Dr. Karolina Reis on Longevity, Skin Science, and Entrepreneurial Resilience

The Science of Skin and Longevity

• 💡 One Skin was founded with the goal of reversing aging, not just creating skincare, by discovering a peptide that makes skin not only look younger but also behave like younger skin.
• 🔬 The company's initial focus was on testing existing products to validate their anti-aging claims, finding most ineffective.
• 🧬 Dr. Karolina Reis's background in immunology, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering underpins the scientific approach to regenerative medicine.

Skin as a Gateway to Health

• 🎯 While the phrase "look good, feel good, play good" can be problematic, science suggests a correlation between perceived age and vitality.
• 📈 Studies indicate that individuals who look younger tend to have better health markers, longer telomeres, and may invest more in their overall health.
• 🧠 The perception of aging and how one frames it can materially impact the aging experience and physiological output.

Developing One Skin's Peptide

• 🧪 One Skin's core product utilizes a peptide, OS1, discovered after testing over 900 peptides over five years.
• 🧪 Lab tests showed OS1 could reduce skin age by 2.5 years in just five days, with human trials ongoing for longer-term effects.
• 🚫 Many conventional skincare products were found to accelerate aging due to toxic ingredients, leading One Skin to develop a science-backed alternative.

Key Ingredients and Skin Health Practices

• ⚠️ Consumers should be mindful of ingredients like fragrance, essential oils, and sulfates, which can be irritants or allergens.
• 🛡️ One Skin is free from 1,500 potential irritants and certified by organizations like the National Eczema Foundation and EWG for safety.
• 💧 Hydration is crucial, but maintaining an intact skin barrier is key to holding moisture and preventing water loss.
• ☀️ Sun protection (SPF) is essential daily, even indoors or while flying, to prevent sunburn and protect the skin barrier.

Entrepreneurial Journey and Mindset

• 🚀 Dr. Reis moved to San Francisco with an idea but no product, facing significant challenges and self-doubt but driven by a clear mission.
• 💡 She emphasizes that resilience, a trait often associated with her Brazilian background, was crucial in overcoming numerous low moments.
• 💪 The mindset involves believing in oneself, embracing challenges, and not being afraid to try, even when facing criticism or uncertainty.
• 🌟 Dr. Reis highlights that purpose, courage, and a strong belief in oneself are foundational to overcoming obstacles and achieving ambitious goals.