Q&A with Joanne Evans, celebrity facialist and founder of Skin Matters in Holland Park a wellness clinic offering facials, massage and aesthetic medical treatments.
" Don't follow a trend, just because it's working for them, doesn't necessarily mean its right for you."
1. As one of London’s top skin therapists, tell us about your journey and how you came to launch Skin Matters in Notting Hill.
I started in the health industry, to train as a nurse because I knew I wanted to care for people and then went on to study beauty, aesthetics and health. I started by managing certain businesses such as spas and clubs then went on to start out on my own. At the time, there was a gap in the market and no-one else was combining facials and lasers to create a multi-tasking bespoke treatment. I realised there was demand for a combination of both medical and holistic treatments and its expanded from there.
The philosophy has grown to the wonderful studio in Holland Park which we have today. It's always been a natural flow with our clients with the main driving force being honesty, care and of course the amazing results they are getting for their skin.
2. I love the way you always have simple solutions for skin dramas. What is your best kitchen cupboard skin fixer?
Coconut Oil. Great for hair, skin, body, cleansing and moisturising.
3. You have a dedicated career in skin health, what are your top tips for achieving radiant skin?
Always clean your skin, always use SPF and keep hydrated. Less is more!
4. Retinols are the skincare world’s version of Marmite. Why do you believe that they are essential to skin health, and why for some can using retinol cause havoc to the skin?
Vitamin A is an antioxidant which sits in the cluster of A, C & E. Vitamin A is the most important vitamin in the skin and plays a vital role in determining how the skin cells function. Vitamin A helps to supplement where we are experiencing deficiencies. Some skin's are more fragile than others so we have to be careful when using vitamin A. Vitamin A increases cellular turnover, and that process can stress the skin out especially if it's not in good condition.
I wouldn't recommend diving straight in to vitamin A / retinol. You have to make sure your skin is in optimum health before starting on retinol; asking the skin to turn over faster and do more when it isn't ready can lead to irritated and unhappy skin. Make sure you get the right education for your skin by seeking out expert advice, Don't follow a trend, just because it's working for them, doesn't necessarily mean its right for you.
5. What do you do when your skin is in need of a little TLC?
I love a face mask, and a nice bath with magnesium or Epsom salts. My go to's are the nano crystal mask by Mesoestetics, MZ skincare or Clay Masque by Environ.
6. At home skin gadgets are on trend right now, what is your favourite tool and why?
Newa radio frequency for lifting and tightening but also it is great for drainage. Gives the skin a gloss and a glow.
Cryo globes great for puffy skin, reviving and renewing the skin. Great for the morning with the Newa in the evening
FaceLite - easy to wear around the house. Ten minute quick gadget which is anti-inflammatory, collagen boosting, elastin boosting and healing. Can also use on chest, hands, stomach.
7. What is your holy grail skincare product?
BioEffect EGF Serum - love that. Overall glow and hydration, stimulates growth factors within the skin.
8. Do you have any wellness hacks that you can share with us?
I like my early morning walk, 15 minutes strength training and minimum of 10 seconds to a minute in a cold shower. I make sure I have my vitamin A, D and K supplements with Colostrum. In the evenings I do Epsom or Magnesium salt baths and my LED light before bed with a cocktail of supplements throughout the day.
For more information on Skin Matters head to Skin-matters.co.uk or follow them @skinmattersnottinghill