This month’s Elysium cover star is the one and only Gillian Taylforth. Best known for lighting up our television screens for decades, Gillian has now added another string to her bow: skincare founder.
Elysium’s Lizzie Hayman sat down with Gillian, known as Gilly to friends and family, to discuss her fabulous new skincare range, the inspiration behind the brand, and the secrets to looking so incredible at 70. Yes, you read that right: 70!
Gilly, tell us what made you come up with Skin GT?
Creating a skincare brand had been on my mind for more than 20 years.
Beauty and skincare have always been passions of mine. Over the years, I’ve tried countless products, learned about ingredients, and become fascinated by what really works. Yet no matter how many brands I discovered, I kept coming back to the same thought: why not create something myself?
I originally hoped to launch a skincare line when I turned 50, but at the time I didn’t have the right contacts or resources. Then, through a chance conversation at a party, I met a team of scientists specialising in skincare development. We started discussing ingredients, formulations, and the results I wanted to achieve, and from those conversations, Skin GT was born.
So, from that chance conversation how long did the process take?
The development process took just over a year, and I was involved in every stage, from testing textures to refining formulas.
One product I felt particularly strongly about was our SPF 50 moisturiser. I wanted effective daily sun protection that felt lightweight, comfortable, and wearable, without the chalky white residue that so many SPF products leave behind.
The result is Shield, a lightly tinted SPF 50 moisturiser that provides broad spectrum protection while giving the skin a natural glow. It also contains peptides, so alongside protecting the skin, it’s actively helping to care for it.
Who is the SkinGT customer?
Well the range is suitable for all ages, I firmly believe that good skincare habits should start early. Whether you’re dealing with acne, sensitivity, or simply learning how to care for your skin, understanding its needs from a young age can make a real difference. And for me, SPF is always non negotiable.
Tell us about the range and the Skin GT Routine.
The Skin GT collection comprises five products designed to work together as a simple yet highly effective daily skincare regime. The philosophy behind the range is to streamline skincare without compromising on results, offering everything needed for healthy, balanced skin in just a few easy steps.
The routine begins with Refresh, a morning exfoliating cleanser formulated with salicylic, glycolic and citric acids. Gentle enough for everyday use, it helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and reveal a brighter, more refreshed complexion.
Next is Replenish, a daily serum that delivers targeted active ingredients while helping to maintain optimal hydration levels throughout the day.
For daytime protection, Shield combines lightweight moisturisation with broad-spectrum SPF 50, making sun protection an effortless part of your daily routine.
In the evening, Purify effectively removes make-up, environmental pollutants and daily impurities while preserving the skin’s natural moisture balance, leaving it feeling thoroughly cleansed but never stripped or tight.
The final step is Nourish, an overnight treatment cream featuring niacinamide and bakuchiol a plant based alternative to retinol. Working while you sleep, it helps improve skin texture, support renewal and promote a smoother, healthier-looking complexion, with less potential for irritation.
What was key in creating this range?
Simplicity was at the heart of the development process. I wanted to create a collection that was effective, easy to use and worked effortlessly as a complete routine. All of the formulations are pH-balanced at 5.5, which means there’s no need for a separate toner, and each product has been designed to work seamlessly alongside the others. The focus was on delivering results without adding unnecessary steps, making skincare feel straightforward rather than complicated.
Tell us about your own routine.
I’m religious about removing my make-up before bed and cleansing properly. Over the years, I’ve kept my skincare routine relatively simple, focusing on consistency and good habits rather than anything overly complicated. For me, looking after my skin goes hand in hand with taking care of my overall wellbeing.
Pilates is a regular part of my routine, and I try to stay active whenever possible. Having a home gym with a treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine and cable machine makes it much easier to fit exercise around a busy schedule. It’s all about being realistic, sometimes I only have 20 minutes to spare, but that’s more than enough time to jump on the bike or squeeze in a quick workout. I firmly believe that small, consistent efforts can make a big difference over time.
Anything else you swear by to keep you feeling great?
I have a daily wellness ritual that I rarely miss. Every morning, I make a refreshing drink with fresh mint, cucumber, celery and lemon, which helps me feel energised and hydrated. I also take a collagen supplement, alongside a blend of vitamins A, C and E with added vitamin D which is so important for us living in the uk where the sun seems to hide most of the year!
The weather can make such a difference to our wellbeing, do you agree?
Absolutely. When the sun is shining, everything seems a little brighter. People are smiling, saying hello to each other. There’s a natural sense of positivity in the air. Recently, I spent an afternoon outdoors with a friend, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying a chilled glass of Rose. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can make you feel so much better.
Fast, Fun & Unfiltered – Gillian answers the questions everyone wants to ask.
Favourite destination?
Barbados. I absolutely love it. Although this year I’m taking my grandsons to Tenerife, which will be lovely.
A holiday you’d never repeat?
A family trip to Lapland got mixed reviews. I loved every second of it because I’m like a child when it comes to Christmas. My son, however, declared it the worst holiday he’d ever been on.
Favourite household chore?
Ironing. I know that’s unusual, but I love the feeling of having everything done.
Least favourite?
Cleaning floors. Definitely my least favourite chore.
Favourite exercise?
Pilates. I really enjoy it. It makes me feel stronger and more balanced.
Least favourite?
Running. I’ll happily power walk, but I’ve never been a runner.
What are you watching right now?
I’ve been hooked on The Boroughs on Netflix. It’s completely bonkers in places, but that’s part of the appeal.It also stars one of my fave actors Alfred Molina; I love anything he is in.
What will you always switch off?
Reality shows really don’t interest me.
The Best Thing About Ageing?
Being happier in your own skin. You know what you like, what you don’t like and you’re much more willing to speak your mind.
When you’re younger, you often let things go. As you get older, you’re more comfortable standing up for yourself and saying what you really think.
And the worst?
My advice is, don’t look down in the mirror after 40 as you end up looking like a Shar Pei dog! But all jokes aside there are certainly a few more aches and pains that seem to appear out of nowhere, and you notice that some things take a little longer than they used to. But age also brings confidence and perspective. Every laughter line tells a story, and every wrinkle is a reminder of a life well lived. That’s all part of the journey, and I’m perfectly happy to embrace it.
All products available to buy at Skin GT by Gillian Taylforth Luxury Skincare for Radiant Skin.
