LibbyIf there is one skincare term we wish we could banish, it would be anti-ageing. Instead, we’re adopting a holistic skincare regimen that promotes health and wellness, with trusted advice from actual professionals (take that, Tik Tok!). The beauty experts at Dermapure (backed by heavyweights like L’Oreal and LVMH) know skincare inside and out.
FUTUREPROOF YOUR SKIN- STEP INSIDE DERMAPURE
We spoke with Dermapure’s Founder and President, Marilyne Gagné about what it’s like to be a boss in the beauty industry, what “Gym for your Skin” means and how to manage menopausal skin issues.
Libby Roach: Founder and President are impressive titles to hold, particularly in the male-dominated cosmetics industry. Can you detail how you got your start and why holistic skin care is so important to you?
Marilyne Gagné: I went to school for fashion marketing before pursuing a graduate degree from HEC Montréal in Business. It was during my studies that I really solidified my passion for the management aspect of things and sparked my desire to go down that direction professionally.
After graduating, I worked for a manufacturer of aesthetic medicine devices. At the time, it was considered taboo to get injections or other medical procedures. I quickly realized patients deserved to know more about the industry and its services.
I realized I could create this – launch a concept where we could celebrate beauty and health, with more support for doctors so they could in turn focus on the patient’s experience. So I launched Dermapure 14 years ago in Sherbrooke, Quebec to educate our patients on the best practices for skin health.
We have grown to the number-one network of high-end aesthetic medicine clinics in the world (not just Canada), and I feel a responsibility to continue to lead the industry in the right direction by promoting self-confidence and natural beauty to our clients.
It is unbelievable to think that we now have 70 of the most renowned medical aesthetic clinics across Canada with more growth to come. This has all been thanks to our amazing team, partner Functionalab Group and investors (L’Oréal, LVMH).
LR: Your program “Gym for Your Skin”. How did you design this program and what is the core philosophy behind this approach?
MG: “Gym for Your Skin” started as a means to demystify the guilt associated with taking care of their skin. We train our bodies, we eat well; we take care of our hair, but we somehow feel guilty about taking care of our skin. “Gym for Your Skin” is a holistic approach to improving the appearance of your skin and getting the results our patients deserve through proper treatments and skin care. The approach has 3 pillars:
- Prevent: Skin ageing is inevitable but there are preventative measures that can help. For example, adding antioxidants, skin protection, and collagen production treatments to your routine.
- Correct: We offer diverse solutions for specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, etc.
- Maintain: Discipline and consistent treatment are vital for long-term skin health.
The concept is about combining knowledge, treatments, and healthy habits to achieve beautiful skin and implementing them on a regular basis. Through personalized treatment plans, patients are advised on the best combination of treatments and products for their needs.
LR: Many of our readers are headed into the sunset cycle for their periods. How do you incorporate pre and post-menopausal skincare into your offerings?
MG: As women age, their skin undergoes changes that can be frustrating and difficult to manage. Pre-menopausal women may experience a range of skin concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, uneven skin tone, and even acne. Hormonal changes mean skin type and hydration levels can change drastically – what worked well for us in the past may no longer be the right fit.
In addition, the decrease in female hormone production during menopause can also lead to genitourinary syndrome which can manifest in vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, as well as discomfort during intercourse, and urinary symptoms.
Our clinical practitioners have developed a range of non-invasive and highly effective treatments to target skin concerns for pre-menopausal and menopausal women – a demographic that is often left out of the conversation when it comes to skin beauty. These treatments utilize the latest technology and techniques to deliver impressive results without surgery.
These treatments are just some that we offer that can significantly help with some of the unwanted symptoms of menopause:
o Sagging skin: Thermage, Venus Freeze/Legacy, Ulthera
o Fine lines & wrinkles: Neuromodulator Injections, Dermal Fillers
o Dull complexion: Glycolic Acid Peel, Bela MD, Photorejuvenation
o Pelvic health: ULTRA Femme 360, DiVa, EMSELLA
We also have a wide range of professional product lines that we offer at our clinic that help improve skin appearance during ageing. Some include:
o Functionalab’s Ellagic C + Serum
o Intense Hydration Anti-Aging Cream
o H.A. Intensifier Serum from SkinCeuticals
o A.G.E. Interrupter Anti-Wrinkle Cream from SkinCeuticals
Menopause affects each woman differently, which is why our physicians use a combination of treatments and products tailored to each individual’s skin type and needs. This is consistent with our holistic approach, and we place a strong emphasis on educating our patients about skin health, including the effects of pre/post menopause, so they can take better care of it and achieve optimal outcomes. Our goal is to make our patients feel naturally beautiful and celebrate positive ageing.
Follow Dermapure on socials and stay up to date on events & special offers. @dermapuretoronto
Images courtesy Dermapure.
This Interview may be edited for length/clarity.