“Effective and consistent home care is essential and non-negotiable for skin health.”
I have personally known Michelle for over 35 years, and one thing that is instantly striking about her is her passion for skin health and her outgoing personality. She has always been committed to helping others achieve their skin goals. Launching a Skin Clinic in Seychelles has been a lifelong dream of hers. In July 2024 after months of planning, Michelle and her husband Paul decided it was time to relocate back to the place she calls home to be close to her elderly mother and family. She recently opened the door of Skinovate, a new Advanced Skin Clinic in Victoria, Seychelles. Skinovate Clinic specialises in non-invasive skin revision and treatments for all skin concerns.
Michelle was born in the UK to a Seychelloise mother, Mrs Annette Watts, formerly of Flower Box and her British father, Ricky Watts. She moved to Seychelles in 1977 as a child and was educated up to A Levels at the Seychelles Polytechnic; then returned to the UK to complete a 2-year CIBTAC course in Beauty & Body Therapy; she then returned to the Seychelles in 1993 and opened her first salon The Beauty Studio where she worked for a significant part of her adult life.
Michelle moved back to the UK in 2008, where she worked and developed her career in the beauty and retail industry, mainly within the Estee Lauder Companies. There, she was a Manager for Clinique, Estée Lauder, and Creme de La Mer- a luxury Skincare Brand. After 13 years working for the Estée Lauder Company, she became the Store Manager of Molton Brown, an award-winning British Fragrance, Bath and body Brand, at their Harrogate Store.
Michelle’s career in the industry is truly impressive. With over 30 years of experience, she is a CIBTAC (Confederation of International Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology) qualified Beauty & Body Therapist. Her membership in BABTAC ( British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology ) further solidifies her expertise. In 2019, Michelle expanded her knowledge and skills, becoming a Paramedical Skin Therapist, focusing on Skin Revision and Advanced Skin Treatments.
Michelle chose to work with the DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care Brand, and Skinovate is the only authorised stockist of the brand in the Seychelles. The brand provides Advanced Skin Care Products, specialising in Anti-Ageing, Hyperpigmentation, Acne, Scarring, and Stretch Marks. The brand prides itself on Skin Care solutions and In-Clinic Treatments with clinically tested ingredients that provide measurable, scientific results for the correction, prevention, and protection of the skin.
Skinovate has a well-equipped and relaxing treatment area. The beautifully kitted-out clinic includes a comfortable consultation space where clients can discuss their skin issues with Michelle before a treatment plan is mutually agreed upon with her clients. This plan includes in-clinic and homecare treatments.
At Skinovate, Michelle offers a comprehensive range of treatments. These include signature facials, chemical peels, micro-needling, hydra dermabrasion facials, dermaplaning, LED Light Therapy, Cryotherapy (for the removal of skin tags and imperfections), and other specialist treatments, including a new-to-market Spicules bio-needling treatment. Michelle’s investment in the best training and equipment in the industry, coupled with her extensive experience, ensures that clients receive exceptional care.
Skinovate offers solutions for various skin concerns, such as acne, spots, blackheads, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, ageing and fine lines and wrinkles.
As a strong advocate for Acne, a condition that Michelle has personally suffered from, the Skinovate Acne Program is close to her heart. This intensive 6-12 month course customised for all acne clients, from teenagers to adults, has proved extremely effective in managing acne/ acne scarring and other symptoms associated with acne.
“Skinovate is a results-driven clinic. I focus on providing a tailored treatment plan for my clients, including medical-grade cruelty-free home care products that will get them the best results and ultimately improve their skin health and confidence. Effective and consistent home care is essential and non-negotiable for skin health.
“Whilst I can see my client every few weeks in the clinic and carry out treatments, this is only a small part of their skincare regime. I work with my clients to understand their lifestyle and home routines and stock the full Dermafix range in my clinic to offer a complete service so that the results we get in the clinic can be enhanced every day at home in between treatments. Consistency is key to optimal skin health.
“I offer both face-to-face and video consultations so that clients on all islands can benefit from my expertise. I am proud of how hard I’ve worked to materialise this vision. The clinic will deliver complete skincare solutions and be a revolutionary space for life-changing treatments for clients of all genders, skin types, age, demographic, and ethnicity.” says Michelle.
Skinovate operates by appointment only, and advance booking is required for all consultations and treatments. To book an appointment, clients can call or WhatsApp the clinic on 2666229, visit the social pages and message the clinic, or book online via the links.
Skinovate is conveniently located on the 2nd floor of the Espace building opposite the Inter-Island Quay, and free parking is available.
By J Gilbert-Finnigan
