111SKIN
It's not every day that skincare is formulated by a plastic surgeon to prevent and help treat concerns that traditionally require a clinical intervention. 111SKIN was designed to create no-filter confidence in everyone from regular people to supermodels—and it delivers.
My first impression of 111SKIN came from their incredibly popular concentrates. Looking to prevent fine lines, The Firming Concentrate from 111SKIN came highly recommended from friends and experts. The visible results were dramatic, and I couldn't wait to try more.
111SKIN
Founded: Yannis Alexandrides, MD, and Eva Alexandrides, 2010
Based In: London, UK
Pricing: $$$
Best Known For: Their Instagram-famous sheet masks and clinical-strength results
Most Popular Product: Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask, Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y2
Fun Fact: The healing complex NAC Y²™ found in 111SKIN products was formulated with the help of aerospace scientists as astronauts' skin weather extremely harsh conditions.
Other Brands You’ll Love: La Prairie, Augustinus Bader, La Mer
Named after the street address of his London clinic, Yannis Alexandrides, MD, explains that 111SKIN was the byproduct of his experience as a plastic surgeon. After 20 years in practice he wanted to accelerate the healing process of patients’ skin following surgical and non-surgical treatments. "I wasn’t satisfied with what was available to surgeons at the time, so I set about finding more effective healing solutions," he explains. "I got to meet two scientists who were involved in a European space program and oversaw the wellness of astronauts, creating food and supplements for them to consume in space."
In space, the skin is exposed to intense cosmic radiation—without the filtering effect of the atmosphere that we have on earth—making it a harsh environment for skin aging. "These scientists had a wealth of knowledge about how to prevent skin aging in the most extreme environments. So, I decided to collaborate with them to create a brand new and proprietary formula—the healing complex NAC Y2™, says Alexandrides. "It proved so effective that my patients were seeking out the products for everyday use. With my wife Eva, we decided to create a small skincare line, starting out with just eight products, and 111SKIN was born."
111SKIN creates products designed to help the skin heal and works to ensure formulas are as active and effective as possible. "Our groundbreaking complexes are also what make us stand out," says Alexandrides. "Our surgically-inspired skincare was created for all skin types, concerns, tones, ages and sexes, so it really is for everyone. I see a wide variety of patients from all different backgrounds at my clinic, and the line was created to work for each of their unique needs."
Curious to see how this aerospace science-backed brand can give you results that are out of this world? Read on for our favorite 111SKIN products.
Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y²
The hero product that inspired the entire 111SKIN line, the Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y² was originally designed to treat trauma after surgery. The aerospace-inspired AC Y2 helps redness and irritation by providing skin with the optimum conditions for enhanced collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production.
A little goes a long way with this product and the results are dramatic. You truly have to try it to believe it. This is perfect for anyone with acne scarring or in my case rosacea, as it deeply repairs skin.
Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask
As an allergy sufferer, I am always fighting puffiness in my under eye. Not only do these eye masks feel relaxing to wear, they leave my eyes looking bright and skin looking dewy. If you're looking to maximize their benefit, I recommend putting them in the fridge before applying for added cooling comfort.
The Firming Concentrate
The product that originally caught my attention from the brand, The Firming Concentrate is a seven day treatment of concentrate ampoules meant to be applied daily. The increased elasticity in my skin was obvious after only two days and the full seven day treatment was like no other firming product I've tried. This would be great for the week before a big event or a vacation where you don't want to pack as much makeup. It truly leaves your skin with the no-filter confidence that the brand talks about.
Celestial Black Diamond Contour Gel
Some products take regular use to observe results. Other products are immediately effective, but whose results are fleeting. The Celestial Black Diamond Contour Gel manages to be both—producing immediate and longer-lasting results.
The dense concentration of peptides in this gel create an immediate effect, making it great for pre-event treatments. Consistent use of this gel had persisting benefits to the fine lines around my eyes. The brand shares the tip of the applicator is meant to be reminiscent of a Botox needle and the comparison does not stop there. If you are concerned about targeting lines and wrinkles in specific areas of the eye, this is the product for you.
The Y Theorem Concentrate
One of several seven-day ampoule kits that the brand offers, The Y Theorem Concentrate set is a great introduction to the brand's signature formulation without having to commit to a specific product. Designed to be used seven days in a row as a restorative treatment, this provides a concentrated dose of the Y theorem to soothe redness and irritation. This would be a great gift for someone unfamiliar with the profound healing benefits of the Y theorem.
Antioxidant Energising Essence
The Antioxidant Energizing Essence answers the question "Do I really need a toner?" with a resounding "Yes!" With the brand's proprietary NAC Y²™ and a blend of soothing botanical extracts, this ultra-lightweight toner is the perfect post cleanser primer for the skin. Unlike other toners I've tried, I really feel like this one is providing benefits to my skin. This toner does not leave the skin feeling dry or stripped, but instead, adds a bounce and glow that are only enhanced with the rest of your skincare routine.
The Hydration Concentrate
Just like the other two ampoule sets on this list, The Hydration Concentrate is a seven-day set of ampoule vials. This concentrate definitely feels thicker in viscosity compared to the others I tried and I feel that contributes to its ability to prevent transepidermal water-loss.
While you can use this as a seven-day treatment, I actually prefer to save these for occasions when I need deeper hydration. I recommend applying these before flying as airplane air can be extremely dehydrating and then again after landing and washing your face. They also would be a great hydrating treatment after sun exposure.
Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask
The product that made 111SKIN instagram famous, the Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask was originally intended to be a limited-edition product. However, its popularity among supermodels and influencers for pre-event treatments made it a household name. Containing 24k Gold and Damask Rose, this mask works both to illuminate and calm the skin. This is one of the only products from the line that felt more like an event treatment versus a long-term consistency product, but the immediate effects were more observable than with other similarly marketed sheet masks.
