Today, we have the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Yannis, the esteemed founder of the renowned skincare brand, 111SKIN. Dr. Yannis is not only a pioneer in the beauty industry but also a prominent expert in the field of skincare. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to delivering exceptional products, Dr. Yannis has propelled 111SKIN to the forefront of the industry, captivating the hearts of skincare enthusiasts worldwide. In our interview today, we will delve into Dr. Yannis’ journey as a founder, gaining insights into the inception of 111SKIN and the philosophy that drives its success. We will explore the unique technologies and formulations that have set 111SKIN apart from its competitors, with a particular focus on the groundbreaking NAC Y²™ technology and the highly anticipated NAC Y²™ Glow Up.
Can you share with us the story behind the creation of 111SKIN and what motivated you to start your own skincare brand?
Dr Yannis Alexandrides –
Coming from a family of doctors, I grew up surrounded by science, so I always had an interest and passion for the field. Plastic surgery was a bit of an unconventional path at the time, but studying in Pittsburgh for two years during my degree and spending time research growth factors and how to heal your skin was something I was really interested in. For me, it was important to pursue a career that helped to inspire confidence in other people.
In 2004, I was looking to create a healing skincare product to meet the reparative needs of my patients post-operation. I collaborated with leading biochemical engineers who were experts in reparative properties of NAC. We joined forces with them to create the ground-breaking skincare formula NAC²™.
Following the success of our first product, the Dramatic Healing Serum, I created luxury skincare brand 111SKIN to ensure my patients – no matter where they were – had access to products that could preserve and protect the complexion. 111SKIN is surgically-inspired and scientifically led and is an extension of my work as a surgeon. The medically-derived delivery systems harness my surgical knowledge to deliver and replicate the in-clinic treatments at 111 Harley St. from home.
What sets 111SKIN apart from other skincare brands on the market?
Dr Yannis Alexandrides –
We positioned ourselves as the leading global skincare brand that is surgically inspired, science led and clinical-results driven. 111SKIN delivers unprecedented quality and results to our clients and customers.
The NAC Y²™ technology has gained significant attention in the skincare industry. Could you explain to us what it is and how it benefits the skin?
Dr Yannis Alexandrides –
A novel ingredient was behind its success. In 2004, a team of biochemical engineers contacted me, seeking a leading aesthetic surgeon to collaborate with. This provided a unique opportunity to work with experts in the reparative properties of NAC, an amino-acid and essential building block of our skin. Working together, we created the groundbreaking NAC Y²™, the founding skincare formula at the heart of 111SKIN’s products.
NAC was originally used in space as a supplement, I recognized that it’s efficacious properties could also be beneficial when used topically in skincare after witnessing the medical and scientific advances of this antioxidant. Medically, NAC had commonly been used intravenously as an antidote to treat overdose victims and is virtually 100% effective in preventing liver damage when given within 8 hours of the overdose.
By providing the skin with NAC, we showed that you can stop DNA degradation and halt the ageing process on a cellular level.
- NAC stimulates the production of the most powerful intracellular antioxidant: Glutathione.
- Y is the initial for Yannis.
- 2 indicates the two additional ingredients:
- Escin, boosts circulation and oxygen capacity which are essential for healing.
- Vitamin C, an antioxidant vital for creating collagen.
These three ingredients act synergistically to rejuvenate the healing, repair and protection of the skin. This became our patented formula, NAC Y²™.
How do you approach the development and formulation of new skincare products at 111SKIN?
Dr Yannis Alexandrides – Development is a very long process, sometimes taking up to three years for a single product. But it’s this integrity and authenticity that gives the brand its longevity. NAC Y²™ working at the forefront of non- surgical treatments, researching techniques in the USA and bringing them to the UK. These advancements bring additions and sometimes alternatives to surgery, offering patients increased options.
Sometimes clients are not aware of what they need. For example, patients requesting surgery on the eye area, could start using better skincare, then see dramatic results, very quickly. For example, 111SKIN’s sheet masks – beloved by celebrities – for their dramatic effects. Likewise, the Concentrate ampoules; Firming, Antioxidant and Radiance – also offer noticeable results after only seven days. Advanced skincare is now another pathway, many 111SKIN products are so effective in the treatment that sometimes they can be offered in place of a procedure.
Looking back at your journey as a founder and entrepreneur, what have been the most significant lessons or challenges you’ve encountered along the way, and how have they shaped your approach to business?
Dr Yannis Alexandrides –
- First of all, a mentor once told me that it would take five to seven years to become successful. Success won’t happen overnight. 111SKIN turns 11 this year, and there is still so much I’d love for my brand to accomplish.
- A humbling moment, as for many, was during COVID-19. My clinic had to close for the first time, completely. Despite this, I feel this period strengthened the company. The momentum increased instead of slowed down, actually. The business quickly pivoted, switching to other platforms to reach clients and created a network of professionals such as aestheticians and dermatologists that help. We have established a very vibrant connection and the sales have followed. It is a pinch me moment because it could have been the other way and I need to tell myself that. It is a time where we were able to strengthen our team by attracting people who are really experienced in this field because the needs of the company change as you go ahead.
- You need the right team. You can have fantastic and innovative ideas, but you can’t execute properly if you don’t have the right people working for you.
- Learn to follow your intuition.
- Managing people will be more of a challenge than you think. I’m very happy to have a human resources department that looks after my employees day to day in a professional way.
- It’s not always positive if the entire team agrees. As a leader, you should use your expertise and challenge your team to put their best foot forward.