How Dr. Blair Rose’s Passion for Helping People Love Their Skin Inspired Skincare Junkie

Dr. Blair Rose is an award-winning dermatologist based in New York City as well as the founder of one of our favorite skincare brands, Skincare Junkie.

The company is beloved for its effective, curated formulas and products that solve skincare problems—without create new ones—and they also have some of the most aesthetically pleasing packaging around. Sensitive skin is a major issue for both men and women, and Skincare Junkie creates skincare routines with science-backed ingredients that benefit skin without causing further sensitivity. We simply had to learn more, and Dr. Rose herself was kind enough to tell her all about her history as a dermatologist and an beauty entrepreneur in the interview below.

Name: Dr. Blair Rose

Hometown: Palo Alto, California

Zodiac sign: Taurus

 

1. Dr. Rose's passion for medicine, beauty and skincare really begins with a love for care in general.

"From a young age, I've always had a natural inclination to care for others, whether it was mending wounds or offering comfort. I actually used to love performing first aid on grade school friends while growing up. My passion for helping others, combined with a deep love of learning and an inquisitive nature, naturally led me to the medical field. I would say the defining moment came during my medical rotations when I witnessed the profound impact skin health has on a person's self-esteem and quality of life. Realizing that I could help people feel better in their own skin made dermatology my undeniable future. This was further solidified when I realized the unique dynamic that existed between myself and my derm patients.

Dermatology patients most often have conditions that are visible and directly impact their daily lives. Because these conditions are on the outside, there's a strong motivation from patients to seek treatment and see results. I have loved partnering with my patients in this way—it feels like teamwork. Together, we work toward the common goal of improving their skin health, which in turn enhances their confidence and quality of life. This collaborative, results-driven approach made dermatology feel like the perfect fit for me, reinforcing my decision to dedicate my career to this field.

Beauty wise, I started doing my friends makeup, cutting their hair and doing their brows in high school. I love art and using many different canvases—including faces! Dermatology is such a fun and dynamic field that combines both the technical and the cerebral. We get to take care of patients young and old, deliver medical, aesthetic and surgical treatments, and always have a ton to talk about!"

-Dr. Blair Rose

(Photo credit: Skincare Junkie)

2. Once she was an established dermatologist, she decided to become even more solutions-oriented with her own skincare brand, Skincare Junkie.

"As a dermatologist, I saw countless patients who were frustrated with skincare products that promised solutions but delivered new problems instead—breakouts, dryness, compromised barriers and more. It became clear that there was a need for skincare that was both effective and gentle, without hidden pitfalls. That's when I decided to create Skincare Junkie. I was motivated to offer a line of products that I could confidently recommend, knowing they were scientifically-backed, clinically-tested and designed to address skin concerns without introducing new issues."

-Dr. Blair Rose

3. Skincare Junkie's mission statement is to be a dermatologist-developed skincare brand  that creates innovative, science-driven and uncompromising skincare that works for skin, without introducing new problems (like many other brands have done in the past).

"Our mission is to make healthy skincare fun and appealing, encouraging wise at-home practices that promote and preserve healthy skin in the long term.

What sets Skincare Junkie apart is our deep commitment to solving skin issues without creating new ones. I've seen firsthand how popular skincare products can lead to a cascade of new problems, and I wanted to break that cycle. Skincare Junkie is all about creating products that work harmoniously with your skin, fostering a radiant, healthy complexion. Our products meet strict standards for clean beauty and they are hypoallergenic so to be well-tolerated even by those with sensitive skin. I am deeply involved in the formulation process to ensure that each of our unique and original formulations are effective, they meet our safety pillars and they are elegantly designed (no sticky residues or terrible odors here!)."

-Dr. Blair Rose

(Photo credit: Skincare Junkie)

 

Also read about: How Squeeze Co-Founder and CEO Brittany Driscoll Is Changing the Way We Look at Getting a Massage

 

4. The name Skincare Junkie is all about passion about your skin's health and appearance.

"Someone who is informed, dedicated and, yes, a little addicted to feeling great in their skin. Our products are designed for those aficionados who know that with the right information and science-backed products, their 'addiction' to skincare is one that will serve them well for a lifetime."

-Dr. Blair Rose

5. The one must-have product in her skincare routine is sunscreen.

"Without a doubt. It's the cornerstone of any skincare routine, essential for preventing sun damage, skin cancer and maintaining youthful skin.

Coupled with a topical retinoid, you've got a powerhouse duo. Retinoids offer myriad benefits, from boosting collagen and smoothing skin to preventing breakouts and reducing hyperpigmentation. Combine these with a fabulous skincare routine including topical antioxidants, a well-balanced moisturizer and a gentle facial cleanser, you're all set! (Okay I clearly couldn't pick just one)."

-Dr. Blair Rose

(Photo credit: Skincare Junkie)

6. In fact, if there's one skincare tip she wants to share with the world, it's that daily sunscreen use can't be emphasized enough.

"It's crucial not only for preventing sun damage and skin cancer but also for keeping your skin looking its best. I have just a handful of patients who look four decades younger than their age, and it's no coincidence—they each have a story about how they've avoided sun exposure since a young age, whether due to a rash, heat sensitivity or other intolerance of the sun since childhood. This is a striking reminder of how cumulative UV exposure affects our skin over a lifetime. With younger people developing melanoma more frequently, proper sun protection is more important than ever."

-Dr. Blair Rose

7. The best advice she's ever received is that "Everything happens for a reason."

"This advice has been a guiding principle for me, reminding me to seek out lessons and growth opportunities in every situation, no matter how challenging. It helps me maintain perspective and stay resilient, knowing that every experience contributes to my journey."

-Dr. Blair Rose

(Photo credit: Skincare Junkie)

 

Also read about: Fluency Beauty Founder Ada Hsieh Shares the Story Behind the Brand's Plant-Based Pigments

 

8. A number of critical habits have gotten her to where she is today.

"From a young age, my innate desire to care for others has been a driving force in my life. Even as a child, I found joy in helping others, whether it was mending wounds (just a band-aid and Neosporin back then!) or offering comfort to those in need. This early inclination led me to volunteer for various extracurricular service activities, nurturing my compassion and hands-on approach to assisting others.

A love of learning has been another cornerstone of my journey. My inquisitive nature has always pushed me to seek out new knowledge and stay abreast of the latest advancements in dermatology. This dedication to continuous education has not only enhanced my clinical expertise but also inspired me to develop innovative solutions, such as my skincare line, Skincare Junkie. By consistently expanding my knowledge base, I aim to provide my patients with the most effective and up-to-date treatments available.

Perseverance has been essential in navigating the challenges and demands of both medical practice and entrepreneurship. Whether it was the rigorous process of obtaining my medical credentials or the intricate task of building a skincare brand from the ground up, my ability to stay focused and resilient has been key to overcoming obstacles and achieving my goals. This steadfast determination has allowed me to push through setbacks and remain committed to my vision, even in the face of adversity.

A strong work ethic has consistently driven me to excel in all my endeavors. Whether it's dedicating extra hours to patient care, meticulously developing product formulations or leading a team of dedicated professionals, my commitment to excellence ensures that I deliver the best possible outcomes in every aspect of my work. This dedication not only enhances the quality of care I provide but also builds trust and reliability with my clients and team members.

Active listening has played a significant role in my success. By attentively listening to my patients' needs and feedback, I have been able to tailor my treatments and products to better serve them. This habit of valuing and integrating feedback fosters trust and loyalty, both in my medical practice and my skincare brand. Understanding and addressing the unique concerns of each individual has been instrumental in creating personalized and effective skincare solutions.

Lastly, fostering a growth mindset has been invaluable. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and continuously seeking ways to improve has kept me adaptable and innovative. This mindset not only enhances my professional capabilities but also inspires those around me to strive for excellence.

These habits—compassion, a love of learning, perseverance, a strong work ethic, active listening and a growth mindset—have collectively shaped my path and enabled me to make meaningful contributions to both my patients' lives and the skincare industry. They continue to drive me forward, ensuring that I remain dedicated to helping others achieve healthy, confident skin."

-Dr. Blair Rose

9. She says the most rewarding aspect of her work is witnessing the profound transformations in her patients' lives as their skin health improves.

"It's not just about treating a condition; it's about restoring confidence and a sense of well-being. When a patient looks in the mirror and feels genuinely comfortable and happy in their own skin, it's a powerful moment. I've seen firsthand how addressing a skin issue—whether it's clearing up acne, reducing the appearance of scars, or managing a chronic condition—can positively impact someone's self-esteem and overall quality of life.

Knowing that I've contributed to that transformation, that I've helped someone not only heal physically but also regain their confidence and joy, is what fuels my passion every day. It reminds me of the profound connection between our inner and outer selves, and how deeply our skin health can affect our mental and emotional well-being. My work is not just about treating skin—it's about empowering people to feel their best, inside and out. That's what makes every challenge worthwhile and every success deeply fulfilling."

-Dr. Blair Rose

10. If there's one thing Dr. Rose wants people to know about her, it's that she truly cares.

"I'm deeply passionate about what I do, and I genuinely care about my patients' well-being. My goal is always to help others feel great in their own skin, and I approach every patient with the same care and dedication that inspired me to pursue dermatology in the first place."

-Dr. Blair Rose

(Photo credit: Skincare Junkie)

 

For more on the founders who inspire us, click HERE to read our interview with Simple Retro founder April Xie.