Age is just a number, but maintaining vibrant skin is an art that many aspire to master! A 43-year-old pharmacist who holds a Ph.D. in topical skincare reveals her straightforward yet effective routine to combat the signs of aging.
By Kim Schewitz (https://www.businessinsider.com/author/kim-schewitz)
You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.
2025-11-01T11:11:01Z
- According to this pharmacist with extensive knowledge in skincare, adopting a healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in maintaining skin health.
- Sonal Chavda-Sitaram, the expert behind this insight, adheres to a streamlined skincare routine for the sake of consistency.
- Each morning, she applies a potent vitamin C serum, which helps to enhance her skin’s brightness.
Sonal Chavda-Sitaram employs a dual strategy for enhancing her skin's vitality as she gets older. This pharmacist, who has specialized in products such as serums and masks (https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/beauty/affordable-skin-care-brands-companies) during her Ph.D. program at King's College in London, appreciates the variety of skincare products available. Yet, she emphasizes that good sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction are equally critical factors for healthy skin (https://www.businessinsider.com/skincare-secrets-routine-102-year-old-science-backed-2024-11).
"We have largely overlooked our skin, the body's largest and most intricate organ, and are only focusing on superficial treatments," Chavda-Sitaram expressed in an interview with Business Insider. "We need to adopt a much more comprehensive approach to skincare."
In designing her skincare regimen (https://www.businessinsider.com/dermatologist-shares-her-simple-anti-aging-skincare-routine-2025-6), this dedicated mother of two and founder of Complete by Dr SCS focuses on both internal and external factors to ensure her skin remains glowing.
"Whenever I create something, I prioritize laying a solid foundation by asking questions such as, 'What essential elements do I need for my foundation?' and 'How can I complement that with topical treatments?'" she elaborated.
Consistency is key to achieving noticeable results, as Chavda-Sitaram emphasized: "I require my routine to be as uncomplicated as possible. It must fit seamlessly into my hectic life."
Curious about the essentials she swears by? Here are the four products that form the core of her daily skincare routine:
Vitamin C Serum
Each morning, Chavda-Sitaram begins her day with a high-potency vitamin C serum (https://www.businessinsider.com/vitamin-c-for-skin-best-serum-when-how-use-2023-8) that boosts her skin’s radiance.
"Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that defends against oxidative damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution. Additionally, it enhances skin illumination, giving you that sought-after glow," she observed.
Numerous studies indicate that topical application of vitamin C may possess anti-aging properties by promoting collagen production (https://www.businessinsider.com/halle-berry-swears-by-collagen-for-staying-youthful-bone-broth-2021-5), which is essential for maintaining the skin’s structure as we age. There’s also evidence that vitamin C can diminish the visibility of age-related dark spots and provide protection against sun exposure.
When selecting a vitamin C serum, Chavda-Sitaram advises choosing products that are packaged in airless pumps or opaque containers to preserve potency since vitamin C is sensitive to oxygen. "If you notice a yellowish tint in your serum, it indicates that it has deteriorated and lost effectiveness," she warned.
She prefers serums enriched with additional antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid, as these ingredients help stabilize the formulation. Specifically, she uses the Complete by Dr SCS Radiance Face Serum, which features 20% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable vitamin C derivative, along with other antioxidants.
Sunscreen
Chavda-Sitaram applies a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning, ensuring she reapplies throughout the day to protect against both UVA and UVB rays (https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/beauty/best-sunscreen-moisturizer).
"A major mistake people make is applying sunscreen once in the morning, but they forget to reapply. By midday, the initial application has likely been compromised, leaving the skin unprotected from harmful sun exposure," she cautioned.
Sun damage can hasten the aging process, leading to wrinkles, liver spots, reduced elasticity, and even skin cancer. Chavda-Sitaram stressed the importance of vigilance in sun protection: "Shielding your skin from UV rays is absolutely vital."
She encourages users to find a sunscreen—be it mineral or chemical—that they will consistently use, as she's still searching for her ideal SPF product.
Retinol
Chavda-Sitaram embraces retinol, a derivative of vitamin A incorporated into numerous skincare formulations. Initially created as an acne treatment, retinol has evolved to address various skin issues, including psoriasis and signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Each night, she uses retinol alongside a ceramide-infused moisturizer to combat dryness, which is particularly important for her naturally dry skin. Her go-to is Weleda Skin Food Face Night Cream.
There are many forms and strengths of retinol, but Chavda-Sitaram is particularly enthusiastic about a retinal offshoot known as hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR). "Retinol functions by attaching to retinoic acid receptors to enhance cellular turnover, which encourages collagen synthesis. It's crucial to select a retinol that efficiently converts to these receptors," she explained. HPR offers a simplified conversion process.
While retinol can occasionally irritate the skin, gradual incorporation into your regimen is advisable. However, studies indicate that HPR is well-tolerated by most skin types, she noted.
The Complete by Dr SCS Protect Serum, containing HPR, is what she incorporates into her routine.
Fragrance-Free Cleanser
Before applying her active skincare ingredients, Chavda-Sitaram cleanses her face with a fragrance-free and alcohol-free cleanser. Morning and night, she opts for CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser.
Over time, fragrances and harsh additives can deplete the skin’s natural moisture, lead to irritation, and heighten sensitivity to other products. "You need a cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping away essential oils. Protecting your skin barrier is crucial," Chavda-Sitaram emphasized.
