Would you buy ‘an eye lift in a bottle'?

Times

29-04-2025

It's not often surgeons swear by skincare serums — let alone suggest that one might have the ability to achieve similar effects to a knife or needle. However, Dr Yannis Alexandrides, founder and medical director of the 111 Harley Street, is willing to make such a claim. For him, facelifts aren't the only answer to anti-ageing.
Inspired by the results of his clinical treatments, the renowned plastic surgeon founded 111SKIN in 2012. The surgically-precise skincare brand was an instant hit with celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Victoria Beckham, reporting revenues of £20.3 million in 2023.
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Like many doctor-led brands, 111SKIN's formulas are backed by breakthrough skin science, designed to optimise skin health and deliver visible, targeted results. 'During my years as a plastic reconstructive surgeon at 111 Harley Street, I trialled many clinical-strength products to assist the healing process of my clients' post-surgery skin but found them all too aggressive and reactive to their sensitive conditions,' says Alexandrides. 'Convinced that the ideal post-surgery skincare ointment was non-existent, I designed my own skin healing formula.'
Inspired by the reparative properties of NAC (N-acetylcysteine) — a powerful antioxidant that can reinforce the skin's natural defences — Alexandrides created what is now 111SKIN's proprietary complex NAC Y2™. 'It is a patent complex of ingredients that we use in our products to yield dramatic results by repairing and soothing the skin,' Alexandrides says. 'The encapsulated formula promotes production of glutathione for antioxidant protection. It also stimulates collagen production and strengthening of the skin's barrier to enhance overall skin health.'
Many of 111SKIN's bestselling products include this beneficial combination of ingredients and are targeted to repair the skin and fight premature signs of ageing. Dubbed by those in the know as 'an eye lift in a bottle,' the Eye Lift Gel NAC Y²™ has been formulated to visibly reduce fine lines and dark circles while lifting and depuffing the under-eye area.
Alongside the NAC Y²™, the lightweight gel also contains Argireline — a powerful hexapeptide that Alexandrides says is the no-needle alternative to expression-freezing injectables — to help lift and sculpt the under-eye area. Silverskin extract improves moisture retention while shielding against external aggressors like UV radiation and pollution, while a bi-functional caffeine complex that targets signs of tiredness by boosting blood flow.
'As your skin drinks in the hydrating gel formula the expression-freezing effects of Argireline get to work, lifting and locking skin in place for a younger-looking appearance. Meanwhile, NAC Y²™ provides advanced protection against free radicals while caffeine helps to depuff, brighten, and reawaken tired eyes,' Alexandrides says.
111SKIN now boasts more than 65 products across the brand. Each surgically-precise formula is inspired by Alexandrides' clinical treatments at 111 Harley Street and complements them. The repair range — with the common thread of NAC Y²™ running through it — features a serum, daily moisturiser, night cream, and sunscreen, as well as one of the brand's much-loved facial sheet masks. They are all designed to help optimise the skin and slow down senescence — and for some, keep the knives and needles away.
Find out more and shop the full collection at 111skin.com