A Q&A with Alice Henshaw, Founder of Skincycles
In celebration of the New Zealand born, London based expert aesthetician, we spoke with Alice about her award-winning, ultra-efficacious and innately luxurious skincare brand, Skincycles, which is now available in store and online at Faradays.
What was the impetus for creating Skincycles, and what was the process of bringing your product to market?
With Skincycles, the catalyst was my aspiration to craft a skincare brand that synergized efficacy with accessibility.
Having a keen understanding of my clients' needs facilitated the journey of product conceptualisation, rigorous research, and meticulous refining until every product resonated with my vision of excellence.
Is there a special meaning behind the name, Skincycles?
The name Skincycles encapsulates the ever-evolving journey of our skin. Formulated to follow the natural lifecycle of a skin cell from growth to shedding, Skincycles is a cosmeceutical range that bridges the gap between dermatology treatments and at-home skincare.
Featuring a collection of clinically inspired products that target aging skin, pigmentation and acne, our treatments effectively address these key issues while helping you maintain a long-term healthy glow.
What was the impetus for creating Skincycles, and what was the process of bringing your product to market?
With Skincycles, the catalyst was my aspiration to craft a skincare brand that synergized efficacy with accessibility.
Having a keen understanding of my clients' needs facilitated the journey of product conceptualisation, rigorous research, and meticulous refining until every product resonated with my vision of excellence.
Is there a special meaning behind the name, Skincycles?
The name Skincycles encapsulates the ever-evolving journey of our skin. Formulated to follow the natural lifecycle of a skin cell from growth to shedding, Skincycles is a cosmeceutical range that bridges the gap between dermatology treatments and at-home skincare.
Featuring a collection of clinically inspired products that target aging skin, pigmentation and acne, our treatments effectively address these key issues while helping you maintain a long-term healthy glow.
What are your personal favourite products in the collection, and why?
Among the entire collection, I'm particularly drawn to our Skincycles DNA Defence Sun Shield SPF100+ Sunscreen. It is a light weight non-comedogenic formulation with balanced UVA and UVB spectrum protection against sunburn and premature light-induced skin aging.
An innovation DNA defence complex strengthens your skins immune system and stimulates the skins immune DNA repair mechanism. This easily absorbed formulation is suitable for sensitive, combination or oily skin providing a dry touch finish with no shine and applies perfectly under makeup!
If there were a single product you’d recommend someone to start with if they’ve not yet experienced Skincycles, what would it be?
For newcomers to Skincycles, the Age Defence Cream would be my top recommendation. It’s universal appeal, catering to all skin types, makes it an ideal initiation to our range.
The bio-cellulose mask is also a must-have purchase. This deeply hydrating recovery mask is ideal when travelling, after exposure to elements or aggressive treatments or whenever your skin needs instant hydration and recovery. The mask contains our brand’s key active ingredient Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 which significantly increases collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Other antioxidants and active ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Blue Agave and Ruby Formosa help promote moisture, increase lifting and firming of the skin.
Your products are defined as ‘cosmeceutical’, bridging the gap between dermatology and traditional at-home skincare. What are some non-negotiables when it comes to one’s skincare regime that you always tell your clients?
On the topic of skincare essentials, my trinity comprises sunscreen, consistent exfoliation, and intense hydration. These are the bedrock upon which one can layer other treatments or products.
After working in London for a number of years, you opened your own clinic, Harley Street Injectables, before launching your award-winning skincare line. As an ex-pat New Zealander, what would you say have been the top reasons you’ve found success in a highly competitive European market, both with your service-based business and now your product line?
Navigating the European market as an ex-pat New Zealander, my success mantra has been unwavering authenticity and uncompromising quality. Both in the realm of Harley Street Injectables and Skincycles, I've prioritized client-centricity, continuously adapting to meet their evolving needs.
What are your personal favourite products in the collection, and why?
Among the entire collection, I'm particularly drawn to our Skincycles DNA Defence Sun Shield SPF100+ Sunscreen. It is a light weight non-comedogenic formulation with balanced UVA and UVB spectrum protection against sunburn and premature light-induced skin aging.
An innovation DNA defence complex strengthens your skins immune system and stimulates the skins immune DNA repair mechanism. This easily absorbed formulation is suitable for sensitive, combination or oily skin providing a dry touch finish with no shine and applies perfectly under makeup!
If there were a single product you’d recommend someone to start with if they’ve not yet experienced Skincycles, what would it be?
For newcomers to Skincycles, the Age Defence Cream would be my top recommendation. It’s universal appeal, catering to all skin types, makes it an ideal initiation to our range.
The bio-cellulose mask is also a must-have purchase. This deeply hydrating recovery mask is ideal when travelling, after exposure to elements or aggressive treatments or whenever your skin needs instant hydration and recovery. The mask contains our brand’s key active ingredient Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 which significantly increases collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Other antioxidants and active ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Blue Agave and Ruby Formosa help promote moisture, increase lifting and firming of the skin.
Your products are defined as ‘cosmeceutical’, bridging the gap between dermatology and traditional at-home skincare. What are some non-negotiables when it comes to one’s skincare regime that you always tell your clients?
On the topic of skincare essentials, my trinity comprises sunscreen, consistent exfoliation, and intense hydration. These are the bedrock upon which one can layer other treatments or products.
After working in London for a number of years, you opened your own clinic, Harley Street Injectables, before launching your award-winning skincare line. As an ex-pat New Zealander, what would you say have been the top reasons you’ve found success in a highly competitive European market, both with your service-based business and now your product line?
Navigating the European market as an ex-pat New Zealander, my success mantra has been unwavering authenticity and uncompromising quality. Both in the realm of Harley Street Injectables and Skincycles, I've prioritized client-centricity, continuously adapting to meet their evolving needs.
Can you tell us a little more us about the relationship between skincare and cosmetic medicine and how they can enhance each other, or what they do differently?
The interplay between skincare and cosmetic medicine is akin to art and science. Skincare is the daily nurturer, while cosmetic medicine offers transformative interventions. Together, they create a symphony of enhanced natural beauty. My clientele includes many renowned personalities. Though discretion is a cornerstone of my profession, the allure of Skincycles for them, I believe, lies in its marriage of efficacy with opulence.
It’s clear that you have an incredible eye for all things aesthetic – through your work in enhancing the visage with a natural touch, your product line, and through your beautifully curated social media platform, which now boasts almost half a million followers.
On said platform, we notice you recently had the dreamiest walk-in-wardrobe completed! Can you tell us a little about your relationship with fashion and your approach to dressing/style – when it comes to work, off-duty, evening glamour, and travel?
My sartorial choices mirror my multifaceted life. At work, I lean towards sophisticated professionalism; my off-duty style gravitates to relaxed elegance; evenings are a canvas for unabashed glamour, and travel is all about luxe comfort.
Skincycles and Harley Street Injectables aren't just brands; they reflect my dedication to beauty and wellness. Thanks for letting me share my story, and if you have more questions, just ask
Finally, we know you’ve invested in some beautiful pieces from Faradays in the past, including the sell-out Loewe Rose Heels and divine Alaia Heart Mules. With the holiday season just around the corner, we’d love to know – what’s next on your wishlist from Faradays?
My wishlist for Faradays includes the Alaïa Heart Bag, the Loewe Toy Pumps, and some Studio Pia lingerie pieces - they are the epitome of luxury and finesse. Absolutely divine!
Can you tell us a little more us about the relationship between skincare and cosmetic medicine and how they can enhance each other, or what they do differently?
The interplay between skincare and cosmetic medicine is akin to art and science. Skincare is the daily nurturer, while cosmetic medicine offers transformative interventions. Together, they create a symphony of enhanced natural beauty. My clientele includes many renowned personalities. Though discretion is a cornerstone of my profession, the allure of Skincycles for them, I believe, lies in its marriage of efficacy with opulence.
It’s clear that you have an incredible eye for all things aesthetic – through your work in enhancing the visage with a natural touch, your product line, and through your beautifully curated social media platform, which now boasts almost half a million followers.
On said platform, we notice you recently had the dreamiest walk-in-wardrobe completed! Can you tell us a little about your relationship with fashion and your approach to dressing/style – when it comes to work, off-duty, evening glamour, and travel?
My sartorial choices mirror my multifaceted life. At work, I lean towards sophisticated professionalism; my off-duty style gravitates to relaxed elegance; evenings are a canvas for unabashed glamour, and travel is all about luxe comfort.
Skincycles and Harley Street Injectables aren't just brands; they reflect my dedication to beauty and wellness. Thanks for letting me share my story, and if you have more questions, just ask
Finally, we know you’ve invested in some beautiful pieces from Faradays in the past, including the sell-out Loewe Rose Heels and divine Alaia Heart Mules. With the holiday season just around the corner, we’d love to know – what’s next on your wishlist from Faradays?
My wishlist for Faradays includes the Alaïa Heart Bag, the Loewe Toy Pumps, and some Studio Pia lingerie pieces - they are the epitome of luxury and finesse. Absolutely divine!
Discover Skincycles by Alice Henshaw now at Faradays, in store at No. 8 Faraday Street, or online, right here.