Topical Meets Internal

At FENN, our approach to skin is grounded in integrity inside and out. We champion a philosophy that prioritises barrier health and microbiome balance, not just through what you apply, but what you ingest and absorb. We believe healthy skin is not perfect skin, it’s resilient, balanced, and supported from multiple angles. With this in mind, we are excited to welcome Dermaviduals to both our treatment room and retail shelves.

Dermaviduals is built on the principles of corneotherapy—a specialised skin science dedicated to maintaining and restoring the skin’s barrier function. It treats the skin as a living organ, formulating products that mimic its structure and support its natural function. For us, it was a natural alignment: thoughtful, effective, barrier-focused skincare that doesn’t compromise on long-term health.

Much like the walls of a home, the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, acts as our first line of defence. Think of it as a wall built with bricks (corneocytes) and mortar (lipids). When this structure is compromised, whether through environmental stressors, harsh products, or internal imbalances, the skin becomes more vulnerable to irritation, dehydration, and inflammation. That’s where our approach, and Dermaviduals’ steps in.

At FENN, our in-house Naturopath Alice plays a pivotal role in this integrative method. Her expertise bridges the gap between gut and skin, helping us identify which internal factors may be contributing to surface concerns. According to Alice, “When we support the gut, we naturally support the skin, it’s all connected. You can’t separate one from the other.”

During the cooler months, as therapists, we often see dry, dehydrated, and reactive skin, especially due to artificial heating and cold winds. That’s when we reach for ingredients that work below the surface, building hydration from within the deeper layers so the surface remains supple and intact.

One of the standout ingredients in the Dermaviduals range is EGCG liposomes, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Delivered via liposomes for optimal absorption, EGCG is particularly effective in calming inflammation, strengthening compromised skin, and reducing visible redness making it a go-to for sensitive or barrier-impaired complexions.

Alongside EGCG, ingredients like Vitamin B (especially B3, also known as niacinamide, and B5) and Essential Fatty Acids work synergistically to restore lipid balance, soothe irritation, and support overall barrier repair. These ingredients help rebuild the skin’s defences, “like reinforcing the roof on a house after a storm.”

Zinc plays a vital role too, supporting wound healing, regulating oil production, and enhancing the skin’s natural resilience. Together, these ingredients form a targeted toolkit for strengthening the skin at every level.

According to Alice, “Good skin starts in the gut.” To maintain a robust and balanced microbiome, both in the skin and gut, she recommends key nutrients that directly influence barrier function and inflammation:

• Zinc Carnosine: Supports gut lining repair and healthy digestion.
• Vitamin A: Best used under guidance, but critical for mucous membranes in both the gut and skin.
• Vitamin C: Essential for collagen production and immune support in the gut-skin axis.
• Glutamine: Soothes the gut lining, reduces inflammation, and improves nutrient absorption.
• PHGG (partially hydrolysed guar gum): A gentle prebiotic fibre that supports digestion and regularity—a key part of skin clarity.

Alice also highlights the importance of strain-specific probiotics, such as Lactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium breve, and Lactobacillus casei, which have been shown to help manage inflammatory skin conditions by restoring balance to the microbiome.

Finally, navigating the world of skincare, especially when dealing with sensitivity, can be overwhelming. At FENN, we always recommend consulting with a skincare professional who understands the nuances of your skin type and health history. Whether it’s through a skin therapy session or a deeper dive into your internal health with our Naturopath, we’re here to guide you with intention and clarity.

With Dermaviduals in our toolkit, and a firm belief in supporting the skin from both the outside in and the inside out, we’re excited to offer a deeper, more personalised level of care.

If you are interested in booking in to see one of our Skin Therapists, you can view our facial menu here...We hope to see you at FENN soon xx