Author Archives: Dr Munir Somji

At Dr Somji Skincare, we’ve infused our formulas with plant-based exosomes, because they combine the best of science with natural extracts. Here are a few of my favourite exosomes that we’ve included in our products…

Water Radish Exosomes
Extracted from the root of the water radish, these exosomes are rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. They offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing benefits, helping to hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier and soothe irritation.

Green Tangerine Exosomes
Derived from green tangerines that we sourced directly from Jeju Island in Korea, these exosomes are super high in vitamin C. They are ideal for promoting radiance. Also rich in nobiletin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory compound, they can reduce wrinkles, soothe inflammation and restore skin elasticity and hydration.

Centella Asiatica Exosomes
Centella asiatica, also known as tiger grass, has a long reputation as a skin-healing herb. Legend has it that tigers would roll in it to help their wounds recover. In skincare, it’s known for being incredibly calming and restorative. Centella exosomes work brilliantly to soothe irritation, reduce redness and support skin repair and rejuvenation, making it a great option for sensitive or stressed complexions.

We’re just beginning to uncover the incredible potential of exosomes and I’m so excited about what’s ahead. At Dr Somji Skincare, our first wave of plant-based exosome formulations are already helping to regenerate, rejuvenate and restore all skin types, and I’m convinced that our next innovations in exosome skincare will completely transform your routine.

Lighten up, but don’t skip moisturiser

Rich moisturisers are not always ideal in hot climates. They can clog pores and congest the skin. However, even during the summer, the skin still needs moisture to stay balanced and to protect its barrier from drying out. Try layering your skincare. Whether you are lounging by the pool or spending the day sightseeing, our Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30 is a multi-tasking, breathable formula. It brightens the skin, prevents pigmentation and offers vital broad-spectrum protection without any heaviness – it’s perfect under make-up. Just remember to reapply it every 2-3 hours. If your skin is prone to breakouts or redness, try layering one of the Dr Somji Concentrates underneath.

Support the skin barrier

Sun, sea, flights and air-conditioning can all impair the skin barrier, which is often the root cause of post-holiday issues. I always advise patients to pack a barrier-strengthening serum like our multi-tasking Dr Somji Signature Serum. It’s lightweight and supercharged with peptides, ceramides and anti-inflammatories that can address multiple skin concerns during and after sun exposure.

After sun care

Look for soothing ingredients like ceramides and exosomes to rebuild the skin’s barrier.

If you’ve been in the sun, don’t rush back into using strong actives or exfoliants – give your skin some time to recover. Gentle exfoliation in summer can be helpful for clearing sunscreen build-up, sweat and pollution. Go for mild exfoliants like lactic acid, which refresh the skin without disrupting the barrier. But if your skin feels sunburnt, dry or irritated, hold off until it’s fully healed.

Focus on protection, hydration and barrier support and your skin will thank you long after the summer glow fades.

What is the best way to protect the skin in-flight?

Cleanse and prep before you board
A good in-flight skincare routine starts before take-off. I always recommend boarding with a clean, make-up free face. Our skin is already under stress at altitude, so layering on foundation or powders can congest, dehydrate and irritate it further. Try our Dr Somji Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser, which gently removes impurities while reinforcing the skin’s microbiome, which is essential when exposed to the drying, recycled air of an aeroplane.

Lock in hydration
Dry cabin air causes water to evaporate from the skin faster than usual, leading to a dull, dry and dehydrated complexion upon landing. To prevent this, layer your skin with hydration-boosting products – look for ones which contain humectants (which draw water into the skin) and occlusives (which help lock it in). A lightweight hydrating serum followed by a barrier-supporting moisturiser can reduce water loss and keep skin comfortable throughout the flight. Ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid are ideal. Your skin will love Dr Somji Night Cream, which is filled with humectants like hyaluronic acid and squalane. It also contains oils and butters to soothe and protect. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by sipping on plenty of water or herbal teas during the flight. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they are diuretics that can deplete moisture from the body.

Don’t skip SPF
It might seem like sunscreen isn’t necessary inside an aircraft, but UV exposure is intense when flying at 35000 feet. Studies show that pilots and cabin crew experience about twice the rate of melanoma compared to the general population. This increased risk is due to greater exposure to UVA rays, which can penetrate glass and clouds – throughout the year. If you’re in a window seat during a daytime flight, you’re consistently exposed to this UV radiation – making SPF essential. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. A formula like Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30, is lightweight, non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog pores mid-flight) and contains antioxidants to help defend against free radical damage. Pop it on before take-off and don’t forget to reapply during long-haul flights. It also shields skin from the blue light of those in-flight screens that we all end up watching.

Repair and refresh on touchdown
Hours of exposure to dry cabin air along with broken sleep can leave skin needing some TLC. I recommend a thorough cleanse with Dr Somji Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser to remove any impurities. I like to leave it on for 5-10 minutes, so it works like a treatment mask. It’s brilliant for calming inflammation, clearing out pores and restoring the skin’s barrier. Follow with a serum and hydrating moisturiser. Try Dr Somji Signature Serum.

Follow these steps, and your skin will feel fresh, balanced and jet-lag free.

Stress is a silent trigger

We often underestimate the impact of stress on the skin. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, which can increase oil production and inflammation – two key factors in the development of acne. For many patients, flare-ups coincide with deadlines, times of emotional stress or even poor sleep patterns. Topical treatments can help, but long-term control usually requires lifestyle changes such as prioritising sleep, learning to manage stress and giving the nervous system space to recover.

Hormones are not just a teen problem

Hormonal acne isn’t just an issue for teenagers. I frequently see adult women experiencing breakouts around the jawline, chin and neck. This can be due to fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone, often related to the menstrual cycle, conditions like PCOS, perimenopause or coming off contraception. These breakouts can be persistent and painful, but they can be managed with the right balance of hormonal support and targeted skincare.

Food for thought

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to diet and acne, but research suggests that certain foods can make breakouts worse. Foods high in sugar and processed carbohydrates (often referred to as high-glycaemic foods) as well as dairy, may contribute to increased oil production and inflammation in the body, both of which can trigger or aggravate acne. If you suspect your diet may be triggering your breakouts, keeping a food and skin diary can be a helpful way to identify patterns. Tracking what you eat alongside when flare-ups occur could help you find what is causing your spots.

A compromised skin barrier

Many people with acne turn to harsh scrubs or aggressive treatments, thinking they’ll speed up results. However, stripping the skin can worsen inflammation, disrupt its microbiome and lead to more breakouts. One of the most important and overlooked steps in acne management is supporting the skin barrier.

Our Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare Anti-Blemish Concentrate is a hard-working, all-in-one blemish buster containing a tried-and-tested ingredient list. Salicylic acid helps to keep pores clear, while bakuchiol offers a gentler alternative to traditional retinoids. We included encapsulated azelaic acid to ease inflammation and treat that post-breakout pigmentation. The added niacinamide and chicory root extract support the skin barrier, helping to reduce redness, soothe irritation and promote healing. Use it daily or apply at the first sign of a blemish. It’s a simple, targeted step that supports clearer and calmer skin.

Whether it’s down to hormones, stress or a weakened skin barrier, the key to managing acne lies in understanding what’s causing it. My approach always starts from the inside out – because real results come from treating the cause, not just the symptoms.

Dr Somji

PRE-WORKOUT SKINCARE

Just like a good warm-up sets the tone for your workout, the right skincare can help your skin stay protected, balanced and breakout-free.

When you’re exercising outdoors, a thin layer of sunscreen is all your skin needs. 

UV exposure not only increases the risk of premature ageing but can also trigger inflammation that worsens post-workout skin issues. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that feels light on the skin. The lightweight Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser is filled with green tangerine exosomes, hyaluronic acid and ectoin, that protect, repair and hydrate the skin. If make-up is part of your routine, less is more – or better yet, skip it entirely. Sweat and make-up combined can create the ideal conditions for clogged pores, irritation and breakouts.

KEEP IT CLEAN

When sweat mixes with sebum, sunscreen and dirt, it can easily clog pores and trigger breakouts or irritation. And because sweat contains salt, it can dry out and aggravate the skin – particularly if your skin is on the sensitive side. Be sure to cleansing your skin right after a workout. Choose a gentle cleanser that removes sweat and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural barrier. Try our Dr Somji Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser which soaks up excess oil and impurities, while decongesting the skin, for a clean and refined complexion. It also includes water-binding prickly pear, moringa seed oil and babassu oil seed extracts to hydrate.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

If breakouts are a concern, salicylic acid is a great option to keep skin clear. Its oil-soluble nature allows it to penetrate deep into the pores, clearing excess sebum and preventing congestion, making it ideal for post-workout skin exposed to sweat and oil.

Try our Dr Somji Anti-Blemish Concentrate which contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actives to reduce oiliness, fight breakouts and balance the skin.

However, after a workout, it’s best to minimise the use of too many active ingredients, as the skin needs time to recover. Instead, opt for calming and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to restore balance.

HYDRATE – EVEN IF SKIN FEELS OILY

A common mistake people make after a workout is skipping moisturiser, thinking their skin is oily enough. But sweating can actually leave skin dehydrated, even if it feels greasy. That’s where a lightweight moisturiser comes in. It replenishes hydration without clogging pores. Look for ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which draw water to the skin and support a healthy barrier.

KEEP YOUR KIT CLEAN

It’s easy to overlook your workout gear, but things like caps, headbands and gym equipment can actually trap sweat and bacteria against the skin. These small items can lead to irritation and clogged pores if you’re not careful. When you can, choose breathable fabrics for your gear and be sure to clean your workout equipment regularly. And, as tempting as it may be, avoid touching your face during exercise as it’s one of the fastest ways to transfer dirt and bacteria.

Simple tweaks like these can have a big impact on keeping your skin clear, calm and ready for whatever your next workout throws at it.

Myth: You don’t need to wear sunscreen inside

UVA rays are responsible for ageing and can penetrate both clouds and glass. This means that even if you’re sitting near a window while working from home, driving or flying, your skin is still exposed. In fact, UV levels are significantly higher on planes due to altitude, so I always recommend applying sunscreen before boarding, especially if you’re seated by the window.

Myth: SPF 100 offers double the protection of SPF 50
It’s easy to assume that a higher SPF means significantly more protection, but the truth is more nuanced. SPF 30 blocks about 97 per cent of UVB rays, SPF 50 about 98 per cent and SPF 100 around 99 per cent. No sunscreen blocks 100 per cent of UV rays, so the difference between high SPFs is minimal. What’s far more important is how much you use and how often you reapply it. Most people use far too little sunscreen. For effective coverage, you’ll need about a teaspoon for the face and a shot-glass sized amount for the body. Make sure to cover commonly overlooked areas like the ears, back of the neck, hands and even the lips with an SPF infused balm.

Myth: You don’t need to reapply waterproof sunscreen
Water-resistant doesn’t mean it’s waterproof. Even the best formulas last between 40 and 80 minutes if you’re swimming or sweating. It’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after any activity that could wear it off. Skipping reapplication is one of the biggest reasons people still burn despite using SPF.

Myth: Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen
One of the most common and harmful misconceptions I hear is that people with darker skin don’t need sunscreen. While melanin does offer some natural protection against UV rays, it’s not enough. Daily SPF is essential for every skin tone. People with darker skin are still at risk of sun damage, including hyperpigmentation, premature ageing and even skin cancer – which is often diagnosed later in these groups. Darker skin can also get sunburn – it might not look red or peeling like it does on lighter skin tones, but it can feel sore, itchy and irritated.

Myth: I need to be in the sun to top up my vitamin D levels

A little sunshine can go a long way in helping our bodies make vitamin D,  which is important for healthy bones and immune support. Lighter skin tones usually need just a few minutes outdoors, while darker skin tones may need a bit longer to get the same benefit. However, there’s no need to sunbathe. Once your body is topped up, it stops storing extra vitamin D, so more sun doesn’t mean more benefits. You can also get vitamin D from food and supplements. The NHS advises everyone to consider a daily supplement in autumn and winter and if you have darker skin, you may benefit from taking one all year round.

Whether you have fair or darker skin and regardless of whether you’re indoors or outdoors, SPF is a year-round essential. If there’s one message I want to leave you with, it’s this: it’s never too late to start protecting your skin.

It boosts collagen production

Collagen is a protein that provides structure, strength and support to our skin. Our skin naturally produces collagen, but this slows down as we age. Topically applied vitamin C can stimulate the fibroblasts – the cells responsible for collagen production, which can help to keep our skin firm, plump and youthful.

It brightens and evens out the skin tone

Vitamin C brightens and evens out skin tone by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production. Excess melanin can lead to dark spots and discolouration, so with regular use, vitamin C can prevent the formation of new pigmentation and also fade existing blotches.

It enhances sun protection

While vitamin C isn’t a sunscreen, it can help reduce UV-induced damage by warding off free radicals. When used alongside SPF, it enhances photo protection, making it a must-have for the warmer months ahead. Our Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30 offers UV protection and skin brightening in one.

How to you add vitamin C into your skincare routine

Vitamin C is a versatile ingredient that can benefit all skin types and concerns, making it a great addition to any skincare routine. To get the most out of vitamin C, timing and formulation are key. It works best when applied during the day, helping to combat environmental stressors like UV exposure and pollution. For best results, apply vitamin C after cleansing, but before moisturiser and SPF.

Serums are the most effective form of vitamin C, as they penetrate deeper into the skin.

If you’re new to vitamin C, it’s best to start with a lower concentration and gradually work your way up to a higher strength formula. This will help minimise the risk of irritation and allow your skin to adjust to the ingredient.

Our Dr Somji Signature Serum is filled with vitamin C and can be used by all skin types to target lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and laxity.

How to store vitamin C

Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, which can cause it to degrade. To maintain its effectiveness, store your products in a cool and dark place.

If your skin is looking dull, tired or discoloured, now is the time to add vitamin C into your routine. It’s the ultimate skin reviver – helping to boost radiance, protect and combat signs of ageing.

How to manage and treat rosacea

While there’s no one-size-fits-all remedy, managing rosacea is all about understanding your triggers, strengthening the skin barrier and picking the right skincare.

Identify and avoid triggers

Try keeping a diary to help you pinpoint what triggers your flare-ups. Common culprits include sun exposure, heat, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and stress. When cleansing, avoid rough flannels and cleansing brushes which can aggravate the skin barrier.

Use the right skincare

Rosacea-prone skin tends to have a fragile barrier, which means it needs extra care. Fragrance, essential oils and harsh exfoliants can do more harm than good, so stick to gentle, skin-friendly formulas. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin and centella asiatica – these can help calm redness, strengthen the skin and treat those dry patches that so many people with rosacea struggle with. Our Anti-Redness Concentrate was created to soothe and strengthen sensitive, reactive skin without feeling heavy. One of its key ingredients is centella asiatica exosomes, which we call nature’s own skin healer. Researchers in Asia found that when animals would roll around in tiger grass after they hurt themselves, it would reduce and heal inflammation. It works in a similar way on the skin, helping to reduce irritation, calm redness and support repair. In a consumer trial of 60 people, 75% said that the product reduced the appearance of redness on their skin, and 93% said that it left their skin feeling calm.

See a professional

For more persistent cases, dermatological treatments like laser therapy, LED therapy, prescription creams or oral antibiotics may be recommended. If your rosacea is causing discomfort or affecting your confidence, it’s always worth speaking to a skincare professional to tailor a treatment plan that works for you.

Rosacea can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. With a little patience and the right approach, you can keep flare-ups under control and maintain a calm and happy complexion.

Can you use last year’s sunscreen?

I often get asked if it is safe to use last year’s sunscreen. Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen and if the formula has separated or has a strange smell, it’s time to invest in a fresh bottle. If it has been over a year since you opened it, it’s best to replace it – especially if it has been exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Expired sunscreen can leave skin vulnerable to sun damage, as the active ingredients in SPF break down over time, reducing their effectiveness in blocking harmful UV rays.

Clean your make-up brushes

Your skincare products are not the only thing that needs monitoring – your make-up tools can also harbour bacteria, leading to breakouts, rashes and infections. Make-up brushes and sponges collect oil, dead skin cells and leftover product, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If not cleaned regularly, they can cause recurring skin issues like acne and rashes.

To prevent this, wash your tools at least once a week with a gentle cleanser or brush cleaner. Allow them to air dry completely before use. You should also check your make-up products for expiration dates – liquid formulas like foundation and mascara are especially prone to bacterial contamination and should be replaced regularly.

Now that you’ve decluttered your skincare shelf, it’s the perfect time to update your routine with fresh, effective products that better suit your skin’s needs at this time of year. If you’re looking for new skincare inspo – check out our range of doctor developed formulas.