As a dual-qualified consultant dermatologist, how do you define skin health?

To me, skin health goes far beyond appearance. Healthy skin is resilient, well-hydrated, and able to perform its essential functions as a barrier protecting us from environmental stressors. Skin should feel comfortable, balanced and strong. As dermatologists, we also recognise that skin health reflects overall well-being:our skin responds to stress, sleep, hormones and lifestyle. So maintaining healthy skin is really about supporting both its biological function and how we care for it day to day.

There is also increasing evidence that skin is not just a reflection of our health, but also an active participant. Skin that is compromised can produce inflammation throughout the body, and is even linked to diseases such as diabetes and dementia. So caring for our skin is caring for whole body health.

With summer approaching, why is it so important to focus on overall skin health, including the body?

We tend to invest a lot of time and energy into caring for the skin on our face, yet 96% of our skin is actually below the chin. During the summer months our bodies are more exposed to sun, heat, sweat and environmental stressors, all of which can impact the skin barrier. Caring for the body with the same attention we give our facial skincare helps maintain hydration, resilience and radiance while supporting the skin’s ability to protect itself.

Your approach blends rigorous science with self-care. Why is this combination so essential for effective routines?

Effective skincare needs both elements. Science ensures that ingredients and formulations genuinely support the biology of the skin – improving hydration, strengthening the barrier and promoting long-term skin health. However, the sensory experience is also incredibly important. When a routine feels enjoyable and restorative, people are far more likely to do it consistently, driving results. That combination of efficacy and ritual is where the real magic happens.

Joonbyrd incorporates mood-supportive scents, often referred to as neuroceuticals. Could you explain why these are such an integral part of your body care rituals?

Our sense of smell has a direct connection to the emotional centres of the brain. They say up to 75% of our emotions are triggered by scent. Fragrance can influence mood, memory and even physiological responses such as relaxation or alertness.

At Joonbyrd we wanted to explore this connection through neuroscientific fragrance, pairing clinically thoughtful formulations with scents designed to evoke positive emotional responses. It allows body care to support not only the skin, but also how we feel. It’s scientifically proven that feelings of joy can improve skin function, which is also why scent is central to our self-care.

You speak about incorporating ‘joy’ into skincare routines. Why is the emotional element so important?

Self-care rituals can play an important role in how we regulate stress and reconnect with ourselves. Taking a moment to care for the body, whether it’s applying a body serum or simply slowing down with ashower, can be grounding. When skincare feels indulgent and uplifting, it transforms a daily task into something restorative. That emotional component helps people maintain routines that ultimately support healthier skin and feed their soul.

Let’s discuss the Joonbyrd products a little more. Starting with the Day Dreamer Body Serum – what inspired the biomimetic peptide and synthetic sapphire complex?

Daydreamer Firming Body Serum was designed to deliver the kind of clinically-proven ingredients we typically reserve for facial skincare to the body. Biomimetic peptides are particularly exciting because they can help support the skin’s natural processes and improve skin firmness and elasticity. Pairing the peptides with a synthetic sapphire delivery system ensures these powerful ingredients are delivered to exactly where they need to go. The aim was to create a treatment that feels luxurious while supporting long-term skin quality.

Turning to the Kaleidoscope Body Serum, which uses shikimic acid, azelaic acid and liquorice root – why is exfoliation so important for healthy skin?

Exfoliation helps remove the build-up of dead skin cells that can accumulate on the surface of the skin. When this layer becomes too thick, it can leave the skin looking dull and can interfere with hydration and product absorption. Ingredients like shikimic acid and azelaic acid provide gentle chemical exfoliation while helping improve tone and clarity, and liquorice root offers brightening benefits. The result is smoother, more radiant skin and clinically-validated improvements in keratosis pilaris and pigmentation.

Ingredients like blueberry seed oil and Chios mandarin are highlighted – how do they nurture the skin?

Blueberry seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which help support the skin barrier and defend against environmental stress, including ambient blue light and pollution. Chios mandarin is adaptogenic, meaning it helps reduce skin stress and support the intricate skin-mind connection.

The Confetti Sky Hand Cream addresses a part of the body we often overlook – the hands. Why is hand care so important?

The skin on the hands is constantly exposed to washing, environmental stress and UV exposure, which means our hardworking hands show signs of ageing earlier than other areas of the body. A targeted hand treatment helps replenish hydration and support the skin barrier. Ingredients such as functional peptides can help boost skin firmness and elasticity, while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection and softens the skin.

As summer approaches, body confidence becomes a key conversation. What does body confidence mean to you?

Body confidence is really about feeling comfortable and at ease in your own skin. Skincare can support this by helping people feel that they are caring for themselves in a positive way. When the skin feels healthy, hydrated and well looked after, we often feel more confident and comfortable in our bodies.

On a more personal note, do you have lifestyle tips or daily rituals that help prepare the skin for summer?

Consistency is key. Prioritising sun protection, maintaining good hydration and supporting the skin barrier with nourishing body care products all help prepare our body skin for summer. Gentle exfoliation can also help maintain smooth, radiant skin. Just as importantly, building small daily rituals, whether that’s applying delicious smelling body care after a shower or taking a moment to slow down, helps make these habits sustainable.

Want to try the Joonbyrd products for yourself? Explore The Beauty Triangle Boutique!