The Skinterrogation column is a new feature on BBJ! Here, I’ll be posting Q&A seshes with major movers and shakers in the skin care industry. 

Elizabeth Grant started her eponymous skin care company in 1950s.  During World War II, she suffered an injury to her face from a bomb blast. As a result, she was very conscious of how she looked, covering up with large sunglasses and makeup. The incident, while tragic, propelled this lovely lady to create her very own skin care line using a new (at the time) substance used to treat war wounds. Within eight months of using it, Elizabeth’s skin improved remarkably and she was able to take off the glasses and go back to living her life. Here, I caught up with the amazing pioneering female entrepreneur to discuss her best skin care tips for women 60+, in addition to a peek into her own skin care regimen. Read on…



Beauty Blogging Junkie: Your story of how your brand came to be is amazing. Tell us a little about the miracle ingredient you discovered.
Elizabeth Grant: In 1948, while waiting in my doctor’s office, I read about a new substance that was being used to treat war wounds. I met with a chemist and finally, with my great persistence and charm, (and refusal to accept the word no!) he agreed to develop the substance for me.

At the time, I was working as a make-up artist at Elstree Studios in London. I worked on many famous faces including: Vivian Leigh, Sean Connery, Robert Taylor, and Noel Coward. Soon many of my clients were begging for my skin care secrets. And that’s when I had my “Ah ha!” moment. I realized that I had miracle ingredient. I refined the serum formulation and called it Torricelumn™. It was 1958, a time when it was very unusual for women to start their own business, and I founded my skin care company and called it Elizabeth Grant Skin Care.

Torricelumn™ is in each and every one of our products to this day.

BBJ: Are there any ingredients in particular you think are best for women 60+?
EG: It’s key for women of this age group to understand their skin–and of the utmost importance is to make sure their skin is hydrated. But make sure you are listening to your skin and what it needs- ignore the trendy ingredients and just give your skin what it needs.

BBJ: Regarding cleansing for this age group: bar or cleanser? Any of your products that would be especially good for 60+ women?
EG: Women of any age need to use whatever products agree with their skin. Some people think that bars are very drying–but not all are. In particular for women over 60, they should be using a very gentle cleanser. I would recommend Biocollasis Complex Gentle Cleanser.

BBJ: How about toners/astringents?
EG: Toners are an important addition to any skin care routine. They condition and prep the skin for moisturizer, making your anti-aging ingredients work even better. Avoid toners with alcohol though, especially for women over 60, as they are extremely drying to the skin and we need all the moisture we can get.

BBJ: Tell us about your own skin care regimen!
EG: I follow a very strict skin care routine. Every morning I cleanse, tone, use targeted line treatments, then serum, and a moisturizer. I follow the same routine every evening after I take my make up off. Once a week I will use a rejuvenating mask as well. And, thanks to all our product testing–I get to add in new treatments every month!

BBJ: What is your desert island skin care product?
EG: Essence of Torricelumn. It is a booster serum treatment for the skin that hydrates, rejuvenates, and smoothes.

BBJ: What’s the best skin care tip you’ve gleaned since entering the beauty biz?
EG: This should go without saying, but–please stay out of the sun, ladies!

BBJ: What are your three best skin care tips?
EG:
Again, stay out of the sun, wear SPF everyday.
Stay optimally hydrated inside and out.
Follow a proper skin care regimen every day that starts with a cleanser. It will take years off the look of your skin.

BBJ: Are there nutritional/dietary tips you’d recommend for women 60+ that help their skin to look great? Supplements?
EG: Omega 3 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts etc) are great for the skin. Highly rejuvenating. Eat well and healthy always- it will show in your beautiful skin. And as much as I love my desserts, we should all cut out refined sugar.

AK: What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you throughout your career in beauty?
EG: At the beginning of my career, it was just the fact that I was able to start up my own business. But now I think often the most exciting thing may still be yet to come! We are always growing and innovating.

Overall, watching the company grow and having my family join me in this successful business has been incredible.

Thanks, Elizabeth!

Elizabeth Grant products are available at elizabethgrant.com.