Q+A with Dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting

Dr. Sam Bunting, known as a beauty insider's "best-kept secret", is a London-based cosmetic dermatologist. Above all things, she's passionate about making skin confidence accessible; not only is she the founder of her own clinic on Harley Street in London, but she's also created her own skincare product offering, Dr. Sam's, which is her "clinical practice style made accessible." Dr. Bunting is also known for taking her expertise to YouTube, where she's created and fostered an entire community with which she shares her knowledge and has a profound impact. Read on to hear more about her and her career!

Q: First and foremost, we would love to hear a bit about your journey in the skincare space, how you got started, and how you got to where you are today.

I’ve always been obsessed with skincare and the science behind ingredients — this developed during my medical training at Cambridge when I studied Pharmacology, but it really flourished after I opened my clinic 10 years ago. I started to work with different brands and presented a TV show on TLC for a few years helping fix cosmetic treatments that had gone wrong, which then led to the launch of my YouTube channel. It became clear to me that there was a gap in the market — the skincare industry wasn’t serving grown-up women who were prone to breakouts, and also wanted to maintain their youthful complexion. So I started Dr Sam’s Skincare 3 years ago. It’s a capsule collection formulated with the right ingredients, at the right percentages, in the right combination to deliver bright, clear skin. Making skin confidence accessible is it’s own reward.

Q: You are known for your empathetic approach to skincare. Can you expand on that and tell us how that may set your practice apart from others?

Anyone who’s experienced breakouts can empathise with people at every point in the journey, and it can be bumpy (pardon the pun!). I had terrible skin during my junior doctor days and can remember being crippled with self-consciousness. I think that sensitivity and relatability really helps put patients and followers at ease.

Q: What do you love the most about what you do?

The entire process — from concept to product landing in peoples’ homes. It gives me such a tremendous sense of purpose, knowing that I’m helping customers achieve skin goals they’ve aspired to but didn’t think they’d ever reach. We have incredibly high customer loyalty which tells me we’re making a difference in peoples’ lives and that compels me to keep moving forward and making more products.

Q: A few years back, you launched your own skincare brand. We’d love to hear about how your time as a dermatologist inspired you to create a product offering of your own.

The brand is very much my clinical practice style made accessible. Customers even get to access the routine structure with all the tips we share with our Harley Street clinic patients, so that all the guesswork is taken away.

Q: What is a myth about skincare that you want to debunk?

I think that people over-value the use of topical hyaluronic acid in skincare. It’s a simple humectant, and therefore is really just one of many useful moisturising ingredients.

Q: What is one product everyone should be using, no matter what their skin type?

Sunscreen. It’s crazy that people invest in serums and eye creams without putting in place this one fundamental step for skin health.

Q: You often take to YouTube to provide skincare tips, tutorials, and walkthroughs of your own routines. What do you love the most about taking your expertise to social platforms like YouTube?

The reach. It’s crazy to think that you're able to positively influence someone in Columbia with a video, for example. But we do, as we discovered with our recently-launched #SkincareHeroes Campaign, where someone shares their journey each week with the clinic or brand. The impact it's had on their lives can often be incredible.

Q: What do you wish people were talking more about in skincare?

Doing less steps with more impact!

Rapid Fire Round

Q: Worth the splurge:

Wayne Goss The Waterproof Mascara.

Q: Favorite drugstore or budget find:

CeraVe SA Cleanser.

Q: Latest beauty empty:

Oribe Supershine Moisturising Cream for hair.

Q: Recent discovery:

Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick.

Q: Product you can’t leave home without:

Flawless Brightly Serum.

Q: Brand you wish more people knew about:

Surratt.

For more of Dr. Bunting's favorite products, check out her shop!