Skincare woes are a common concern for countless individuals across the UK, with many struggling to find effective solutions that won’t exacerbate their issues. This was a challenge Nic Taylor, the founder of 47 Skin, knew all too well. From the age of 15, he battled with persistent breakouts that took a toll on his self-esteem.

I recently sat down with Nic to learn how his personal journey with skin blemishes led to the creation of 47 Skin. This innovative skincare brand has earned a spot on The Sunday Times 100 List as one of the fastest-growing privately owned companies in Britain, for two consecutive years. To date, it has helped over half a million people achieve healthier skin. According to Nic, the brand’s success can be traced back to a simple act of kindness.

Reflecting on his teenage years, Nic shared, “There were nights I’d get ready to go out, look in the mirror, and decide against it because of the noticeable spots and blemishes. I avoided outings where club photos would end up on Facebook because I hated how my skin appeared. It started affecting my life significantly. Even at my first graduate job, a buyer once remarked, ‘Oh, I see they’ve sent a baby to do their bidding,’ referring to my skin. It shattered my confidence.”

Nic also recounted the daily struggles, saying, “I couldn’t even wear white shirts because the spots on my back were visible. It was a constant issue. Plus, people rarely mention the physical pain associated with spots; they’re not just a cosmetic concern but can be quite painful too.”

Determined to find a solution, Nic decided, “Enough is enough. I can’t let this affect my career,” as reported by the Mirror. His search for clear skin led him through a myriad of high street products and clinical treatments, none of which worked. He recalled being given “three different products” with difficult-to-pronounce names and a hefty price tag of around £300, all promising to clear his skin.

Feeling despondent and in discomfort, Nic’s luck changed when he received a package from his grandmother, a nurse with 50 years of experience. Inside was a small pot of cream accompanied by a note: “To Nic, this is a local formulation, apparently it’s fantastic for spots and blemishes.” To his astonishment, after using the cream day and night, his skin cleared up in just four days. “I was shocked,” Nic admitted. “I thought the spots would return, but they didn’t. My skin became soft, hydrated, and firm, completely transforming my complexion.”

Following this remarkable find, Nic sought out and collaborated with the scientist who created the unlabelled pot’s formula using Silver Chitoderm. This ingredient is now found in everything from their top-selling Anti-Blemish and Scar Repair Serum to the Body Moisturiser.

Nic elaborates on how this unique component of 47 Skin works: “Silver is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. The chitoderm, which is bonded to the silver, is mucoadhesive, which means it’s sticky. Essentially, if bacteria lands on your face, the Silver Chitoderm will adhere to the bacteria and the silver will eliminate it. As long as you’ve got the serum on or any of the products, then you’ve got an antibacterial shield on your skin.”

Using his own funds, Nic established 47 Skin and the product range is stocked at Harrods, Boots, Amazon and on the 47 Skin website. The Anti-Blemish and Scar Repair Serum has accumulated over 5,000 five-star reviews, with one customer describing it as a ‘miracle in a bottle’.

Discussing the serum, Nic said: “I genuinely believe it is the best skincare product in the world. I have used it every day since I came across it when I was 26. I would always say try the serum. It will work for you or someone that you love, if it doesn’t, we’ll give you your money back.”

For those seeking alternatives, other blemish treatments available include spot stickers. This includes the CeraVe Blemish Barrier Patches, which cost £9 at LookFantastic. There’s also The Body Shop’s Skin Clearing Night Mask at £12, which utilises tea tree oil to help diminish the appearance of spots.

While spots and blemishes are commonly linked with adolescence, Nic highlights how 47 Skin benefits an incredibly wide range of people and “no one story is more important than another”. Describing the diverse feedback the products receive, he mentioned a mother and her 15-year-old son.

“One review was a mum and she was saying my son is 15-years-old,” he recalled. “He started suffering with [bad] skin. It’s been really impacting his confidence. He’s not been going out and he’s been using the serum and his skin’s completely cleared. His confidence is transformed.”

“I loved that review,” Nic confessed. “Because I had suffered with my skin from about 15 to about 26, so it cut that boy’s experience of suffering down by about ten years, assuming that he’d had the same length of it. So, grandma’s kindness has done that.”

He continued: “The second review was a lady in her twenties who said: ‘I’ve suffered with my skin since I was about 17 or 18. I’ve been with my partner for two years and he’s never seen me without makeup on. Thanks to 47 Skin, my spots and blemishes have gone, and I’ve seen him for the first time with no makeup, and it just feels amazing.’”

Nic shared another testimonial: “A lady who wrote I’m 71 years old. I’ve suffered with my skin all my life, never thought it would go, and thanks to using 47 Skin, my skin’s clear.”

When asked about his grandmother, Nic revealed: “Grandma was a nurse that helped for 50 years. It just shows one small act of kindness has gone on to a butterfly effect and we’ve helped well over half a million people. You hear all these stories and it’s all thanks to that one domino of her just being kind.”

47 Skin products can be purchased on their website.