Skin Anarchy: Lessons in Longevity—Skincare That Goes Beyond Anti-Aging

Featuring Smitha Rao of Parëva Beauty
Host: Dr. Ekta
Episode Date: December 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Skin Anarchy delves into the science of skin longevity—a concept distinct from traditional “anti-aging.” Host Dr. Ekta sits down with Smitha Rao, scientist, founder, and CEO of Parëva Beauty, to explore the future of skincare: not just masking age, but enhancing and extending skin’s health and vibrancy. The conversation spans the origin of Parëva, the meaning of longevity in beauty, advances in biotechnology, and the importance of transparency and simplicity in effective skincare routines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Smitha Rao’s Scientific Journey to Parëva (00:44–03:19)

• Background: Smitha shares her 18-year career in beauty, rooted in biotechnology and product innovation for brands like Strivectin and Olaplex.
• Industry Disconnect: She observed the beauty industry favoring hype, fear-based marketing, and “miracles,” while consumers increasingly crave science-backed, transparent products.

“As a scientist, nothing comes overnight. If it is created overnight, chances are it won’t last.” — Smitha Rao (02:24)

2. Defining Longevity in Skin Health (04:13–06:00)

• Rao challenges the “anti-aging” narrative, arguing that longevity means extending one’s prime, building better quality for longer periods, and supporting natural aging.

“I detest the word 'anti-aging.' Everybody ages; the reality is how you age. Extending your prime is how I think about it.” — Smitha Rao (05:25)

• Ekta relates this to the wisdom of traditional cultures and healthy aging observed in "blue zones."

3. The Science Behind Parëva’s Innovation: Molecule 3 (07:24–10:58)

• Inspiration: Molecule 3 was born from analyzing the hallmarks of aging (a major research framework).
• Targets:
  • Inflammation
  • Chronological ("birthday") aging
  • Minimizing external/lifestyle stressors
• Technology: Comprised of three plant stem cells, exclusive to Parëva, and influencing NAD+ and exosome functions in the skin. It’s patent-protected, non-GMO, vegan, and biotech-driven.

"Molecule 3 is a combination of three plant stem cells... that harnesses two really important attributes. First, it influences NAD in skin when you apply topically. It also influences exosomes in skin when applied topically." — Smitha Rao (08:18)

4. Exosomes Explained—Plant vs. Human Derived (11:03–14:48)

• Definition: Exosomes are tiny vesicles that help cells communicate, boosting the skin’s regenerative processes.
• Why Plants? Regulatory, ethical, and safety hurdles prevent most brands from using human-derived exosomes.

"My aspiration [...] was to create something that was clean, scalable globally, and delivers phenomenal efficacy." — Smitha Rao (12:49)

• Clinical Backing: Parëva’s plant-based exosomes are clinically validated, gentler on skin, and have garnered six awards in under eight months.

5. The Evolving Meaning of “Clean” and Radical Transparency (16:37–17:57)

• Clean beauty is unregulated and often used as “controversy marketing.” True “clean” requires transparency.
• Parëva’s Approach: Products fully disclose ingredients, comply with stringent clean standards (like Credo Clean), and utilize “the factuals”—a breakdown of performance, functional, and base ingredients.

"You cannot claim to be a clean brand if you’re not transparent. You can’t hide behind magic miracles, not tell you what’s in the product and then claim to be clean." — Smitha Rao (17:40)

6. Simplifying Skincare for Efficacy & Consistency (18:45–21:36)

• Consumer Insights: Overcomplicated routines damage the skin barrier; consumers want simple, effective routines.
• Parëva’s System: A tight line of three products, each playing a distinct role—prevention, restoration, and prep.

“Prevention is the most underrated step... I wanted a prevention step. We have C 35.5 Firming Glow Serum. It is our best prevention step. Use it every day.” — Smitha Rao (20:51)

7. Dosing, Ingredient Transparency, and The Factuals (23:11–27:00)

• Marketing Myths: Overblown claims in the industry make it hard for consumers to understand what “works.”
• Ingredient Integrity: In nutrition, dose matters; the same is true in skincare—transparency is crucial.
• Personal Story: Smitha’s commitment to ingredient cleanliness and transparency grew stronger due to her own health journey.

8. Deep Dive: The C 35.5 Firming Glow Serum & Vitamin C (29:17–35:10)

• Formulation Philosophy: THD (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) was chosen over L-ascorbic acid for its stability, deeper penetration, and better user experience.
• Synergistic Bioavailability: Supporting actives (turmeric, resveratrol, ceramide) create a potent, sensorial formula, powered by exosomal technology.
• Results: Clinically shown to improve firmness by 18%, with special benefits for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. Non-aqueous, airless packaging prolongs effectiveness.

“Skincare is about pleasure and sensoriality... When you create very complicated products, you have to really be intentional. That's why we are seeing results the way we are.” — Smitha Rao (33:14; 34:29)

9. Myths About Collagen—Why Topical Collagen Isn’t the Answer (36:12–37:06)

• Scientifically: Collagen’s molecular size and folding makes topical application ineffective. Parëva’s Call 20 Gel Cream uses peptides and senolytics to stimulate your own collagen production.

“Collagen, when you apply it topically, does nothing... I wanted to signal youthful collagen and technologies that help the skin regenerate its own collagen.” — Smitha Rao (36:28)

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• On the core of longevity:
  “It’s not just about time, it’s about quality... better quality, longer time.” — Smitha Rao (05:09)

• On transparency:
  “The marketing pendulum has swung the other way. Oftentimes it’s blatant lying... the dose determines efficacy and toxicity.” — Smitha Rao (24:17)

• On clean beauty:
  “Clean beauty is a marketing terminology. There is no consensus. My principle is you can only claim to be a clean brand if you’re transparent.” — Smitha Rao (17:25)

• On routine simplicity:
  “Consumers are fed up with 13-step skincare. As a scientist, I can tell you it’s the worst thing you can do.” — Smitha Rao (19:14)

Product Layering and Routine Advice (37:56–39:29)

• C35.5 Firming Glow Serum: Apply first to clean skin, twice daily. Acts as the prevention step.
• Call 20 Gel Cream Moisturizer: Follows serum; hydrates, repairs, and supports barrier function.
• Clean Hydra Bond Primer: Used as a barrier lotion/primer before makeup. If using sunscreen, apply it just before sunscreen or primer, depending on the product type.

“The way I’ve designed the system, you can use any one of our products and interject it into your rituals.” — Smitha Rao (37:59)

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Parëva Beauty, under Smitha Rao’s leadership, is pioneering truly science-based skincare for longevity—not just “anti-aging.” Their commitment to ingredient transparency, minimal but effective routines, and advanced biotechnology is a blueprint for the future of skin health. The episode spotlights the importance of quality (over quantity), honest communication, and the joy of science-backed self-care.

For Listeners:

• Parëva is offering a 20% discount for Skin Anarchy listeners. Check show notes for the link and code.

Follow @skincareanarchy for more insights and future episodes!