Which experts do you need to have in your little black book this year? Jenny Mark-Bell nominates four of the local beauty industry’s leading lights, encompassing disciplines as diverse as dermatology and hairdressing
Charlotte Vøhtz, Green People
After studying nursing at university, Horsham-based Charlotte worked in the pharmaceutical industry and spent 11 years gaining knowledge in the fields of chemistry and pharmacology. She later attended the College of Phytotherapy in order to gain knowledge in herbal medicine.
She used all these disciplines while searching for treatments for the eczema and allergies that her daughter Sandra suffered as a small child. Charlotte launched Green People after concluding that focusing on a more natural and holistic way of treating children’s allergies and skin problems was the best approach.
Now more than 20 years old, the company sells certified organic beauty products which naturally avoid any harsh synthetic chemicals. Green People also operates a strict cruelty-free policy and uses no animal-derived ingredients. Today the company offers more than 140 products, with more than 100 of these certified organic by the Soil Association, Organic Food Federation or EcoCert. The company is currently working on a footcare range, intimate care products and a luxurious body oil.
Charlotte released her book Naturally Gorgeous in 2008. Ten per cent of Green People’s net profit is donated to charitable causes and since 1997 they have worked with charities including Penny Brohn, the Marine Conservation Society, Chestnut Tree House, The Woodland Trust and Butterfly Conservation.
Justine Hextall, Tarrant Street Clinic
Dr Justine Hextall is a consultant dermatologist and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. She trained for five years at St John’s Institute of Dermatology before taking up a south coast consultancy and founding her clinic in Arundel. Her areas of specialist interests include the management of skin cancers – she has chaired the regional specialist skin cancer group for three years – dermatological surgery, and connective tissue disease. In the past year she has lectured nationally on early detection of melanoma, the management of skin cancer and how to approach skin issues during cancer treatment. She lectures commonly on skin health and anti-ageing and frequently contributes to articles in the national press.
The Tarrant Street Clinic takes a holistic approach to skin health, treating all skin conditions in adults and children. The clinic has minor operating facilities.
Dr Hextall’s view is that if you have a cosmetic procedure and it is obvious, it is a failed procedure. She focuses on skin texture and radiance by looking at skincare regime, diet and lifestyle, recommending treatments that will stimulate new collagen and brighten the complexion treating uneven pigment, age spots and thread veins.
She treats a lot of acne and rosacea and looks to tackle the inflammatory aspect of these conditions, examining triggers and using treatments such as laser or LED light in combination with medications to help clear skin and in the long term, reduce recurrence. New to the clinic is an M22 laser that uses very specific wavelengths to target skin issues with significantly less downtime. This treatment not only gives a clearer brighter complexion but also tightens and firms it.
Mark Woolley, Electric
Mark is a multi-award-winning hair stylist and the founder, international creative director and driving force behind Electric, the Brighton-based hair brand which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017.
Mark is a member of the L’Oréal Portfolio of Artistic Hairdressers, an ambassador for L’Oréal Serie Expert and is an active member of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. Plaudits include HJI British Hairdressing Business Awards’ Director of the year, HJI British Hairdressing Training Award, Hair Magazine’s Award for Salon Stylist of the Year, National Business Awards and the Creative Head Most Wanted Award. Mark’s work regularly appears in leading publications across the globe. He is frequently used as an expert on celebrity hair trends on television and within top monthly glossy magazines, drawing on his 25 years’ experience to create stunning, inspirational looks. He splits his time between the UK, USA, Europe and the Far East promoting his hair knowledge and professional hair product range, but home (for the man and the brand) is Falmer in East Sussex.
Mark’s passion for art, music, and fashion made his journey into the beauty industry inevitable.
Electric was born in 2007 in Brighton, before expanding into six bespoke salons in key cities around the UK including London, Oxford, Reading, Liverpool and Edinburgh. The eponymous range of hair products is available from Electric salons as well as Harvey Nichols.
Katie Light, The Light Technique
Katie Light started her career more than 20 years ago as a beauty therapist and since then has worked across the globe treating clients and educating professionals with her unique approach to beauty and wellness. Katie combines dynamic massage techniques, NLP, reiki, energy balancing and other therapies to leave her clients feeling positive, energised and focused. In addition to being a practitioner, Katie works with leading brands to design treatments and lends her expert knowledge to articles on skincare, wellness and wellbeing. She has been featured in many leading titles and has a number of well-known clients, from various celebrities to companies such as Virgin Atlantic and De Mamiel.
Katie practises in her hometown of Brighton, in Knightsbridge and at Aqua at The Sanderson London and is excited to announce a brand new treatment for 2018. The Rest Easy treatment (priced at £70 for 60 minutes) has been designed to create space to unwind, restore and repair, moving from the noise and chaos of the outside world ready for a calm and restful night, drifting off into an easy sleep. This treatment works on all the senses, using the De Mamiel Sleep Series together with specialised massage techniques to relax and stretch the body, preparing it for an extended time of being in one place and to ease the tension of our stressful lives.
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