At Reflekt, we believe in science, research, and the power of knowledge. For us, that’s always been about skin health, skincare, and everything in between. So, in the spirit of learning, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Having graduated magna cum laude from Harvard with a degree in biochemistry and later receiving an MD from Columbia, Dr. Hadley brings first-in-class expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Her background includes clinical work at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and published research in leading medical journals. Widely recognized as a top dermatologist in New York City, Dr. Hadley is a trusted voice in skin health, frequently featured in national media outlets including “Good Morning America,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” and “Women's Health.”
Amongst her many impressive media appearances, she has praised Reflekt in outlets like InStyle and more, making her not only a go-to source of wisdom for us but a friend of our brand, too. Without further ado, here are 5 pressing questions, answered by Dr. Hadley King.
Q: How are you loving the Reflekt regimen? What stands out to you?
A: “I always like the idea of a well-formulated regimen because it helps to remove the guesswork from your skincare routine. You don't have to worry if one product will cancel out another product, if using two products together will be too harsh, et cetera.
The Reflekt regimen is a great way to add gentle exfoliation to your routine while ensuring the skin stays hydrated and the skin barrier is supported. Gentle physical exfoliation (Reflekt 1) and fruit enzymes (all other products) polish the skin while humectants like polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid hydrate and emollients like shea butter support the skin barrier. My favorite Reflekt product is Reflekt 1 Daily Exfoliating Face Wash.”
Q: If there was one piece of skincare advice you could give, what would it be?
A: “Sun protection and sun-smart behavior. Much of the sun damage that accumulates in our skin is the result of daily incidental sun exposure. Studies have been done in Australia that tracked the skin of people who used sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather or their daily activities, and compared this to the skin of people who only used sunscreen on days that were particularly sunny and they felt they would be spending significant time outside. The skin of the people who used sunscreen every day aged significantly better.”
Q: What's one unsung skincare ingredient you wish people talked more about? Why?
A: “Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a great multi-tasking ingredient. It can help with oil regulation, barrier function, aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, and eczema. It's great for improving both tone and texture. Studies have shown that topical niacinamide can have stabilizing effects on the skin's barrier function, which can help improve moisture retention. It is also a potent antioxidant that brightens skin by fading hyperpigmentation and reducing redness while increasing the skin's production of ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier, further preventing loss of moisture.”
Spoiler Alert: Niacinamide will be a key ingredient in future Reflekt treatment products.
Q: Can you share a wellness product or item (non-skincare) you can’t live without?
A: “My Oura Ring. It has given me a lot of insight into what affects my sleep quality and energy levels. Also, the Daily Burn app. Before COVID, I was a regular at the gym, and when that suddenly was no longer an option, I struggled for a while until I found the Daily Burn app. It has tons of exercise video options — you can choose by type of workout, length, intensity, instructor, et cetera. There’s always something that's a good fit, whether I want to really challenge myself, feel like moving but am low on energy, or just want to squeeze in five minutes of exercise. And there's a community and tons of positivity — all helpful to keep me coming back!”
Q: What are you looking forward to in the near future, professionally or personally?
A: “I've had a very difficult year because I unexpectedly lost my mom. We were extremely close, and it has been overwhelming and painful. It's still hard to focus on other future goals right now. I look forward to a time when the grief is less acute and the list of things to do and decisions to make is not so crushing.”
