Podcast Summary: Precision, Peptides & Regenerative Science with Dr. Anthony Nakhla of Eighth Day

Skin Anarchy with Dr. Ekta | November 12, 2025

Overview

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta sits down with Dr. Anthony Nakhla, dermatologic surgeon and founder of Eighth Day, to explore the intersection of regenerative medicine and advanced skincare. The discussion covers Dr. Nakhla’s unique clinical background, the science behind peptide-rich formulations, the philosophy of true luxury in skincare, and opportunities for both prevention and innovation within the industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dr. Nakhla’s Medical Journey & Philosophy

• Background: Dr. Nakhla practiced Mohs micrographic surgery, focusing on reconstructive treatments for facial skin cancer and advanced wound healing techniques.
• Shift to Skincare: Inspired by bringing patients “back to themselves” rather than cosmetic enhancement. His medical philosophy: “You look best when you look like yourself.” (01:55)
• Purpose: Translated wound healing and regenerative medical approaches into skincare to help skin restore itself naturally, prioritizing health over passing beauty trends.

2. Wound Healing Mechanisms & Skin Biology

• Dermatology as a Specialty: Emphasizes the depth and rigor of dermatology training, focusing solely on the complexities of human skin. (03:36)
• Human Skin’s Innate Healing: Describes the body’s “incredible innate ability to heal and regenerate itself.” (04:33)
• The Wound Healing Cascade: Skin communicates via signaling molecules in a cascade-like process, differing from plant-based or botanical skincare approaches.
• Quote:
  “This is about tapping into the body’s innate healing mechanisms that are far more powerful and far more focused on human skin and biology itself.”
  — Dr. Nakhla (05:08)

3. Science of Peptide-Rich Plasma & Bioidentical Ingredients

• Brand Pillar: Use of bioidentical ingredients—molecules similar to those naturally present in human skin, enhancing recognition and efficacy. (06:26)
• Peptide-Rich Plasma Technology:
  • Patent-pending blend of 24 bioidentical peptides, growth factors, and amino acids.
  • Derived from insights used in wound dressings for complex facial surgery.
  • Ingredients include growth factors like insulin-like growth factor, TNF alpha, and immune modulators.
• Philosophy: “We speak the language of skin”—formulations designed to ‘talk’ to skin cells in their native biological ‘code’. (06:45)

4. From Buzzwords to Biocompatibility: Importance of Delivery Systems

• Industry Critique: Cautions against “buzz worthy biotech ingredients” that may lack true cellular compatibility and efficacy. (08:28)
• Delivery Matters: Focus on transporting beneficial molecules deep enough to influence dermal and subcutaneous cells, not just the surface.
  “The real action is in the deep cellular level, the level of the dermis and even the subcutaneous fat.” (09:32)
• Example: Multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid and an amino acid complex prevent facial fat cell degradation, supporting “multi-dimensional” skin care.

5. Regenerative Skincare: Collagen, Elastin, and Fat Cells

• Holistic Approach: Effective skincare addresses collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and fat cells for comprehensive rejuvenation.
  “You have to focus on all of the aspects.” (12:42)
• Synergistic Formulation: The brand combines multiple categories (exfoliants, neuropeptides, antioxidants) for maximum impact in a single product.

6. Ingredient Overload & Product Synergy

• Ingredient Overload Myth: Dr. Nakhla contends that more is more—multiple actives at clinical levels in a single, well-formulated product are superior to single-ingredient layering.
  “If your active ingredients are really present at clinical levels and there’s a lot of them, you’re maximizing your time and the effects.” (15:03)
• Regimen Simplicity: Advocates for curated, compatible systems where steps and combinations are scientifically designed, enhancing both safety and efficacy. (16:03)
• Synergy Example: Eighth Day’s Regenerative Serum combines hyaluronic acid, neuropeptides (like GABA), and innovative antioxidants (savage ginger root extract, knotgrass flavonoids). Supported by clinical data and cutometer studies. (17:35–19:33)

7. Prevention vs. Reversal: What Matters Most

• Prevention Commandment: “The number one skin health rule... is using SPF. Not using SPF or laying out in the sun is like smoking two packs a day.” (21:40)
• Rising Skin Cancer in Youth: Increasingly seeing aggressive skin cancers in younger demographics.
• Reversal Strategies:
  • Daily use of topical retinoids accelerates removal of precancerous lesions.
  • Eighth Day formulates with retinal, a more potent and less irritating retinoid than retinol.
    “Retinal is really I think the best of both worlds. You’re getting the potency without the irritation.” (25:08)
• Expert Consensus: For anti-aging, SPF and retinoids remain gold standards. “Among the true experts... the evidence is clear.” (26:47)

8. Redefining Luxury in Skincare

• Science as the New Luxury:
  “Science has become the new luxury... The modern customer is well-educated and wants efficacy.” (27:52)
• Beyond Packaging: While aesthetic experience and thoughtful packaging matter, efficacy and transparency are paramount.
• Sustainability: 100% non-virgin plastic, refillable glass, and sustainable tubes. Customers connect with brand values, not just visuals.

9. Brand Identity & Consumer Experience

• Quiet Luxury & Simplicity: Eighth Day aligns with sophistication, performance, and “the beauty in simplicity.” It’s for consumers seeking subtlety and substance over hype. (33:06)
• Routine Adherence: Sensory cues and brand connection are crucial for sustaining user routines and optimizing results.

10. Innovation & What’s Next

• Recent Launch: Ultra Rich Moisturizer with “volumetric sub Q” approach—a complex aimed at preventing facial fat loss, supporting multi-dimensional skin health, and specifically helping patients experiencing facial volume loss due to medications (like GLP-1 drugs). (34:03)
• Teaser: While new biotech is in the works, Dr. Nakhla promises continued focus on clinically-backed, biologically compatible innovation.

11. The Name ‘Eighth Day’

• Meaning & Mission:
  “Eighth Day is synonymous with renewal. It marks the start of your skin’s next chapter. It’s where innovation meets potential and where transformation begins.” (36:14)
• Not a Personality Cult: Deliberate choice to not name the brand after himself, focusing instead on a philosophy greater than any founder.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Realistic Beauty:
  “You look best when you look like yourself.” — Dr. Nakhla (01:55)
• On SPF Use:
  “Using SPF is... akin to smoking—like not using SPF or laying out in the sun is like smoking two packs a day.” — Dr. Nakhla (21:40)
• On Ingredient Synergy:
  “Combining six or seven serums into one... the results sort of speak for themselves.” — Dr. Nakhla (18:35)
• On Science and Luxury:
  “Science is the new luxury. The customer... does not want the fluff. They want results.” — Dr. Nakhla (28:10)
• On Brand Ethos:
  “It’s really more about a beauty philosophy that’s much bigger than the founder.” — Dr. Nakhla (36:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:48] — Dr. Nakhla’s clinical background & philosophy
• [03:36] — Wound healing & skin biology fundamentals
• [06:26] — Peptide-rich plasma & bioidentical ingredients explained
• [09:21] — The importance of delivery systems in skincare
• [13:57] — Ingredient overload: myth vs. reality
• [17:35] — Synergistic formulation & Regenerative Serum details
• [20:53] — Prevention vs. reversal in skin health; SPF as core
• [24:42] — The retinoids debate: efficacy & formulation
• [27:52] — Defining true luxury in functional skincare
• [33:06] — Brand experience, philosophy, and consumer connection
• [34:03] — New innovation: Ultra Rich Moisturizer & volumetric sub Q complex
• [36:14] — The meaning behind the name “Eighth Day”

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a rare, in-depth look into how regenerative science translates to world-class skincare, with Dr. Nakhla providing both a clinician’s rigor and a formulator’s creativity. Listeners walk away with an appreciation for what real efficacy, thoughtful formulation, and modern luxury truly mean in the evolving beauty industry.