Anna was recently interviewed by Aine Kenny at RSVP magazine about The Future of Skincare. Sharing the common skin concerns she sees in her clinic, her top advice for achieving a healthy complexion, and how her devices work.
Ask The Beauty Expert: The Future Of Skincare
The skincare game is constantly evolving, and with an ever-growing demand for non-invasive solutions, Anna Forde knew there was a gap in the market for handheld devices that deliver clinical results. Anna has more than 18 years experience in the field, having founded The Beauty Suite Laser & Skincare Clinic in Tuam, Co.Galway, 17 years ago.
During the height of the pandemic, when the beauty industry was totally shut, she didn't despair. Instead, she pivoted to creating skincare devices. Haumea Skincare launched with two devices in 2021, and has since gone from strength to strength, with a third device released last year and another one currently in production.
Here, Anna explains the common skin concerns she sees in her clinic, her top advice for achieving a healthy complexion, and how her devices work.
SKIN BARRIER
One of the biggest issues I see in my clinic is people not being respectful to the skin barrier. The barrier is there for a reason, it's to keep the bad stuff like pollutants out and the good stuff like moisture in.
People can over resurface the skin on their face, by using exfoliators that contain grains. These grains might not be shaped and filed, they then drag and tear the skin, breaking the barrier. People also have begun to learn about acids and chemical exfoliators. There are great options out there, but they need to be used correctly otherwise they can compromise the skin barrier. I would also advise people to stay away from harsh nylon brushes. Our face is not a floor, it's not meant to be scrubbed. Irish skin types in general are prone to redness, rosacea and dryness making looking after the skin barrier all the more important.
ENHANCING THE SKIN
You need to take a 360-degree approach to skin health. People may have a great skincare routine, but we also need to be mindful of lifestyle and diet. Getting a consultation with a professional is key to putting you on the path to healthy skin. They can give you tailored advice. I think using two or three good quality staple products and sticking with them, giving them time to work, is the best approach. Extra products can be added to the routine as needed. Eating a good diet and using supplements can also really enhance the skin. Being active and getting exercise is important, along with getting enough sleep at night. Stress can also be a major cause of skin issues, so find ways to reduce this.
MOST COMMON SKIN CONCERN
Rosacea is the most common skin issue that I see. It causes redness or flushing
in the cheeks and nose, with small red blood vessels becoming visible in some people. LED light therapy is non-invasive and can really help.
Diet can also help treat rosacea, fish oils are powerful anti-inflammatories. That being said, everyone with rosacea is different and can experience different triggers and symptoms, so will need different treatment.
HAUMEA SKINCARE
2020 will forever be a year that's synonymous with Covid, and while everything was shut down, that time let me identify a gap in the market. I started developing my ideas for Haumea Skincare devices, meeting with suppliers and manufacturers over Zoom, getting samples back and making changes until we were happy with the products. My clients were definitely my biggest inspiration, I knew I wanted to develop something they would want to do, rather than something they felt they had to do.
I wanted the devices to be one-time investments that don't need upgrades or replacements, so I made them rechargeable. They are all made from medical grade silicone, which is nonporous and 100 per cent waterproof. They can be washed in warm soapy water. I advise against using grainy or clay-based cleansers in case they break down the silicone, even though it is quite durable.
Time and accessibility are a big factor for people. I know not everyone has the time or budget to have a professional treatment every four weeks. I wanted to bring the in-clinic technology to a wider audience, and people can strengthen the results they achieve in the clinic too.
SMART SONIC FACIAL BRUSH
This is ideal for people who want to upgrade their skincare routine with devices, but aren't sure where to start. You can pair this brush with your favourite cleanser to get a deep clean. The brush is ultra hygienic as it's made from medical grade silicone, so it doesn't harbour bacteria, unlike nylon bristles. It is safe for sensitive skin too.
The sonic vibrations ensure your skin is cleansed, without having to scrub harshly.
LED TRI-BOOSTER
Previously, LED light therapy was only available in clinics. This device has three lights: red, blue and yellow. The results from LED light therapy, when you are consistent, are on another level. This is because the light invigorates the skin at a cellular level. Red light reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. It also promotes elastin and firms the skin.
The yellow light is very hydrating and soothing. It's very good for redness and rosacea. We recommend to use this setting before a big event as your make-up will just glide on. Blue light minimises imperfections like acne, it destroys bacteria and soothes skin. You can stack your lights too as you can't really overdo it, there's no set rule and most people benefit from all three types of light. You can also pair this device with a sheet mask or serum, or use it directly on your skin. There's a built-in timer which means the device will shut off after six minutes, which is the optimum time for the treatment.
It also has a thermo heat technology, which makes the device warm, up to 43 degrees. This allows the products you apply to penetrate deeper into the skin. The jade stone in the centre promotes wellness and has healing properties.
ULTRASONO DEVICE
This device is great for people with product sensitivity. A lot of people can't get chemical peels as they cannot tolerate the actives on their skin. Being able to get that smooth, resurfaced top can be hard for these clients. The Ultrasono Device uses a super-gentle high-frequency wave that exfoliates the skin, gets rid of blackheads and congestion. It's like a peel at home without the use of active ingredients. There is also a toning mode when you flip the device around.
The positive ions and high frequency increase circulation, allowing for better product absorption. I am noticing a real trend where people want to tighten the skin, rather than add volume with fillers, particularly among perimenopausal women. They experience a rapid decline in collagen production, which leads to skin laxity and sagging of the jaw line. The Ultrasono Device tightens and lifts the skin when in tone mode, making it anti-ageing too.