My Story

After years of working across the UK and US as a licensed beauty therapist, brand trainer, and top sales producer for major skincare brands, I became frustrated with the industry's approach. Skincare was being sold as if every skin type fit into one box, with rigid routines and active ingredient percentages that didn’t suit everyone. Not all skin types need or can tolerate the same ingredients—especially those marketed with exaggerated promises and little aftercare education.

Many brands push instant gratification ingredients like glycolic acid and harsh retinoids, ignoring their photosensitizing effects. I saw firsthand how misuse or poor guidance wreaked havoc on customers' skin barriers, leading to long-term skin barrier damage. Despite industry trends, I took a different approach—advising clients to go slow, acclimate their skin, and, most importantly, stay disciplined with SPF. My focus on education over sales set me apart, making me a top performer. I treated every interaction like a personal consultation, extending advice beyond work hours because I believed in empowering consumers with real, practical knowledge.

Marzia, Owner of Real Skin Retinue
SpaceNK Apothecary London department store

But the industry took its toll on me. Balancing work and young children, I lost myself. Despite selling endless products, I could never use 99% of them because I understood the importance of photo-conscious skincare—protecting my skin from UV damage, prioritizing antioxidants, and avoiding photosensitizing ingredients. I wasn’t reapplying SPF perfectly or maintaining hydration while using so-called "gold standard" ingredients. I realized the key to healthy skin wasn't in excessive products but in simplifying, reducing stress, and embracing my reality as a busy mum of three.

Through my personal journey—including struggles with PCOS, breakouts, and tired skin—I discovered that my healthiest skin moments happened when I was fasting, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and using antioxidant-infused, hydrating products. This led me to question conventional skincare routines. Why did people need 5-9 steps? Why weren’t brands addressing what truly matters—supporting the skin’s natural ability to heal and defend itself?

While pregnant and caring for two children with speech delays, I wanted to create something different—time-saving, effective, and safe. My mission became clear: to prove that healthy skin doesn’t require excessive time, money, or complicated routines. Your skin has an innate ability to repair and defend itself if you listen to it, nurture it, and avoid filling your bathroom counter with "miracle bottles" full of marketing fluff.

Harrods department store

My research confirmed what I had long believed: UV exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging, and many AHA-based products enhance photosensitivity, damage skin DNA, and even increase cancer risks. Despite this, brands continue adding these ingredients without educating consumers on their risks. Additionally, studies link alcohol consumption and some medication to increased sun sensitivity, yet SPF misuse remains rampant. As the founder of Real Skin Retinue, I am deeply concerned about the future of skin health, especially for young people.

I wanted to create a product that acts as your "best friend"—non-judgmental, always there to support and maintain your skin. Then, my research led me to autophagy, a Nobel Prize-winning self-cellular regeneration process. This internal recycling system offers far more than any topical product ever could—without costing a penny. Simply by extending your fasting window, you activate your body’s built-in repair mechanism.

Our flagship product, Savef Skin (™), is your ultimate maintenance serum—supporting your skin barrier with love, not judgment. I ensured Savef Skin has fundamental ingredients found in the skin, strengthening and preserving its natural balance. With over 20 years of collecting a list of the best most effective photo protective antioxidants ingredients, it was developed with the mission of preserving the skin while supporting it through fasting for autophagy. After years in the industry, I simply want to make skincare routines one less stress for busy people like me—to educate, simplify, and empower. Your skin can flourish from the inside out, without the need for countless bottles.

Small, smart steps always win over impulsive, excessive routines. Thank you for your time and interest in Real Skin Retinue—where preservation is truth, and photo-conscious skincare is our foundation.

Real Skin Retinue - Preservation is Truth…..which starts within you!