- Insiders Profile -

Inês Rebelo

Photo credits: Pedro Castelhano

◆ What inspired you to launch your own skincare institute, and how has your philosophy evolved since the beginning?

Although my encounter with skincare dates back to my childhood (my mum was an aesthetician), what inspired me to create this concept was undoubtedly people, delivering the best result, not just for that skin, but for that person, in a relationship based on the values of love, authenticity, and honesty, deeply connected to a philosophy of less is more. This philosophy has not changed over the years; in fact, it has only intensified. There is an urgent need to respect the skin and its physiology, and, therefore, opt for appropriate, non-invasive cosmetic procedures as the first line of treatment.

◆ If you had to describe the Inês Rebelo approach in just three words, what would they be?

Innovative, scientific, and humane.

◆ Your method goes beyond skincare; it's rooted in well-being. How do you define holistic beauty in 2025?

When we take care of people, we are undoubtedly taking care of several layers, and science has already told us this. That's why the healthy trend for 2025 is a search for deeper care, more rooted in our essence, and which transforms us from the inside out. This involves not just seeing the result on our skin, but living an experience that touches all our senses, from the moment we enter the universe of care.

◆ Can you share a client transformation or experience that reaffirmed why you do what you do?

The biggest transformation is undoubtedly in clients who suffer from acne. The impact on their self-esteem, social life, and confidence is overwhelming, and they therefore need the most support. Having suffered from acne myself, it's even easier to empathise with these people and truly see them beyond their skin. When we manage to improve their acne and give them back their joy and self-esteem, we really feel a sense of purpose, and it drives us on.

Photo credits: Manuel Manso

◆ You work with skin, but also with energy and touch. How do you train your senses to stay intuitive and present?

I'd love to say that there is a right answer to this, but the truth is that there isn't. Intuition concerns a field that has been little explored by science, but which, from my perspective, is part of knowing how to listen. Truly listening to the client, deconstructing their sharing, directing their clinical history towards multidisciplinary care, and using the power of immersion in that moment and the energy of the atelier to take care of their emotions.

◆ Could you walk us through your ideal day in Lisbon: from your morning rituals to a spot that helps you unwind or recharge?

I think something that has been non-negotiable over the years is being the first one to wake up in our home and eat a light breakfast alone. This would be followed by dropping my children off at school and indulging in the best breakfast in town at the Hotel Hotel. There, I'd take the opportunity to work, close proposals, or answer interviews like these and then head to Ricardo Vila Nova for my quarterly scalp facial, a treatment that really makes a difference to me. After Ricardo, I'd obviously go to the atelier to see my clients and end my day by picking up my children from school and dedicating myself 100% to this role that embraces my whole life.

Photo credits: Manuel Manso

◆ What do you think people misunderstand most about taking care of their skin?

The importance of using sunscreen and not exposing yourself to the sun for too long, especially between 11am and 4pm. Although the information is available and health professionals are excellent at sharing it, getting a tan isn't about getting healthier; it's a response to the inflammation caused by UV radiation. Inflammation that causes cellular damage and can lead to skin cancer, not to mention photo-ageing and dark spots. So use sunscreen, reapply it, and have controlled sun exposure, outside the hours when radiation is highest.

◆ Is there a treatment or technique you’re especially passionate about right now, or one you think is underrated?

Without a doubt, my favourite cosmetic technologies are cold light therapies, such as LED phototherapy or the LYMA Laser. Through a photobiomodulation process, biological processes are altered at a cellular level, and the impact on improving many inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin concerns is huge. These therapies are not new; they are already clinically proven, some with medical certificates, and the world needs to know about them. We were the first facial studio in Portugal to use this LYMA Laser PRO cosmetic technology, and it is integrated into our signature facials in a 100% customised way.

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◆ What’s your vision for the future of beauty and wellness in Portugal?

I want to believe that the future of beauty in Portugal will be based on prevention. It's important that we work hand in hand with the younger generation of clients and show, without detriment to the corrective medical-aesthetic approach, that prevention will allow us to have not only better health in the future, but better, more structured, and less aged skin, from the inside out.

◆ Can you share with us your hidden gem or local hangout?

Well, as a true ‘alfacinha’, I really like to eat and, of course, I do justice to real Portuguese food, so my choices would have to go to Imperial de Campo de Ourique and Trempe, both restaurants in the Campo de Ourique neighbourhood, where I live.

Photo credits: Manuel Manso