Q: Dr. Alice, thank you for joining us! It's Thursday, an evening we like to dedicate to self-care, beauty rituals, and taking some time out for ourselves. What does self-care look like for you?
A: Thank you, it's wonderful to be here! For me, self-care is about balance. As a dermatologist and busy professional, I value rituals that allow me to unwind and reconnect with myself. I exercise daily but balance it with recovery activities like cold plunges, saunas, and mindfulness practices. I also prioritise early nights for restorative sleep.
Q: What is your advice to patients who are looking at choosing safe skincare products, including sunless tanners?
A: My advice is to prioritise skincare products that are safe, effective, and tailored to your specific skin type. When selecting products, including sunless tanners, it’s important to ensure they are compatible with your skin’s needs. Additionally, always pair sunless tanners with daily sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. Sunless tanners are always a safer alternative to sun.
Q: You're a General and Cosmetic Dermatologist with 13 years of study behind you and a passion for a holistic approach to beauty treatments. What inspired your journey into dermatology in this way?
A: My own skin journey. I had severe cystic acne from age 13, and receiving treatment from my dermatologist changed my life. It boosted my confidence and helped me step out from behind what I called my 'pizza face.' I knew then I wanted to help others feel the same.
Dermatology combines my love for science, beauty, and connection. I've always been fascinated by how our skin reflects not just our physical health but also our inner wellbeing. Over the years, I've seen that treating the skin in isolation isn't enough—our nutrition, mental health, sleep, and even the environment all play vital roles in how our skin looks and feels. A holistic approach allows me to create tailored treatments that honour the individual as a whole, which is truly fulfilling. I pledge to treat the person, not just the skin.
Q: What's your beauty philosophy?
A: My ethos around beauty and self-expression is rooted in the idea that beauty should enhance, not overshadow, who you are. As a dermatologist, I see skin as an extension of your overall health and individuality, and I believe beauty treatments should reflect that. Too often, I see 'overdone' faces where the essence of the person's natural features has been moulded into a 'cookie-cutter look'. I don't believe that beauty is about chasing perfection—it's about celebrating what makes you unique. When it comes to self-expression, I'm a firm believer in subtlety and balance. Whether it's a skincare routine or a cosmetic treatment, the goal should always be to support natural features, not alter them drastically.
Ultimately, I view beauty as deeply personal and multifaceted. It's about confidence, wellbeing, and authenticity—a reflection of who you are, both inside and out.
Q: What are your top skin health tips—from your skincare routine to treatments you recommend for overall skin health?
A: Consistency is key. Don't switch up routines too often—give products time to work. Here are my essentials:
1. Sunscreen is non-negotiable—wear it daily, rain or shine, even if you are not leaving the house.
2. A solid routine should include cleansing, hydration, and targeted treatments like antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C) in the morning and retinol at night. My personal skincare routine involves daily use of niacinamide to help pigmentation and redness, as well as fruit acids (alpha and beta hydroxy acids) three times a week. I swap between prescription and cosmeceutical retinol, depending on how dry my skin is feeling.
3. Prioritise professional treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or skin needling for long-term health and radiance where these results cannot be achieved at home.
4. Hydration, nutrition, and sleep are often overlooked but essential for healthy skin.
5. Lastly, always consult a professional to ensure your routine and treatments are tailored to your unique skin needs.
Q: You've built a thriving business over the past 10 years—congratulations! What's driven your success? Any tips for newbies?
A: Thank you! It's been a rewarding journey. Success, for me, comes down to three things:
1. Authenticity: Staying true to my values and vision, even when faced with challenges,
2. Connection and Community: Building genuine relationships with my patients and team. We like to call it The Skindepth Family.
3. Adaptability: The field of dermatology is ever-evolving, and staying ahead through education and innovation is key.
For those starting out: Be patient, be passionate, and invest in relationships—they're the foundation of any successful business. Find a niche and really get good at one thing, and then people will come far and wide to see you for that.
Q: Having worked in this space for so long, what are some treatments you think are underrated and others you're happy to kiss goodbye?
A: Great question! Underrated treatments include skin needling and light-based therapies like LED, which offer incredible benefits when done consistently. I also think chemical peels deserve more credit—they're classic for a reason!
As for trends that I'm happy to see go? Overly aggressive treatments that compromise skin health, like extreme exfoliation or excessive fillers that disrupt the natural balance of your skin. Subtlety and sustainability are the future of beauty.
Q: What's on the horizon for you in 2025? Business, life, travel—any plans you can share?
A: 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year! On the business front, we're focusing on expanding Skindepth Dermatology's offerings with cutting-edge treatments and educational initiatives. We will also have some exciting news to share regarding a new space (about 12 months away). Personally, I'm looking forward to more time with my family and exploring new destinations—we are heading to the French Alps, and I can't wait for some French apres ski vibes! This year, I am really focussing on health. I recently did my biological age test and discovered despite ageing well in all aspects of health, my hormone health is accelerated, so that will be a big focus for me this year.
Q: Lastly, over here at Sontse, we’re big believers in mindset and how it shapes every facet of life. What's a quote you see yourself coming back to?
A: I love this question.
"If it were easy, everyone would do it. Hard is what makes it great."
– Jimmy Dugan, A League of Their Own
This quote reminds us that the challenges we face, whether in business or life, are what make the journey meaningful and the success worthwhile. Resilience in the face of adversity builds strength, and it's often the hard work and perseverance that set you apart.
Our vision for our community…
At Sontse, we love connecting with those who are well respected among the fashion, beauty, and medical industries alike. We hope this exclusive chat with Board Certified Dermatologist Dr Alice Rudd has broadened your perspective on the intersection of science-backed skincare and beauty that is both fashionable and holistic. Sometimes seeing what the experts are doing themselves really is the confidence boost we need to assure us that we are heading along the right path.
Looking for more fashion, beauty and lifestyle inspiration from key thought leaders around the globe? Dive into our previous chats with Rebecca Burrow, Lili Aghaei, and Chris Dylan. Each story is a reminder that beauty is a reflection of the life we lead and the care we show ourselves.