Meet Nina Gajic, founder of Skin Virtue. This journey has been quite a ride for Nina, from going back to university to pursue her dream career to a cancer diagnosis. Let’s explore Nina’s journey and learn about why she is the true definition of The Beauty Within via her “kindness, empathy compassion and inner strength”.
Q: What inspired you to found Skin Virtue with your partner, Gary?
A: As an Aussie born in the 1970s, I grew up believing my skin needed to be squeaky clean. This led me to over-washing my face several times a day which eventually saw a years-long battle with constantly irritated and sensitive skin. It eventually got so bad that even water that was not completely pure could cause me to break out in hives. I went to numerous dermatologists and even got de-sensitised.
After exhausting traditional dermatological solutions without success, I had what I think of as an epiphany – the key lay in strengthening my skin’s natural barrier, which is your skin’s bodyguard – keeping moisture in and protecting it from external irritants, bacteria, allergens, and damage.
I could not find any products specifically for sensitive skin on the market, so I decided to investigate and produce them myself! With the support of my partner Gary, I did more than 10 years of research, testing and re-testing – l even returned to university to study an undergraduate degree and become a cosmetic chemist. And then, Skin Virtue was born.
Q: Skin Virtue supports the Breast Cancer Foundation. What led you to that decision?
A: Skin Virtue was launched and going well. Gary and I were so excited about its progress and how many people we were helping – the feedback was incredible! But then, at 44, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Our daughter Natalija was only 4, and my world felt, and still does like I am no longer in control.
It feels like it is in the hands of my medical team and there are good days and bad days. When you are diagnosed with cancer, it changes you in every way, it is like a before and after.
My cancer was very small when I was diagnosed, 1 cm, so everyone was optimistic. In the one month from diagnosis to surgery, my cancer grew to 2.6 cm. It was a grade 3, which meant it went from optimistic to being called “mixed” and “the sinister kind” by my surgeon and oncologist. The characteristics of my cancer meant I had to have chemo and radiation and take hormone blockers for the next 7 years.
Something that stood out to me is that having cancer is a very lonely path. You can have a supportive family and friends and a great team, but you are in it alone. Cancer is in your body, and in your thoughts, you are having the treatments and trying to get through it to survive.
The thing that really gets me about cancer is that there are no guarantees, no magic pill or wand and the absolute hardest part for me is when I go down that rabbit hole, I think about not being here for my now 6-year-old daughter.
Nina with her daughter Natalija and Husband Gary
I have caught myself planning in my head for a worst-case scenario. Do I buy birthday cards and write them all now, do Isend her emails with little stories and photos attached, what belongings of mine should I wrap up to give her for her birthdays, who do I ask to oversee this…. and so forth.
Cancer is tough and shit!
So, for anyone who has gone through cancer, is going through cancer, has a loved one going through cancer, or anyone who has had loss due to cancer, I see you and I feel your pain.
Through Skin Virtue I am dedicated to supporting The National Breast Cancer Foundation in their efforts to achieve zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030.
That would be an amazing achievement! Currently, we donate portions of our sales to the cause, and I am hoping to ramp it up and partner with them in the coming year to help raise more money and awareness.
Q: Your mission is to help women take better care of their skin. Tell me more.
A: Busy women do not prioritise their health or their skincare as they are busy looking after kids, working, and socialising, and many young women just buy makeup to try to cover up skin problems.
Aussie women really need to focus on their health and the health of their skin by creating a night-time skincare routine before bed. I want to help empower women everywhere to properly protect, and be comfortable in the skin they were born with, no matter how problematic it might be.
When I was a teenager having breakouts, I would cancel plans to go out and just stay home – I was miserable. Bad skin can be so debilitating and isolating for teenagers, and no one needs to experience that.
Q: Why do Skin Virtue’s products cater specifically for people with sensitive skin and allergies?
A: I found there was not anything on the market that truly catered for people with sensitive skin and allergies. Believe me, I have tried everything!
So, I developed an extensive range of cosmeceutical products, designed to bolster the skin’s barrier, support skin stem cell longevity, and address specific skin concerns with clinical ingredients.
All our products contain antioxidants, with specific products targeted to different skin types, conditions, and ages by helping the skin repair and reinforce its own natural protections so moisture within is preserved while harmful bacteria are kept away.
Our products are non-comedogenic, anti-irritating and anti-allergen, making them the perfect choice for those with particular skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. They are designed to minimise the risk of clogged pores, irritation, and allergic reactions.
Nina with the Skin Virtue Future Advanced Line Filler. Shop here.
Q: What does The Beauty Within mean to you?
A: To me, “The Beauty Within” transcends mere physical appearances and encompasses qualities such as kindness, empathy, compassion, and inner strength. It’s a reflection of inner alignment and authenticity, a way of living in harmony with your values and making choices by following your moral and personal standards. I believe true beauty emanates from your innate nature.
Q: What do you do to ensure beauty both on the inside and out?
A: I prioritise a holistic lifestyle approach that includes maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, mental wellness practices, skincare, hydration, quality sleep, self-expression, kindness, continuous learning, and giving back to the community. This approach nurtures my inner and outer beauty, fostering my overall wellbeing and happiness.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give for people to keep their skin healthy?
A: Sun protection is non-negotiable, especially for sensitive skin prone to reactions. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF50, a must-have skincare essential, as it shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide offer gentle protection, ensuring effective skincare without causing irritation. It is also handy to know that if the UV index is anything above 2, you will need to use sunscreen.
Q: Do you have any other skincare tips for our readers?
A: Skin types are genetically determined and many women do not understand how to identify their type which can make it confusing when choosing products. So, my tip is to get to know your skin type before you make any purchases!
Skin Virtue is divided into three ranges of products targeting different skin types: the Super Clear Collection is for oily, or combination skin; Pure Nourish is for “normal” and dry skin and Future Advanced is for all skin types but targets ageing skin concerns. By identifying your skin type and using the appropriate products, your skin will be thanking you!
Read more of our Inspiring Profiles here.
To learn more about Nina and Skin Virtue, below.
