Additional Coverage:
- A 43-year-old pharmacist with a Ph.D. in topical skincare says she uses 4 products to keep her glow as she ages (businessinsider.com)
Beyond the Bottle: A Pharmacist’s Holistic Approach to Glowing Skin
Local skincare expert Sonal Chavda-Sitaram, a pharmacist with a Ph.D. in topical products, emphasizes that true skin health goes far beyond creams and serums. The 43-year-old founder of Complete by Dr SCS advocates for a comprehensive approach, prioritizing lifestyle factors alongside a consistent, simple skincare routine.
“We’ve really disregarded the largest organ within our body and the most complex, and are only treating surface level,” Chavda-Sitaram explained. “We need to treat it much more holistically.”
For Chavda-Sitaram, achieving radiant skin as she ages involves a “double-pronged approach,” addressing both internal and external needs. She stresses that good sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction are just as crucial as any product.
“Every time I build something, it’s about laying the foundations right and thinking, ‘What do I need as a foundation?’, and then ‘How do I support that with my topical needs?'” she shared.
Consistency is key, which is why her own routine is designed for simplicity. “I just need it to be as simple as possible. It needs to integrate into my lifestyle, which is very chaotic,” she said.
Here are the four essential products Chavda-Sitaram incorporates into her daily regimen:
Vitamin C: Your Morning Brightening Boost
Chavda-Sitaram kickstarts her mornings with a high-strength vitamin C serum. This powerful antioxidant helps combat environmental damage from pollutants and promotes that coveted skin glow. Beyond its brightening effects, vitamin C is also believed to stimulate collagen production, reduce dark spots, and offer protection against sun damage – all vital for maintaining youthful skin.
When choosing a vitamin C product, Chavda-Sitaram advises opting for airless pumps or airtight containers to prevent degradation. She also looks for formulations that include other antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid for added stability. Her personal choice is the Complete by Dr SCS Radiance Face Serum, which features a stable form of vitamin C.
SPF: Non-Negotiable Sun Protection
Perhaps the most critical step, Chavda-Sitaram applies an SPF 50 with UVA and UVB coverage every morning and reapplies it multiple times throughout the day. She highlights a common mistake: applying sunscreen once in the morning and expecting it to last all day.
“Whatever you may have applied in the morning has probably been rubbed off. And then you’ve exposed your skin to sunlight,” she cautioned.
Sun damage is a major culprit in premature skin aging, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and a loss of elasticity, and significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. The key, she says, is finding a sunscreen you’ll consistently use, regardless of whether it’s mineral or chemical.
Retinol: The Nighttime Skin Renovator
In the evenings, Chavda-Sitaram turns to retinol, a powerful form of vitamin A known for its wide range of benefits, from treating acne to reducing fine lines and wrinkles. She applies her retinol alongside a ceramide-rich moisturizer, like Weleda Skin Food Face Night Cream, to counteract potential dryness.
While various forms of retinol exist, Chavda-Sitaram is particularly enthusiastic about hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR). This derivative is efficiently converted to the retinoic acid receptors in the skin, boosting cell turnover and collagen production.
HPR is also generally well-tolerated, making it a good option for those concerned about irritation. She uses the Complete by Dr SCS Protect Serum, which contains HPR.
Fragrance-Free Cleanser: The Foundation of Healthy Skin
Before applying any active ingredients, Chavda-Sitaram emphasizes the importance of a gentle, fragrance-free, and denatured alcohol-free cleanser. She uses CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser both morning and night.
She explains that fragrances and additives can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation and increased sensitivity. “You want something that doesn’t strip away the oils on the surface of your skin. You want it to effectively remove, but you don’t want it to damage your skin barrier, and that’s really critical,” she concluded.