Although women make up the biggest portion of patients getting cosmetic procedures by a mile—accounting for 93% of total procedures as of 2022—they’re found far less often at the helms of the companies that make these procedures possible. For International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting five women behind some of the lasers, injectables, and topical treatments you know and love.
Miria laser
The Miria Skin Treatment System, the first device from Avava, is intended to follow people throughout their lives. “From early years and acne breakouts—which can leave behind scarring that’s worse on darker skin tones, leaving lasting pigmentary changes—to early adult concerns about the beginnings of fine lines and wrinkles, we continue to see changes in our skin as we age,” says Avava CEO Irina Erenburg. “Volume loss, sun damage, and, of course, hormonal changes that bring unsightly and unwanted effects like crepey necks and droopy eyes are all issues that Miria can address. By delivering a precise high-energy dose, safely, Miria rebuilds the skin, quite literally, from the inside out.”
What sets Miria apart from the competition is innovative technology that allows providers to select the depth of light into skin, where it’s delivered in a cone shape that allows precise delivery without overheating (which can lead to burns and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation). It has an AI system that draws data about each patient’s skin and uses it to adjust the treatment accordingly too.
RHA fillers
You have Valérie Taupin, CEO and founder of Teoxane Laboratories, to thank for some of the most recognizable products in the hyaluronic acid filler category. “I take great pride in leading a company dedicated to pioneering anti-aging solutions and providing our customers with products that are not only scientifically advanced but also increasingly effective, safe, and more refined,” she says. “Our pioneering RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) range is the cornerstone of Teoxane’s holistic approach. The launch of the Teoxane RHA range nearly 10 years ago led to the first range of products to take facial dynamism into account in its formulation for more natural-looking results, meeting an increasingly evident demand among patients.”
For context, Teoxane is a Swiss-based company, and if you’re not familiar with it, that’s understandable: In the U.S., its products are distributed by Revance Therapeutics and sold as the RHA Collection of dermal fillers. These fillers are the only ones to have been approved by the FDA to treat dynamic face wrinkles and folds, meaning those that have developed as a result of facial expressions. These fillers feature longer chains of hyaluronic acid with less crosslinking—similar to those naturally found in the body—so filler appears less stiff and allows for more fluid movement.
Plated Skin Science
For years, Rion Aesthetics founder Emily De Grazia’s husband, heart surgeon Dr. Atta Behfar, and his colleague Dr. Andre Terzic had been researching the potential for cardiovascular regeneration using platelet-derived exosomes in heart-failure patients. “During this process, I had a realization: Why not harness this technology for skin care?” she says. “Our lab scientists then tested human-platelet-derived exosomes on their hands, which were dry and irritated from wearing lab gloves, revealing promising results that led us to build our formulas and launch clinical studies for ( plated ) Skin Science.” Exosomes, which are packed with growth factors, peptides, and other key nutrients, can help skin recover post-procedure while addressing daily skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and dryness.
Lyma laser
In creating this at-home laser, “I wanted to create a product and a brand that put efficacy first and gave people the opportunity to take control of their health, wellness, and skin,” says Lyma Life founder Lucy Goff. “I suppose that’s metamorphosed into putting the power back into our customers’ hands, be that through our evidence-based supplement able to elevate your health and well-being or the world’s most powerful at-home cosmetic laser technology that holds the key to skin transformation.” Unlike LED masks, the Lyma laser uses low-level laser therapy to reach the deepest layer of skin, where it can improve signs of aging, dark spots, acne scars, and redness.
Vivace
Few pairings have proven as potent as microneedling and radiofrequency. “As a scientist and a businesswoman in aesthetics, developing the Vivace Ultra was an important strategic concept, not only enhancing but optimizing the idea of the radiofrequency and microneedling platform,” says Aesthetics Biomedical founder MaryAnn Guerra. “We wanted to create the most personalized procedure and highest levels in proficiency, efficacy, and patient experience.” Vivace pairs microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate skin’s natural healing process, which spurs the production of collagen and elastin.
