Today we are talking all things skincare, essential ingredients, and more with Dr. Ginni, founder of Australian beauty brand ESK.
Evidence Skincare is a daily skincare range created by Australian doctors, dermatologists, and scientists to deliver smoother, younger-looking skin.
A simple skincare regime, using quality Australian made products, that is scientifically proven to work- we didn’t think that was too much to ask for.
Dr. Ginni and Daniel, ESK Skincare Founders
What makes Evidence Skincare (ESK) different to other skincare brands in Australia?
The difference is in the choice of active ingredients primarily. The evidence really means that the knowledge we have about whether particular ingredients work is established in and supported by significant amounts of independent research which is published in respected, peer-reviewed scientific journals. ie. the proof is rigorous.
The reason we started ESK is that we could not find any brands that simply followed the evidence in their ranges. An example is Vitamin C one of those must-have ingredients (L-Ascorbic Acid). While there is good evidence for it, most companies bond it with other chemicals to come up with a related but different ingredient (eg. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate). The problem is there is just no evidence that any of these ingredients actually work!
Why are customers savvier about the ingredients they use?
I think customers are more informed for 3 reasons:
- There has been a huge amount of research over the last 20 years on ingredients which has resulted in skincare options that actually work rather than just feel good. And consumers know it.
- Consumers are becoming more discerning between slick marketing (style) and quality service and products (substance).
- The internet has made access to information much easier
I think it is a combination of these 3 things that has led to the consumers becoming more savvy or becoming “skintellectuals”.
What are two products in the ESK range you think everyone should be using and why?
It’s hard to choose favorites between kids (and our products too). But if I had to choose just two it would be:
Zinc Shade: A broadspectrum sunscreen used every day of the year. This has some of the best evidence for protecting our skin and reducing the risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging, and reducing the risk of a number of skin conditions associated with excess UV exposure. It’s also a lovely texture – not greasy or ghosting and great for use as a primer.
Ultimate A: Retinal (Vitamin A – note: not Retinol) has some of the best evidence and is the frontline ingredients for use in reversing and reducing premature skin aging and managing Acne and Rosacea. Ultimate A also includes Vitamin B3 which is a great allrounder with anti-inflammatory properties, which also reduces pigmentation and improves the barrier function of the skin.
What product is your personal favorite in the ESK range and why?
Again – choosing favorite kids!! But I would have to say the Reverse C Serum. I love the feeling, the hydration it gives me and while it can occasionally cause sensitivity, I find it usually soothes my skin. But most of all, I love what ingredients like Vitamin C have done for the texture and tone of my skin.
Any tips for skincare users looking to up their exfoliating game?
Yes – low strength (5% or less) Hydroxy acids daily. While most forms of physical exfoliation can damage the skin, Hydroxy acids don’t, they are highly effective and have other benefits. For most skin types Alpha Hydroxy acids (Glycolic and Lactic acids – in our Smooth Serum) are perfect and for more sensitive skin, Salicylic acid (in our Hydroxy Overnight Mask) are great!
What’s your favourite active ingredient for acne-prone skin and why?
Retinal (Vitamin A). In short, it is gentle and effective. Acne pops up when skin cell turnover is not regular and a clump of skin combines with excess oil production to clog a pore. If that becomes infected and the skin responds with inflammation – that becomes acne. Retinal normalises skin cell turnover, reduces excess oil production and has some antibacterial properties. There are very few (if any) other ingredients that target 3 of the 4 factors which cause acne.
Do you have any favorite beauty-related pick-me-ups you can’t live without?
Coffee! It might not make me look better, but it does makes me feel better.
Everyone has that one product they’ve been using for years and love. What’s that for you?
I am the worst for this. I have been doing TV for quite a while now and I am always having different products used on me. Which means that I am constantly changing. But if there is one – it would be the Hello Flawless in toasted beige by Benefit.
What’s the most effective order in which to apply skincare products?
We like the KISS principle (keep it simple) – so no 27 step routines here. For each user a routine will depend on the products that are appropriate for them. We have developed a skin quiz that not only recommends the unique combination of products tailored to each user’s skin type and concerns, but also indicates the order and way in which they should be used.
For most users who are targeting skin aging, the general rule is to start with cleansing then Vitamin C in the morning, followed by Sunscreen. And at night, an Alpha Hydroxy acid exfoliant followed by a Vitamin A (Retinal) night cream, must-have ingredients.
You sport an impressive resume as a GP, author, business owner, podcaster, and TV host. How has this impacted and help shape Evidence Skincare (ESK)?
The inspiration for ESK came out of my work on TV, combined with my Medical background. And many of the business ideas came for my work in marketing and consulting. But I am also a consumer who hates feeling like brands are trying to exploit insecurities or who use pseudoscience to sound superior when talking ingredients. I think that comes out with how I am not only with my patients in the surgery, but also when talking about medical issues on TV. And hopefully, that comes out in how people view ESK.
Tell us more about your new podcast.
Things you Can’t Talk About on TV is a podcast that I do with my great friend Shelley Horton and is available on Audible. It covers pretty much any and all of the health-related issues that you probably want to know about but will never hear talked about on daytime television. Our take is irreverent, (hopefully) funny and evidence-based – It is incredible the range and subject matter of peer-reviewed published articles you can find! Season 1 was released earlier this year and due to popular demand, season 2 has been commissioned and will be recorded soon.
What’s in the pipeline for yourself and ESK in 2020?
Apart from my day jobs and podcast, following the release of my book on menopause last year (context: in 2012 I swore I would not write another book – EVER), I am writing another book now and have yet another one lined up after that. That ties in with my love for travel which this year will be allocated to book writing (not R&R).
For ESK, we are working on a new product and a new website. Apart from that, we are always looking at emerging evidence to make sure that we are abreast of any changes and updates. And we are always looking at our customer service. It’s where we have most of our focus and where we are always trying to improve.
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