Having worked in the beauty industry for over 40 years, Linda Meredith has been witness to many a trend and change. She developed both her skincare and treatment range after watching the growing number of adults struggling with skin problems. Noticing that chemicals, preservatives and hormones were a growing part of every day life and were having a lasting impact on the skin, Meredith felt the market wasn't offering what her clients needed. Having built an A-list rolodex - the likes of Zoe Kravtiz, Alicia Vikander and Queen Rania of Jordan - and partnering with a host of five-star hotels around the world - the focus of her brand is to hydrate the skin and ensure it is nourished with the right balance of all-natural ingredients. Meredith believes that the skin needs to be fed with the same care and diligence ascribed to feeding the body. We connected with Meredith to learn her tips of the trade, particularly in relation to the impact of travel on the skin.
1. Having worked in the beauty industry for over 40 years - what are some of the major trends at the moment that you think are credible and adding value to the industry?
Unfortunately, since I began working in the beauty industry at the beginning of the 1970s the shift I have seen is more towards monetary value. The global value of the beauty industry is in excess of 100 billion dollars and still rising, so in view of those statistics how are we to know if new trends are credible, or, just introduced, to increase profitability?
2. I talk with a lot of people in the beauty and wellness industry who really focus their offering on women - but you very much treat both men and women - talk to me about what are some of the trends and patterns you are seeing in men’s skincare? And is how you approach treating men substantially or fundamentally different than women?
Many people ask me why the LM brand does not have a range purely aimed at men as other brands do, and my answer is that it would only the packaging that would change, but the product inside would be the same.
Yes, men’s skin is thicker due to higher levels of testosterone and may produce more sebum, but so do different ethnicities. Genetics, climate and diet have been the main influence on how our skin has evolved, so it is a simple fact when treating international clients that both men and women can have similar issues with their skin.
3. I travel a lot and I’m not an anomaly - more and more people travel with increasing frequency. I know airplanes are so tough on skin - what is some of your top tried and tested travel advice?
Travelling any distance can have an impact on our skin, not just related to flying, but also change of diet. Dehydration will increase during any flight, more so long haul, so drinking more water is necessary, but protecting the surface from losing moisture is also important. Diet is one of the main factors leading to topical issues, so don’t be surprised if your skin reacts to different foods, it’s normal.
4. What are some of your hero products you never board a plane without?
My answer to this question is also relevant to question three. Hydrating mist would be my first choice on a short-haul flight, as it can be applied over makeup if the skin begins to feel tight. However, I would always remove my makeup during a long flight, spray with a hydrating mist and apply Amazon [Linda Meredith's powerful anti-oxidant balm]. This product has ingredients that prevent moisture loss from the surface keeping the skin hydrated. I would also take an oxygen mask to apply when I reach my destination.
5. There can be a lot of misinformation in and about the beauty industry, products, expected results - what are some of the factual inaccuracies you often hear around beauty that make you crazy?
I am sad to say, but I believe there are more treatments and products available today that I class as a quick fix, where the long-term effects can be more detrimental to the skin and may even cause premature ageing.
Any treatment has an element of risk if you are not fully experienced. Micro-blading could, in certain clients, increase hair growth and the possibility of sun damage. I am constantly asked about treating pigmentation and my answer is a concealer. Pigmentation is caused by an imbalance of hormones, which is why pregnant women sometimes have what we call a pregnancy mask, which disappears once the hormones level out after birth. Melanin, which causes pigmentation is produced inside the body, so if you peel the surface initially the skin will appear lighter, but then the body's defence is to produce more. Long term it can re-appear even darker.
6. How has your brand and offering changed throughout your career?
My philosophy for the brand has not changed since its inception; however ,everything evolves including skin. Expanding the brand throughout the world has led to designing new treatments that better fit the needs of the clients, but that was always the basic concept. Treat each client individually, as we are all different.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career?
My products and treatments were developed from the practical experience of working on clients, as their skin problems were my education. People are always ready to give advice and you can listen but at the end of the day your visions, values and passion for your work come from only one person. You.
