Dermatologist Dr. Renita Rajan, MD, on skincare, collagen, and Peptan

Every person’s skin is a beautiful, unique puzzle waiting to be solved. As natural beauty solutions move to center stage, we turned to one of the leading voices in cosmetic dermatology: Dr. Renita Rajan, MD, from CHOSEN by Dermatology and RENDER Skin and Hair. We spoke with Dr. Rajan about dermatology, the importance of research into different ethnicities, the vital role of collagen in skin health, and her hands-on experience with Peptan.

What do you do as a dermatologist?

‘As dermatologists, we work with individuals to bring out the best in their skin, while addressing elements they may not like, such as visible signs of aging, patchiness, or discoloration. Some of these issues stem from genetics, others from environmental factors. One reason I love dermatology is the complex connections it involves: we’re all born with unique characteristics in our genome, while we also face specific environmental aspects, also known as the exposome, that affect each of us differently. It’s a puzzle to put it all together, but an exciting one.’

‘A big part of my work is ‘translational dermatology’ – a practice that bridges the gap between laboratory science, clinical dermatology, and day-to-day life. It’s about recognizing patient concerns early, such as those at risk of hyperpigmentation, and providing solutions, accordingly.’

What skincare trends do you see in India and the wider world?

‘When I started my residency in dermatology around twenty years ago, aesthetic dermatology was new to India. Laser technology was still emerging, with limited options for skin of color, especially Indian skin types. Since then, the field of dermatology has developed quickly. One of the fascinating things in dermatology is how populations in different regions have different wants and needs. For example, in India, naturalness, or organic beauty, is highly sought-after. This means that hydration and color uniformity are more important, while wrinkles and expression lines are less of a challenge. In India, skin reflectance is the trend. In other words, people want their skin to look luminous, lifted, toned, or vibrant. All of those are, in fact, other words for hydration. Of course, environmental factors like high pollution levels affect what we need to offer, too.’

‘Across all ethnicities, what I call “successful aging” is getting massively popular. Driven by social media, people are beginning to feel “old”, or ‘older” at a much later age than before. They expect to be able to keep up their lifestyle and their looks and the way they feel, to appear younger for longer. Successful aging is all about maintaining health and beauty as you age.’

Why is collagen so important for skin?

‘It’s easy to think of skincare as superficial or topical, but so much happens beneath the surface. The dermis, the inner layer of skin, drives the aging of the epidermis, the outer layer of skin. There is a significant amount of collagen in the dermis, and how you care for your collagen levels can create either a vicious or virtuous circle. If you keep the collagen healthy, qualities like hydration and glossiness are enhanced. However, if you allow it to fragment, you promote further fragmentation. This can lead to patchy, uneven skin, especially in high UV environments like India. Collagen levels are a key indicator: if there’s enough, your skin is happy.’

‘That’s one reason why collagen peptide supplements can make a difference. Research on bioavailability shows the presence of di- and tri-peptides in the blood after supplementation, which can promote collagen content in the skin. So, whether you are in your late twenties and getting interested in skin maintenance, or you want a post-workout protein boost with added beauty benefits, collagen peptides can be very helpful. I usually suggest around 5 to 10 grams per day. I also recommend them in post-procedure care: after skin tightening or anti-aging procedures, boosting both collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis can be beneficial. The data clearly shows that it makes a difference.’

More about Dr. Rajan

Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Renita Rajan, MD, is a prominent expert in the skin care world. She is known for her expertise as the Founder of CHOSEN by Dermatology, Medical Director of RENDER Skin and Hair, and as a leading specialist in laser and energy-based devices. Based in Chennai, India, she is also recognized as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for dermatological laser solutions and is the author of the textbook ‘Sunscreens for Skin of Color’ (Springer-Nature).

What has your experience been with Peptan?

‘My journey with Peptan began around four years ago. Collagen was one of the first products we offered at CHOSEN, and even then, it was highly sought after. I was looking for the best-tasting or most neutral tasting collagens, so we could create delicious flavors like chocolate in medical-grade supplements. I quickly connected with the Peptan team, and we have been collaborating ever since. One reason I enjoy working with them is the insight their Research and Development team provides whenever we have questions.’

‘A significant concern with any collagen product is ensuring a pleasant taste, texture, and odor. We aim to create products that consumers love to take, without harmful additives or anything unnatural. For me, Peptan is the top choice for collagen peptides in terms of flavor enhancement – and this comes from someone who tastes collagen professionally. For example, Peptan collagen peptides have served as an excellent foundation for our pineapple-flavored collagen supplements.’

‘Peptan’s also a top choice for science. Aside from its skin beauty benefits, many studies demonstrate Peptan’s other health benefits, such as cognitive health, faster recovery after exercise, mobility, and more. Additionally, increased protein intake can serve as an anti-aging anchor. In a busy world where nobody has time for everything, the fact that a single supplement like Peptan can offer so many benefits is highly valuable for today’s consumers.’

Driving diversity in clinical studies

‘As a clinician, my primary interest lies in clinical studies. With collagen, it’s crucial to have sufficient data supporting its bioavailability and safety, as well as specific skin benefits, like hydration and wrinkle reduction. While outputs are important, outcomes matter even more.

That’s why I’m eager to conduct more studies, particularly with a diverse range of participants. Research into skin health and beauty across different ethnicities, including those from India, is currently underrepresented both clinically and in the market – we need detailed examinations and the right questions to understand their unique parameters. Having these discussions is invaluable as they enable us to quantify and confidently stand by our findings.’

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