‘In Focus’ is a segment in which The VogueCIEL looks at emerging brands that have a focus on craftsmanship and ethics.

‘The lymphatic system is the body’s natural detox system - it collects and removes waste and toxins from the skin. Without a well functioning lymphatic system, these toxins would build up in the skin over time.’

-Yasmine Cherry, IRÄYE Skincare

Yasmine Cherry spent years working in the beauty industry before branching out and founding the science-based skincare brand IRÄYE Skincare, which launched earlier this year. With the assistant of field pioneers Professor Dr. Michael Detmar, MD. and Dr. Epameinondas Gousopoulos, MD-PhD, Cherry has created an innovative approach to skincare that supports the lyphamtic system and the repair of lyphm vessels, for holistically healthy skin.

We spoke to Yasmine to discover more about the conception of IRÄYE Skincare and the science behind the cutting-edge brand.

IRÄYE Skincare is a very unique skincare brand. How did the concept for IRÄYE Skincare come about?

The seed of IRÄYE was planted following an accidental discovery made by one of our founders - Prof. Michael Detmar - during his research at Harvard. While investigating how the lymphatic system is connected to inflammatory disorders, he discovered that lymphatic vessels deteriorate significantly as we age, leading to a knock-on effect in overall skin ageing due to increased toxin build-up.

This accidental discovery led Prof. Detmar on a proverbial ‘quest for the holy grail’ - a search for a complex that could support longer-term lymphatic health and prevent natural deterioration. During further research at ETH Zurich with our second co-founder - Dr Epa Gousopoulos - and after screening over 2200 natural plant extracts, our team discovered the first topical lymphatic activators. With a novel approach to skin health and patented innovation, the concept of lymphatic skincare was born.

IRÄYE Skincare’s products are the first topical skincare that supports the condition of the skin’s lymphatic system, how do they work?

IRÄYE Lymphactive™ skincare line delivers a threefold effect to purify the skin, boost lymphatic function and protect the condition of the skin and its lymph vessels.

PURIFY

Enhanced lymphatic condition and activity cleanses toxins, contaminants and dead metabolic waste from the cells for a brighter appearance to the complexion.

BOOST

By improving the skin environment, enhanced lymphatic activity helps to boost skin function including microcirculation, cell turnover, hydration and nutrient uptake for skin that functions better and appears more radiant.

PROTECT

By removing damaging contaminants, reducing inflammation and improving drainage, enhanced lymphatic performance helps to slow the breakdown of elastin and collagen and prevent further damage to the structures of the skin (including the lymphatic vessels themselves).

Why is the lymphatic system important for good, healthy skin? How can one support their lymphatic system apart from skincare?

The lymphatic system is the body’s natural detox system - it collects and removes waste and toxins from the skin. 

Without a well functioning lymphatic system, these toxins would build up in the skin over time. This in turn causes puffiness (through fluid build-up) redness and inflammation as these toxins start to cause damage to the different components of the skin, such as the collagen & elastin fibres.

Beyond skincare, the lymphatic system can be supported through physical stimulation (e.g massage or guasha rollers) to help the lymph fluid drain through the vessels. However, the results from this technique are not long-lasting as the fluid will inevitably build up again if the lymphatic system itself is not healthy. Additionally reduced exposure to UV through protective products can prevent the premature breakdown of the lymphatic system as well as a healthy lifestyle with reduced exposure to stress and pollution. 

How would you recommend customers use the products? Are there any ways that one shouldn’t use the products?

We recommend that our products are used twice a day, morning and evening. The first step is to apply the IRÄYE Radiance Firming Serum to dry, clean skin, this serves as an intense hydration boost, penetrating the deeper layers of the skin with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and an assortment of actives preparing the skin for the next steps in your routine. 

After applying the serum follow with IRÄYE The Cream, to provide powerful nourishing and moisturising ingredients to the upper layers of the skin and help to lock in the moisture and provide lasting protection. Both the serum and the cream include IRÄYE’s LymphactiveTM complex along with Vitamin C, Bio-retinol, Niacinamide and Triple Hyaluronic acid to work to improve skin health and deliver lasting radiance.

How do ethics and sustainability affect the way you navigate the brand and how do you implement sustainable practices?

IRÄYE products are thoughtfully designed to REDUCE single-use plastics and deliver REUSABLE componentry for our custom REFILLABLE packaging. And when that’s all over — our products are fully recyclable too. Our commitment to sustainability, clean certified beauty, and vegan formulas means you can be sure IRÄYE works as well on the inside as the skincare we deliver on the outside.

What are your plans for the future of the brand? Will the collection expand into another area of skincare or wellness products?

The great thing about lymphatic care is that the scope and spectrum are so broad and there really isn't anyone working in this space so there is so much opportunity to work on new and exciting products to support inner health. 

We are planning to expand the collection with 2 more products launching out this year, which we are all really excited about and will be geared around the face. We are also looking at introducing some body care products to help with sculpting and contouring specific parts of the body and we definitely plan to broaden our reach into the wider wellness space in the future maybe with ingestible supplements etc.