Giorgi Strachan, MECCA Skincare Education Manager
When it comes to skincare and educating about skincare products and ingredients, MECCA Skincare Education Manager Giorgi Strachan is a wealth of knowledge.
Giorgi’s role sees her managing the strategy and delivery of education for the skin category at MECCA. FashioNZ catches up with Giorgi to find out what’s on the radar for 2023 when it comes to skincare.
Some background info around what fuels your passion for skincare?
My passion for skincare is driven by a keen interest in people, innovation, and creativity. Just when you think you have seen it all, a new device, ingredient, technology, or experience enters the chat. The industry often brings like-minded people together and above all else is engaging, inspiring, and a lot of fun.
What personal new habits do you plan to implement around skincare this year?
In 2023, I plan to broaden my horizons and experience some of the newest skincare innovations and technologies coming down the pipeline. Think EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) devices, which sculpt and define muscle tone from the comfort of your own home, skin vitamin infusions in clinic, and new facial services.
What are some essential must-haves everyone should have in their skincare kit?
Strong foundations are key to supporting skin health. An essential kit should include a cleanser, a targeted serum or treatment product, a moisturiser, and, of course, an SPF. All of these can be suited to your skin type and come in a variety of formats.
What should everyone add to their summer skincare regime?
While SPF remains the gold standard (all year round), we are seeing a lot of innovative top up SPF options such as sprays, sticks, and gels that allow you to reapply with ease throughout the day. The key is not only applying SPF in the morning but reapplying every two to three hours to ensure you are protected. Naked Sundays have some great options.
What are common mistakes people make with summer skincare?
When temperatures increase, we are often tempted to lighten up on skin hydration. We can lose as much water from the skin during summer as in the cooler months so be sure to use the evenings to boost the skin with richer or more emollient products and opt for lighter textures during the day.
What are the new hero ingredients to look for and why?
By no means new to the skincare world – apoptogenic ingredients such as mushrooms, algae variants, and fermented ingredients will take centre stage in skincare formulations in 2023. While they have been used for decades, we are seeing a rise in how these ingredients are the focus of formulation storytelling and their benefits for the skin are incredible. Think increased hydration, antioxidant benefits, and skin barrier support. Brands such as Cultured, Moon Juice, and Tula are doing some great work in this area.
My recommendation for some products to try are TULA Eye Recharge, Cultured Biome One Serum, and Moon Juice Milk Cleanse Gentle Wash.
What 2022 skincare trends should we happily farewell?
Say farewell to the pressure of a 12-step routine and hello to a routine that works for you. We see a lot of trends that come through social media and a lot of advice that comes from sources that may not be credible. When in doubt, consult a skin professional and make sure your routine works for you.
What’s the best skincare advice you ever received?
When in doubt, go back to the basics. Great foundational skincare steps such as cleansing, hydrating, and SPF will be the products that make the biggest impact.
What new products are you most excited about right now and why?
FACEGYM’s Active Rollers: A breakthrough innovation combining crystallised ingredients to form advanced dissolving microneedles. This seems like the perfect first step for those who are hesitant to try micro needling due to the downtime or sensation on the skin. The crystallised shape of the ingredients increases penetration of the actives but are virtually pain-free when applied – a win from me.
Kate Somerville’s new Hydrakate range: Also launching in January, Kate Somerville’s Hydrakate Recharging Water Cream and Hydration Serum stimulate skin to combat the visible signs of dehydration. Perfect for the warmer months, the serum and water cream encourage the skin to drink up vital hydration, while blue-light-activated algae combat digital ageing and boost skin radiance.
Images supplied