“Sustainability has always been very important to us and we’re trying to navigate the space with transparency and respect. Aligning with retail partners and suppliers who share our values is the first step we took, which is why we research and probe all the practices of those we work with.

“Aware of the impact of packaging, we also committed to using glass packaging some years ago, and the very few plastic components that we haven’t yet found alternatives for are all recyclable. When it comes to our masks, they’re all carefully packed in recyclable aluminium sachets and since they’re a single-use product, every mask is fully biodegradable. “111SKIN is also recognised by Positive Luxury as a company that’s implementing sustainable processes and we’re part of the Ethical Trading Initiative, meaning as well as being energy and carbon-emission conscious, we also mindfully source all our ingredients, so our products are free from parabens, PVC, silicones, toxins and beeswax.”

Tell us about why you chose to support Women for Women International and what that represents for your brand?

“When we sit down and think about our DNA, at the core of 111SKIN is a philosophy of philanthropy, confidence, community, equality, and empowerment, so it’s important to work with organisations that champion the same values we do. Women For Women International is a cause close to our hearts because they work with and support women living in some of the world’s most dangerous regions to take back their lives.

“The charity empowers women with opportunities to learn practical skills, how to make and save their own money, make their voices heard and above all, improve their family’s health. We’ve seen the difference the organisation makes to peoples lives and to us, it’s important to give back where and when we can.”

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