Beauty Boss: Eva Alexandridis, CEO and Co-Founder of 111SKIN
Eva Alexandridis.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Eva Alexandridis, CEO and Co-Founder of 111SKIN—an innovative line of doctor-led skin care products that are created using cutting-edge formulas backed by surgical expertise. Designed to help people achieve complete skin confidence, their innovative and ethically-responsible products deliver powerful and long-lasting visible results while remaining cruelty-free, paraben-free and silicone-free.
Alexandridis founded the brand with her husband, Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, a world-renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Since its inception, 111SKIN has grown rapidly over the years and now has over 50 products in the range, and a loyal following that includes celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham and Lady Gaga, among others.
Aman Skincare Partners with 111SKIN to Launch Limited-Edition Masks
111SKIN treatments are offered at luxury spas around the world, as well as in premier department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges. 111SKIN: The Suite is the brand’s first appointment-only, luxury treatment and wellness space located in the heart of London at Dr Yannis Alexandrides’ MD FACS Harley Street clinic, and is the perfect setting to enjoy their range of celebrated facials and body treatments.
We chatted with Alexandridis, who shared her journey in the beauty and wellness industry, secrets for success, wellness tips, favorite beauty products, and much more.
When was 111SKIN founded and what does the name mean?
The first 111SKIN product was developed from my husband and co-founder, Dr.Yannis’ surgical clinic, 111 Harley St., in 2007. Known as the “dramatic healing serum” and consisting of Yannis’ patented NAC Y ²™ formula. The serum was created to speed up the healing process of post-surgery patients. For the first five years, the serum was complimentary to patients at 111 Harley St., to enhance the client journey and to expedite post-procedure recovery. In 2012, we launched our first retail line, 111SKIN with eight products exclusively at Harrods in London. The name ‘111’ derived from the products’ birth at 111 Harley St. clinic and emphasises the brand’s scientifically-led and surgically-inspired background.
What inspired its creation?
The NAC Y ²™ formula was created after Yannis noticed a gap in the skincare market - for products that increased the skins’ healing process whilst being sensitive enough for post-surgery patients. As a surgeon, he had an expert knowledge of the skin’s tri-dimensional healing process. Using his understanding, Yannis created our propriety formula, NAC Y ²™. Patient’s using the formula were reporting dramatic results and we struggled to stock sufficient product to meet our client’s demands. This led to the inception of 111SKIN.
Do you have a hero product?
Yes, the original product that launched 111SKIN “The Dramatic Healing Serum,” today known as the “Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y ²™” is still our global best-seller. Tested in space - one of the most extreme aging environments for the skin; this product visibly creates a firmer, stronger, repaired complexion.
What’s your favorite product from your brand?
I love 111SKIN’s Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel NAC Y ²™. The skin surrounding my eye region is particularly sensitive, so this product remains a staple in my skincare regime. On days that I skip using this product, I notice a visible difference.
Another firm-favourite is 111SKIN’s seven-day treatment ampoules. A series of five potent skin formulas, each representing one of 111SKIN's signature ranges, they produce clinical-like results from the comfort of your home. My favourite would have to be The Firming Concentrate as they mimic my favourite facial treatment available at 111 Harley Street.
Where are your products sold?
During the last 10 years, we have been extremely fortunate to have requests from top global retailers. We carefully select who we decide to work with, ensuring that the service, education and training is aligned with our brand values. We are currently available in some of the most prestigious department stores in the world including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, Gallery Lafayette and over sixty 5-star spas around the world.
111SKIN’s innovative and ethically-responsible products deliver powerful and long-lasting visible results.
How did you find new ways to pivot and grow your spa business post-pandemic?
During the pandemic, Dr Yannis’ Harley Street clinic was forced to close. Whilst Yannis usually practiced surgery four days a week, the clinic’s closure enabled him to devote more time towards planning 111SKIN concepts. Together at home, Yannis and I worked endless hours on NPD, producing five new concepts, known as the 111SKIN concentrates. The concentrates were created to mimic the treatments available in Yannis clinic/ 111SKIN spas, increasing clients’ 111SKIN spa accessibility during the pandemic. These products have become one of our best-sellers, a crucial component within our spa facial treatments and are the perfect example of 111SKIN’s agility during the covid-19 pandemic.
Post-pandemic, consumers have a displayed an increased interest in medical-grade products and science-based treatments. As a result, we have opened thirty new spas (100% increase on our existing spa business). Despite the significantly increased demand, we are still very selective over the brands we decide to partner with as we prioritise quality over quantity. We take huge pride in the training and education behind each spa partnership as it must be an extension of our 111SKIN clinic. To assure the highest standard of training, 111 Harley Street’s head aesthetician, Milena, provides thorough training to the staff in each of our global spas. Milena is the vessel between the clinic and our spas, ensuring each spa is updated and equipped with the latest medical devices and advancements.
Tell us more about the global expansion of your spa partnerships and how you navigated to increase the spa business.
We are extremely fortunate that most of our spa business occurs on a referral basis. The luxury spa industry is a tight-knit community and thus, 11SKIN spa openings have proved a domino-effect. With this in mind, we are so grateful to the spa directors that have introduced us to their partners and so on. The reason we are in this fortunate position is due to the unsurpassable level of training, clinical treatments offerings, and Dr Yannis’ globally renowned Harley St. clinic which gives us a unique insight to consumer wellness trends. Alongside this, of course, 111SKIN products are high-performing and result-driven, mimicking the effects of a surgery clinic from the comfort of a spa.
111SKIN treatments are offered at spas around the world including 111SKIN: The Suite, a private and tranquil skincare sanctuary located in the heart of London at Dr Yannis Alexandrides’ MD FACS Harley Street clinic.
Future plans for the brand?
To keep doing what we do best. Create high-performing products that brings science to the forefront, whilst delivering a sensorial experience. Ultimately to continue our mission of promoting total-skin confidence to all our clients.
Who inspires you?
My mom—she has worked continuously throughout her entire life, and I am yet to hear her complain. My mother introduced me to the world of beauty, I have vivid memories of her looking immaculate with bright lipstick, smart uniform, and a big smile. She has taught me to always count my blessings and to be thankful and embrace what life presents to us.
Secret to success?
Always be honest—with yourself and your team.
Work hard—as it will always pay off.
Do not be afraid of chasing your dreams and aspirations—however wild they may seem at the time.
Beauty secrets?
Beauty, for me, is a lifestyle. Skin care should be effective and leave one feeling empowered. Finding a routine that fits your lifestyle is important, from product application to how many products you decide to include. Beauty rituals are equally as important and offer both physical and mental benefits. This can be applying a mask and closing your eyes for 20 minutes or treating yourself to a clinical facial or body treatment.
However, my top beauty secret is a full-body cryotherapy treatment—I cannot live without 111CRYO! This involves three minutes of standing in a cryotherapy chamber in extremely low temperatures (-90 degrees). The benefits are vast, promoting immunity support, anti-inflammatory and an energy elevation. I am a firm believer that beauty starts from within.
Wellness tips?
To achieve 360 wellness, one must take care of your physical and internal being. Whilst I regularly practice self-care and beauty rituals, exercise is also a major component of my wellness rituals.
I like to run three times per week—regardless of whether I may be travelling. Running outdoors, surrounded by nature can be very liberating and a fantastic way to detach from technology. Other days, I like to do a quick yoga or dance class at home. I find it important to practice physical activity which will engage my entire body and mind.
Best advice?
Know your priorities and stay true to yourself. My priorities are my family and running 111SKIN. Everything else comes secondary, and I do my best to ignore these outside pressures as I can only be in one place at once! Managing to spend quality time with my family and dedicate time to work leaves me feeling satisfied and fulfilled. The beauty industry can be tough at times, but I find my job extremely rewarding and I am blessed to be supported by an inspiring team of over a hundred people.
How do you like to relax?
I am the happiest in Greece, swimming in the beautiful blue sea, surrounded by my family. When in London, I love to walk or cycle and enjoy the diverse nature that city parks have to offer. At home, I like to pair a 111SKIN mask with an LED light, close my eyes and let my thoughts drift.
For more information, visit the website and follow on Instagram: @111skin
[Images courtesy of 111SKIN]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk