Beauty Editor Mollie Burdell caught up with Dr Yannis Alexandrides to uncover how he harnesses the power of NAC in his innovative, surgically-inspired reparative complex, NAC Y²™
As a world-renowned leader in surgically-precise skincare innovation, Dr Yannis Alexandrides knows a thing or two about what makes a product brilliant and NAC is the perfect example.Having learned about its cell-rejuvenating benefits in 2004, Dr Yannis decided to channel its power into skincare, creating his own unique complex, NAC Y²™ . This innovative ingredient has powered 111SKIN’s Reparative Collection for over a decade – most notably, the Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y²™ – and revolutionised NAC skincare.
Now, his signature complex has been reformulated, promising enhanced efficacy and better results. The upgraded NAC Y²™ fomula powers three new products, including the brand-new Repair Serum NAC Y²™ . Keep reading to discover why you need to add it to your skincare stash, stat. Supermodel skin pending...
What is NAC?
If an ingredient is used and revered by astronauts in order to protect their skin while in orbit, there’s no doubt it’s going to be exceptionally impressive. NAC - an acronym for N-acetylcysteine - is renowned for its ability to replenish levels of glutathione, a fundamental antioxidant produced in our cells to fight free radicals and stop the damage caused by environmental aggressors.
As a Beauty Editor, I’m well accustomed to the benefits of most skincare ingredients - NAC takes it to a new level entirely. In medicine it’s used to help the immune system target, destroy and rid the body of bad bacteria. Oxidative damage is reversed, immune function improved, brain health boosted, plus many more benefits.
What are the benefits of using NAC Y²™ in skincare?
When NAC is applied topically, it triggers the production of glutathione to help provide advanced protection against free radical damage, preserve skin, and slow the ageing process. It is also paramount in the creation of new collagen and the natural brightening of the skin. Think filter-worthy skin, in real life. In 2004, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and 111SKIN Founder, Dr Yannis Alexandrides worked with a team of biomedical engineers who were studying the effects of NAC on astronauts in space.
Despite the harsh conditions, NAC had been found to slow cell degradation and reduce signs of ageing. Inspired by the research, Dr Yannis harnessed the power of NAC, combining it with Vitamin C and Escin to create 111SKIN’s proprietary complex, NAC Y2TM - ‘Y’ representing his name, and ‘2’ indicating the additional ingredients. This was then used to power the
Dramatic Healing Serum – now known as the cult favourite
Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y2TM – which he gave to his Harley Street patients to help their skin heal after surgery. Word of its skin-restoring benefits quickly spread and 111SKIN was created in order to meet demand for the innovative serum. When asked about the science behind his signature complex, Dr Yannis explains:
“Everyone knows how beneficial Vitamin C is for the skin. It makes our skin stronger and helps to reduce wrinkles. It’s also, in its own merit, an antioxidant for fighting free radicals and aggressors and is a powerful brightening active. Escin boosts circulation and oxygen capacity, both of which are essential for healing. The three ingredients work synergistically, meaning each multiplies the effectiveness of the other.”
Introducing the upgraded NAC Y²™ formula
It gets better. The complex has recently been reformulated with a more concentrated form of Escin and encapsulated NAC, enhancing its reparative power four-fold. “As a Plastic Surgeon, I understand the need for continued education, research and improvement,” explains Dr Yannis.
“As surgical procedures and techniques, medications and breakthroughs in wellness advance year after year the same must happen in skincare.”
“Encapsulation surrounds NAC with protective layers that prevent the molecule from degrading. This advanced technology also delivers NAC deeper into the epidermis where it can work for up to eight hours to future-proof skin, restore its health, increase elasticity, and halt the ageing process.”
The result? Next-gen skincare that’s as at home in Dr Yannis’ 111 Harley Street surgery as it is on your bathroom shelf.
Beauty Editor Mollie Burdell Tries the
Reparative Collection
Repair Serum NAC Y²™
The hero product that inspired the 111SKIN line as we know it today. Now featuring the new
NAC Y²™ complex, the
Repair Serum NAC Y²™ reaches the deepest layers of the epidermis to help reinforce the skin barrier, instantly improve hydration, and restore skin health in as little as two weeks. I’ve found a little of the gel-meets-cream texture goes a very long way.
Eye Lift Gel NAC Y²™
As the name suggests, this is skincare’s answer to an eye lift. The product combines the new NAC Y²™ formula with a Bi-Functional Caffeine Complex and Argireline to lift, protect, and de-puff the eye area. As a lover of eye products, I am completely and utterly hooked on this formula.
Day Cream NAC Y²™
Enriched with NAC Y²™, Yeast Extract, and Pink Rock Rose Extract, this skin-fortifying formula delivers reparative power deep into the epidermis while protecting the skin barrier. It’s clinically proven to improve skin firmness by 40% and reduce wrinkles by 81%. The silky formula melts into my skin and leaves it looking plump and smooth with a healthy glow.
