5 min read
It’s Deeper Than Skin ®
It’s Deeper Than Skin ® is a compilation of interviews featuring diverse multicultural individuals each carrying unique aspirations and desires yet bound by a common passion to create a more joyful, diverse and inclusive space for us all. They inspire, empower and help transform the way we think and feel about beauty, culture, ancient traditions, diversity, mental health, societal standards and more. Through these multifaceted lenses, we learn to celebrate our uniqueness and are reminded once again that our beauty is deeper than skin.
We’re thrilled to reconnect with Dr. Soma, a distinguished dermatologist renowned for her expertise in skin health and ageing. Known for her comprehensive understanding of dermatology, Dr. Soma blends clinical practice with a passion for skincare education. In this interview, she shares insights into her unique background, pivotal skincare advice, and her latest discoveries in dermatological science. Get ready to dive into her fascinating journey and learn her top tips for maintaining radiant skin at any age.
Hi Dr. Soma, it's lovely to chat with you again since our Hyperpigmentation e-book! Tell us a little bit about yourself. (We'd love to know a bit about your background and what you love to do!)
So nice to chat again Farah, I loved our hyperpigmentation discussion. I am a dermatologist working in a busy NHS hospital and privately in a clinic setting. I see patients of all ages, including children, and I also do a lot of procedural dermatology including skin cancer surgery. I have a masters in Skin Ageing so I have a special interest in all the changes our skin undergoes with time, including the development of wrinkles, pigmentation and the loss of elasticity.
Growing up, what skincare traditions or customs did you practice?
I grew up on the seaside in Greece. So we would spend all our time in the sun and sea, surrounded by olive groves. We didn't have access to many international skincare brands. When I was a teenager I remember either using Nivea cream or going to the pharmacist in town who would mix up custom skincare for us.
Did you always know you would become a dermatologist?
No! I had such a roundabout route into medicine. I did an anthropology degree as an undergraduate, and then a masters in linguistics. I completely changed careers in my mid-20s and decided to pursue medicine. Although it looks random from the outside, anthropology, linguistics and medicine all involve the study of humans. How we live across space and time, how we communicate and how our bodies work! Once I started in medicine I quite quickly landed in dermatology. It is an endlessly fascinating speciality. It can be serious and impactful, but it also has a more fun, light hearted side to it.
Being a veteran in the beauty industry, what key insights have you taken away? Is there a shift in what you've seen 10 years ago versus now?
People are becoming more and more knowledgeable. They have access to so much information online, from experts, they really like to know what a product is, how it is made, how the ingredients work, etc. It is no longer just about beautiful packaging and an expensive campaign.
What would be your three top tips to have your skin age well over time?
Undoubtedly the number one cause of accelerated skin ageing is exposure to the sun. And this is not just about vanity; it causes your skin to grow weaker, dryer, less flexible so it is more prone to injury, bruising and slow to heal. So protecting your skin from the sun is part of sustaining your wellness. Number two is to try to minimise stress, and focus on your mental well being. You will enjoy the skin you are in more, and we also know that stress can be damaging to all organs including skin. Finally, I would stick to a simple, sustained routine. You don't need to spend a lot of time or money; just make sure you are doing the simple things like washing your face, moisturising and wearing sunscreen all day every day. If that’s all you can manage that is great!
What are top 3 favourite ingredients for supporting well ageing goals?
Sunscreen, anti-oxidants, moisturisers.
In the world of skin ageing...which advances in ingredients, technologies or tools are you most excited about?
Ooh this is a very exciting question! Further developing epigenetic technologies in skincare to help improve environmental damage.
What is your current skincare routine? I'd love to know what's on your shelf!
I get sent a lot of different skincare so I do a lot of trials, and I change my skincare a bit seasonally. Currently I am using:
- Sachi Saponins cream cleanser
- Skinceuticals Vitamin CE Ferulic
- Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream
- Vichy capital soleil UV age daily SPF50
- Klira Special custom prescription night cream
Do you have a favourite Sachi Skin product?
It is hard to choose!! I think the Triphala Pigmentation Corrector is amazing, and I have many people who have found it extremely effective.
And some rapid fire questions:
What is on your current playlist?
Raye - she is gorgeous, so cool and amazing live!
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
Girls5Eva - so cute and funny
Finish the sentence: I feel beautiful when…
I have just finished a yoga class, have a freshly washed face and moisturiser on!
Anything exciting coming up for you in the next few months?
I am always working on content on my social page @dr.somaskin to share educational tips about skin. I also am medical director of Klira where we make available some prescription treatments available through dermatologists. And I am going to Greece for a few weeks in the summer to see my family, can't wait!
