They say necessity is the mother of invention. In the case of Dr. Purvisha Patel, this adage rings especially true as the board-certified dermatologist cosmetic surgeon formulated her own skin care brand to help her patients. Working with a chemist in Texas, Patel crafted Visha Skin Care, an advanced range that addresses key concerns through targeted selection of efficacious ingredients as well as “mommy” skin care line that takes into account specific skin concerns during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
 
Happi interviewed Patel—associate professor of dermatology at the University of Tennessee and owner of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Germantown, TN—after meeting her at the Consumer Discovery Show in New York City.
 
 
Happi: Tell us about that “a-ha!” moment when you recognized that you needed to create your own line. What did you see as lacking?

Patel: Alpha hydroxy acids have been used for centuries for their excellent exfoliating properties. Exfoliating the skin regularly tricks the skin into thinking it’s being wounded and enhances collagen production. Constant resurfacing also lifts the surface dead skin layer to reveal a more even, glowing complexion. I have a busy dermatology practice with a medi spa (and) I noticed that the only products I had to offer to my patients had harmful ingredients such as hydroquinone, parabens and sulfates.
 
Hydroquinone is a common lightening agent that is banned in Europe and some US states, I wanted to create a safer alternative to offer my patients, so I created and patented Illuminotex a natural skin lightener that works the same as hydroquinone without the risks. In a changing healthcare environment my patients have high copays and larger deductibles, this creates a lot of stress when I prescribe or suggest expensive products. Visha Skincare was made to be safe, inexpensive and easy to use (all products are to be used twice a day, this increases compliance and hence, results). There was nothing on the market formulated by a dermatologist that is safe to use when pregnant and nursing. The Visha Skincare Mommy Line filled this white space.
 
 
Happi: How did you go about selecting the key actives and ingredients in your product line?

Patel: As a dermatologist, I know what ingredients to use to get results. I chose ingredients that are already proven to get results. Formulating the products so that active ingredients are combined and stay active and stable was the hardest part. My patients have been the best supporters and users of the products and were more than happy to help with the R&D as well as the clinical trials.
 
 
Happi: What do you see as your line’s hero SKU and what makes it so special?

Patel: The hero product in my office is Visha Skincare Bump2Baby. Bump2Baby is formulated to be used to prevent stretch marks in pregnancy and prevent eczema when the baby is born. The ability to use the same product to help the mother and baby creates more of a connection and increases the multitasking abilities of the brand. All Visha skin care products are multitasking—they all perform more than one outcome, making them even more cost effective.
 
Happi: Lastly, are you working on any new products that we can discuss?

Patel: We just launched a new Visha skin care moisturizer called RejuVenating Moisturizer. This moisturizer is formulated to address hormonal loss of collagen, moisture and elastin that occurs as we age. The moisturizer replenishes the skin of the face, neck, décolletage and vaginal area. It contains a natural estrogen mimicker called unicorn root extract. The formulation of Bump2Baby is also getting repackaged into Face2Feet and all over body balm that can be used to decrease dry flaking skin and eczema all over the body.