April 16, 2020
Treating Inflammation with Dr. Yannis Alexandrides
By Nateisha Scott
In light of our new product launch, the Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask, Dr Yannis Alexandrides discusses the power behind the healing range and how he has transferred the science from surgery to skincare with his focus and understanding around trauma and healing inflammation.
NS: How does Inflammation arise and what is happening on the skin’s surface?
YA: Skin Inflammation is observed by the signs of redness, swelling, pain or itchiness. The most common causes of irritation are UV radiation, dehydration, extreme temperatures, pollution, chemicals and an incorrect skincare routine.
NS: What is happening on a microscopic level?
YA: So, depending on the cause of the irritation or inflammation, we can see vasodilation (which is the increased blood flow to the skin), hyperkeratosis (the thickening of the epidermal layer) and the migration of cells that are often associated with inflammation such as mast cells and white blood cells. In extreme cases we can also see the breakdown of cells, an increased volume within the extra cellular layer and the breakdown or irregular pattern production of collagen.
NS: With that being said, how do you recommend that inflammation is to be treated?
YA: When treating inflammation, the first rule would be to remove the cause of irritation. For example, if the inflammation was caused by sun exposure, immediate removal and protection from the sun is vital.
NS: So, if treating the skin at home, you would recommend?
YA: The Reparative line, it is founded upon ground-breaking research that stemmed from my surgical practice where NAC was being used in post-surgical treatments to help heal and repair the wounds as well as speed up the recovery process. From that knowledge, the products in the range are therefore inspired to heal and treat the skin. The NAC Y2 Restorative Cleansing Balm is gentle enough not irritate the skin but still is impactful in removing the build-up, oil and impurities. Infused with antioxidants such as green tea and calming ingredients like honey, the cleanser is the perfect source to daily cleanse and heal the skin without any irritation. I would also recommend following this up with Antioxidant Energising Essence, it delivers fast acting antioxidant properties that then preps, conditions and soothes the skin whilst ingredients like copper chlorophyll supports the skin’s repair processes. For added hydration before moisturising I would advise applying the Y Theorem Serum. Not only packed with NAC Y2, it is lightweight enough not to clog up the pores but potent enough to protect and repair stressed skin. To seal and protect the skin I would strongly recommend implementing the Y Theorem Day Cream, it harnesses NAC Y2, a vitamin complex to fortify and repair damaged skin as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. For an extra treat, I would apply a mask as often as your skin feels as though it needs it and the Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask hydrates, supports and strengthens the complexion.
NS: What products/ingredients should you avoid when the skin is inflamed?
YA: I would advise against using any products that have chemicals or irritants in their formulation. You should also avoid products that dehydrate the skin such as alcohol and soaps as they are extremely dehydrating.
NS: Why is the Reparative Range so important for healing the skin?
YA: The range offers to treat different levels of irritation, for the lipid barrier it increases and normalises the moisture levels and on a cellular level it improves glutathione which neutralises free radicals, vitamin c to strengthen collagen and Niacinamide to protect and seal. The line is also infused with the NAC Y2 formula throughout, as an anti-inflammatory it produces glutathione and as the most potent antioxidant that also neutralises free radicals, glutathione is key when treating inflammation. To take this further in understanding, we must neutralise free radicals because they are released during inflammation and are one of the molecular ways that enhances inflammation, so neutralising free radicals will limit and improve inflammation. In addition, ascorbic acid (more commonly known as Vitamin C) will help with the production and cross linkage of healthy collagen which during inflammation has broken down. Furthermore, there is Eschin which in its own right is a very important antioxidant, but an ingredient that normalises the blood flow to the skin which is effective when reducing inflammation.
Treating Inflammation with Dr. Yannis Alexandrides
By: Nateisha Scott
In light of our new product launch, the Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask, Dr Yannis Alexandrides discusses the power behind the healing range and how he has transferred the science from surgery to skincare with his focus and understanding around trauma and healing inflammation.
NS: How does Inflammation arise and what is happening on the skin’s surface?
YA: Skin Inflammation is observed by the signs of redness, swelling, pain or itchiness. The most common causes of irritation are UV radiation, dehydration, extreme temperatures, pollution, chemicals and an incorrect skincare routine.
NS: What is happening on a microscopic level?
YA: So, depending on the cause of the irritation or inflammation, we can see vasodilation (which is the increased blood flow to the skin), hyperkeratosis (the thickening of the epidermal layer) and the migration of cells that are often associated with inflammation such as mast cells and white blood cells. In extreme cases we can also see the breakdown of cells, an increased volume within the extra cellular layer and the breakdown or irregular pattern production of collagen.
NS: With that being said, how do you recommend that inflammation is to be treated?
YA: When treating inflammation, the first rule would be to remove the cause of irritation. For example, if the inflammation was caused by sun exposure, immediate removal and protection from the sun is vital.
NS: So, if treating the skin at home, you would recommend?
YA: The Reparative line, it is founded upon ground-breaking research that stemmed from my surgical practice where NAC was being used in post-surgical treatments to help heal and repair the wounds as well as speed up the recovery process. From that knowledge, the products in the range are therefore inspired to heal and treat the skin. The NAC Y2 Restorative Cleansing Balm is gentle enough not irritate the skin but still is impactful in removing the build-up, oil and impurities. Infused with antioxidants such as green tea and calming ingredients like honey, the cleanser is the perfect source to daily cleanse and heal the skin without any irritation. I would also recommend following this up with Antioxidant Energising Essence, it delivers fast acting antioxidant properties that then preps, conditions and soothes the skin whilst ingredients like copper chlorophyll supports the skin’s repair processes. For added hydration before moisturising I would advise applying the Y Theorem Serum. Not only packed with NAC Y2, it is lightweight enough not to clog up the pores but potent enough to protect and repair stressed skin. To seal and protect the skin I would strongly recommend implementing the Y Theorem Day Cream, it harnesses NAC Y2, a vitamin complex to fortify and repair damaged skin as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. For an extra treat, I would apply a mask as often as your skin feels as though it needs it and the Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask hydrates, supports and strengthens the complexion.
NS: What products/ingredients should you avoid when the skin is inflamed?
YA: I would advise against using any products that have chemicals or irritants in their formulation. You should also avoid products that dehydrate the skin such as alcohol and soaps as they are extremely dehydrating.
NS: Why is the Reparative Range so important for healing the skin?
YA: The range offers to treat different levels of irritation, for the lipid barrier it increases and normalises the moisture levels and on a cellular level it improves glutathione which neutralises free radicals, vitamin c to strengthen collagen and niacinamide to protect and seal. The line is also infused with the NAC Y2 formula throughout, as an anti-inflammatory it produces glutathione and as the most potent antioxidant that also neutralises free radicals, glutathione is key when treating inflammation. To take this further in understanding, we must neutralise free radicals because they are released during inflammation and are one of the molecular ways that enhances inflammation, so neutralising free radicals will limit and improve inflammation. In addition, ascorbic acid (more commonly known as Vitamin C) will help with the production and cross linkage of healthy collagen which during inflammation has broken down. Furthermore, there is Eschin which in its own right is a very important antioxidant, but an ingredient that normalises the blood flow to the skin which is effective when reducing inflammation.
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.