Author Archives: Dr Somji

For the skincare newbie

Whether you’re in search of a gift for someone who neglects their skin or a teenager who is starting their skincare journey, cleansing is the perfect first step to build a routine.

Our Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser is a gentle yet powerful solution that is ideal for keeping skin clear, calm and balanced. Suitable for all skin types, the cleanser deeply cleans the skin while maintaining its natural moisture levels, making it a good choice for anyone new to skincare.

For the outdoor enthusiast 

Lightweight, non-greasy and easy to apply, our Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 30 is a thoughtful gift for outdoor types. Whether they love hiking, cycling or simply spending time in nature, this antioxidant and peptide rich formula provides powerful UVA and UVB protection, while hydrating and nourishing the skin. It’s the perfect stocking filler.

For that special someone

Searching for a gift for that special someone – or perhaps a treat for yourself – our Holiday Radiance Essentials Gift Set is the ultimate pampering package.

Packed in an elegant leather Aspinal of London wash bag, you’ll find:

–  Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser for a deep, refreshing cleanse

–  Signature Serum to enhance radiance and tackle signs of ageing

–  Night Recovery Cream to repair and rejuvenate the skin

Radiant skin is guaranteed with our Festive Glow Gift Set. It features all of the above, beautifully presented in a luxury Aspinal of London wash bag, plus the Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 30, which hydrates while protecting against UV rays.

Both gift sets are sure to delight anyone who loves skincare – or needs a little pampering this festive season.

Why Dr Somji skincare? 

Every product in our results-driven Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare line is formulated with clinically proven ingredients. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned skincare lover or someone new to the world of self-care, our products will deliver visible, professional-grade results.

Let the gifting begin!

Dr Somji and Henal

Ceramides to support the skin barrier 

Ceramides are one of the building blocks of the skin. These naturally-occurring lipids help keep the skin’s barrier plump and strong. During the winter, emollients like ceramides are especially helpful for trapping in moisture and keeping bad pollutants out. By replenishing ceramides, we can keep skin hydrated, plump and resilient to environmental damage. We’ve loaded our  Signature Serum with ceramides to fortify the skin’s epidermal barrier and help it heal.

Centella asiatica exosomes for soothing and repairing

Plant derived centella asiatica exosomes are known for their wonderful wound healing properties. If your skin is prone to redness or sensitivity during the winter, this ingredient works quickly to calm inflammation and repair the skin barrier. This ingredient can soothe irritation and strengthen the skin, making it more tolerant to environmental changes.

Our Anti-Redness Concentrate is formulated with centella asiatica exosomes to rapidly soothe and calm irritated skin, while also promoting rejuvenation at a cellular level.

Probiotics to balance the skin microbiome

Our skin is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. These tiny, invisible life-forms make up the skin’s microbiome, and it protects the skin against environmental aggressors. Winter can disrupt the skin’s microbiome leading to a weakened barrier. Probiotics are great for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria on the skin, which is especially important at this time of year when the skin barrier can be compromised. Probiotics can help to reduce irritation, sensitivity and even breakouts. Our Detoxifying Charcoal Cleansercontains prebiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, to improve skin health.

Squalane a lightweight but mighty moisturiser

Severe dryness can lead to microscopic cracks on the skin’s surface. Squalane is a super emollient that mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it particularly effective for dry, cracked, or compromised skin barriers. It provides deep hydration and strengthens the skin barrier without feeling heavy – so it is well tolerated by those with sensitive skin.

We’ve included the ingredient in our Night Recovery Cream. It is also filled with hyaluronic acid – which attracts water to the skin and Indian gentian extract a complexion saviour that soothes redness. Be sure to apply the cream onto damp skin for enhanced moisture absorption.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for skin resilience and repair

MSM is especially beneficial if your skin feels rough or irritated from the elements. This sulfur compound is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties, so it’s great for people who suffer from acne, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps boost collagen production, making skin more resilient and less prone to dryness and flakiness. Try our Anti-Redness Concentratewhich contains MSM to promote skin healing and elasticity.

Ectoin – the ultimate skin protector

Ectoin is a multitasking ingredient that’s popping up in several skincare formulas. When applied to the face, the natural molecule acts like a bodyguard for the skin, by forming a protective layer that shields it from environmental stressors like cold air and indoor heating.

It also helps stabilise the skin barrier, reducing irritation, making it an excellent choice for sensitive and reactive skin during the winter months. Additionally, ectoin helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss and boosts hydration, making the skin more resilient and less prone to dryness. We’ve infused our Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30 with ectoin to help shield skin from environmental stressors.

Here’s how to incorporate these ingredients into your winter skincare routine…

1. Cleanse with a hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping the skin.
2. Hydrate with a serum that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
3. Moisturise with a cream rich in squalane and ceramides to lock in hydration.
4. Protect and repair with skincare that includes centella asiatica, MSM and ectoin.
5. Balance the microbiome with prebiotic and probiotic products to support a healthy skin environment.

With the right ingredients on your side, your skin doesn’t have to suffer this winter. My carefully selected ingredients list will keep your skin feeling healthy, comfortable and beautifully hydrated all season long. Your skin will thank you!

Make sure your skin is well hydrated by skipping pore-clogging make-up and layering on a hydrating serum under a rich moisturiser.

I do this with our Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare Signature Serum applied under our Dr Somji Pro-Active Night Cream.

The serum is loaded with a blend of vitamins, like strengthening vitamin F, encapsulated vitamin C from green tangerine exosomes for deep antioxidant protection and vitamin E which is super moisturising. Smooth on a generous layer of our Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare Night Cream. The added humectants such as hyaluronic acid, will draw moisture into the skin and squalane prevents it from escaping. It also contains soothing jojoba seed oil, shea butter and rice germ oil to restore moisture balance, soothe and protect. And if, like me, you like to take advantage of the in-flight entertainment, our Night Cream also contains ectoin to protect against blue light emitted from screens.

Protect your skin in the sun

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, spending the day at the beach or exploring your holiday destination, sun protection is crucial for preventing skin damage and premature ageing. Our multi-tasking  Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30 not only shields skin from harmful UV rays but also treats and repairs it. It’s loaded with antioxidant-rich stabilised vitamin C, green tangerine exosomes, hyaluronic acid, and ectoin which work in harmony to boost radiance, correct age spots and hydrate the skin. It’s also super light and sits beautifully under my make-up.

Cleanse away sebum and impurities

After a day out in the sun, my skin is usually craving a thorough cleanse. Remove a build-up of sebum, sunscreen and environmental pollutants with our Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser. The creamy formula is formulated with Japanese binchotan charcoal and kaolin clay, which quickly soak up excess oil and decongest the pores, leaving skin feeling squeaky clean and fresh. I also like to use it as a face mask twice a week, for a deeper cleanse.

Soothe skin after sun exposure

Travelling to different climates can really mess with the skin barrier, especially if you have sensitive or problematic skin. Sun exposure can exacerbate redness and flare-ups, so be sure to pack some skin soothing skincare. Our Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare Anti-Redness Concentrate is a brilliant skin healer for all skin types. It calms, soothes and cools, and it’s also perfect for alleviating redness, rashes, sensitivity and rosacea that can be triggered after too much sun exposure. This concentrate is filled with plant-derived centella exosomes, which are rich in anti-inflammatory properties to quickly soothe and calm irritated skin.

Reishi extract and antioxidant-rich passion fruit extract enhance skin regeneration, while patchouli extract calms, boosts collagen, and strengthens the skin barrier. It also contains oak, rosemary, and green coffee extract derivatives, along with vitamins B and E, to soothe irritation and guard against oxidative stress.

I hope my advice and product recommendations will help your skin remain healthy and radiant, no matter where your travels take you this summer.

Henal Somji

Drink water 

Sip on water throughout the day (aim for at least 8 glasses) – remember, the skin is the largest organ in the body and it needs water just as much as the rest of you. If plain water feels a bit boring, infuse it with fresh fruits like lemon, berries, or mint for a refreshing twist.

Eat water-rich foods

Incorporating water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, and leafy greens into your diet is another great way to boost hydration. These foods not only help keep you hydrated, but also provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that benefit the skin.

Have some herbal teas

Herbal teas, especially those with hydrating properties like chamomile or rooibos, can be a soothing way to increase your fluid intake. They’re great for hydrating the skin and can be enjoyed hot or iced.

Limit caffeine and alcohol

While it’s tempting to enjoy iced coffee or a cocktail by the pool, caffeine and alcohol are diuretics that cause the body to lose water and lead to skin dehydration. If you do indulge, be sure to balance it out with plenty of water and hydrating foods.

Use skincare that locks in moisture

It’s important to feed sun exposed skin with skincare products that lock in moisture to help prevent dehydration and protect the skin barrier. Hydrated skin not only looks healthier but also maintains its elasticity and resilience. My summer skin saviour is our multi-tasking Signature Serum. We invested over five years perfecting this serum. It includes 15 active ingredients and nourishing actives designed to enhance skin health, hydration and radiance.

We’ve included ingredients like vitamin C and antioxidant-rich green tangerine exosomes, which work together to not only soothe the complexion, but also significantly boost skin hydration by increasing hyaluronic acid production.

Our proprietary SOM1X blend includes a mix of vitamins, probiotics and plant extracts that combat free radicals, strengthen the skin barrier and protect its microbiome, supporting overall skin health and resilience. 

I also recommend a good night cream like our Night Recovery Cream , which is loaded with humectants like hyaluronic acid, to draw moisture into the skin and squalane to prevent it from escaping. It also contains soothing jojoba seed oil, shea butter and rice germ oil to restore moisture balance, soothe and protect. Our potent SOM1X blend of vitamins, probiotics and plant extracts work hard overnight to deliver a healthy and radiant complexion.

Keeping your skin hydrated is all about a balanced approach – combining skincare products with a healthy diet and lifestyle. I hope that by incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you’ll not only feel better, but also see a noticeable difference in your skin’s hydration and radiance.

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not just a teenage skin problem. It’s true that it often begins in adolescence, but it can persist into adulthood. I see patients in their 20s, 30s, and even beyond who suffer with breakouts. The main causes of adult acne are stress, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors. Whether it’s due to the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy and menopause or stress-induced breakouts from our fast-paced lives, acne doesn’t discriminate by age.

Managing and preventing acne requires using the right products formulated with effective ingredients. I know the stores are flooded with acne-fighting formulas making several claims, but not all skincare is created equal. Choosing skincare that targets the underlying causes of acne – like excess oil production, bacterial growth and inflammation – is crucial.

My colleagues and I are constantly fighting off misconceptions and misinformation from patients, and my key message is always this: just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it is right for your skin.

Improper skincare can really wreak havoc on the skin. Impaired skin barriers, relentless breakouts, hypersensitivity and stubborn pigmentation are just some of the issues I am treating which have resulted after misuse of skincare.

While I have access to medical skincare, I found it hard to find a range that works on every patient, so I began mixing up bespoke skincare concoctions for some of my patients. They were loving the products and began to request more, and this was the beginning of the Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare journey.

My wife Henal (a skincare aesthetician) and I spent over half a decade researching, sourcing, perfecting, and trialing ingredients on ourselves, friends, family, and our in-clinic patients who had the most troublesome skin issues.

Our mission was to simplify skincare, to streamline routines, and to cater to all skin types and genders. Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare is formulated with high concentrations of familiar heroes like hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, azelaic acid and probiotics, alongside cutting-edge finds from South Korea and Japan’s Juju Island such as plant-based exosomes.

While you might find other products containing similar ingredients, our formulations are pumped with the highest concentrations available. Naturally, this presented a unique challenge: how do we effectively deliver these potent actives into the skin without risking irritation?

We decided to use encapsulated and exosomal delivery systems for some of the ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. Instead of the ingredients sitting on the skin when applied, they work like tiny drones navigating through the skin’s layers, to deliver potent ingredients exactly where they are needed the most. By encapsulating active ingredients, we were able to ensure maximum efficacy without compromising the skin’s barrier.

Our debut skincare collection includes something for everyone. You’ll find a multi-tasking Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser, a Signature Serum, an Anti-Blemish Concentrate, Anti Redness Concentrate, Night Recovery Cream and a trusty Vitamin C Daily Defence SPF – you’ve got everything you need to achieve healthy, radiant and balanced skin.

We’re all about championing a simpler, smarter, structured approach to skincare.

In the ever-evolving world of skincare trends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to use. But, it’s important to remember that a skincare regime that truly caters to your skin’s needs requires expertise and a deep understanding of both the ingredients and your skin type. So, before you get carried away by the latest fads, consider the guidance of those who truly understand the intricacies of skincare. Your skin will thank you for it!