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Functional Skincare Insights from London Dermatologist Dr. Amélie Seghers

Interviews Rituals / Tips Sensitive Skin Wellness

Dr. Amélie Seghers is a London-based dermatologist known for her nurturing presence and functional approach to skin health. With a background grounded in medical science and a deep respect for the personal stories that shape each patient, Amélie blends clinical expertise with a holistic, thoughtful perspective. She believes good skincare begins with understanding the individual – inside and out – and that true beauty goes far beyond what we see on the surface.

In this interview, she shares her perspective on modern dermatology, common skincare myths, and the powerful connection between stress, lifestyle, and the skin we live in.

Tell us about yourself — what led you to dermatology?

I chose medicine because I’ve always been interested in people’s stories and lives. More than the science behind medicine, I love the humanity we find in it. That’s what is often lost in modern medicine – it’s all about science and studies, and less about souls and stories. It’s about reducing mortality while being indifferent to the patient’s quality of life. This is why functional medicine is on the rise. And it is also why ‘holistic’ became a buzzword because people crave to be listened to.

The problem is that medicine fully focused on humanity is expensive. If I want to be fully present with my patients, there are only so many I can see in a week. Once doctors exceed a certain number of patients, the patients become numbers. It becomes a “‘What’s your problem? Here’s your prescription!’”-type of medicine. If you find it hard to understand, just imagine having fifteen 30-minute meetings in a day where you can’t miss a word of what was said. You also wouldn’t want to sit in the last yoga class of a teacher who taught 10 classes in one day, would you?

Once I studied medicine, I knew straight away that all I wanted to do was dermatology. Of course, I love the potions and lotions, but what I really like about it is that – just like a GP – you can care for the whole family: the father comes for hair loss, the mother wants to know what she can do to slow down ageing, one of the children is being treated for a wart, and the grandparents are in follow-up for skin cancer screening. The other day I sat on a plane next to a whole family I was taking care of!

What does beauty look like to you?

This is a good question and one that should be asked to many aesthetic doctors and practitioners who seem to think beauty is about perfection, or about all looking in line with current ‘Barbie-esque’ beauty standards.

To me, beauty is about ‘feeling good in your skin’ and celebrating your unique physical features. It’s also about charisma and emotional depth. It’s good to remember that beauty fades with age, but style, authenticity, and charisma remain.

Living in London, what’s the number one skincare concern you see, and how do you recommend addressing it?

Living in London is great for many things, but not always for your skin. Stress, harsh water, and pollution wreak havoc on your skin barrier—as does changing your skincare routine too often or using too many active ingredients. It’s so easy to pass by a store in London and be sold the latest product that doesn’t fit your skin type or doesn’t combine well with your other skincare products.

What are your thoughts on integrating a natural or holistic approach into dermatology?

Life is all about balance. If you think of all the products our skin comes into contact with – intentionally and unintentionally – the list is very long. It’s much more than skincare products. Think about makeup and cosmetics, hair products, personal hygiene (such as deodorants, shaving products, wipes, perfume), laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and many more household products.

Integrating natural products where possible can reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals and lower our environmental impact (when the natural products are sustainably sourced, which is not always the case!). I’m especially fond of using natural cleansers and body hydrating products—since these cover large surface areas—and eco-friendly laundry and household products, as the chemicals in these tend to be more harmful than most facial skincare.

One thing I notice is that people usually only consider ‘natural products’ when they have skin problems, rather than using them proactively. Natural products won’t fix broken or damaged skin – and this is definitely not the time to add them. You could actually induce a contact allergy to certain natural ingredients when used on damaged skin. When you have blemishes or problem skin, instead of trial and error with new products, plan a visit to a dermatologist – you could be aggravating the issue with the wrong choices.

What’s the most common skincare myth your patients arrive believing – and what’s the truth they leave with?

Sometimes you can get an allergic reaction to a product, which means every time you apply it, you get a reaction. This is different from an irritant reaction, where you only react sometimes – depending on the concentration and the area applied. A well-known example of an allergic contact dermatitis is fragrance, but you can also get allergic reactions to natural ingredients like aloe vera, lavender and chamomile. An example of an irritant reaction would be alcohol gel or strong soaps and detergents.

When I mention a contact allergy, sometimes patients say, “It’s not possible, Dr. - I’ve been using that product for 10 years.” Then I have to explain that it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been using something – you can develop a contact allergy at any time. The same happens with pet allergies – you can develop one after years of living with your dog or cat.

Are there any ingredients or products you’re currently loving or recommending a lot right now?

I’m a big fan of niacinamide (vitamin B3) – it’s one of the most skin-friendly ingredients out there. It’s also very versatile and works for all skin types. It strengthens the skin barrier, calms inflammation, controls oil production/reduces pore size, evens out skin tone and enhances overall radiance. It also combines well with many other actives – it even works perfectly with retinol.

How important is consistency versus variety in skincare?

Try to be consistent with cleansing, hydrating and protecting from UV. You can be a little more varied with your correcting ingredients.

What role do stress and lifestyle play in skin health from your clinical perspective?

Stress and lifestyle significantly impact skin health – and it’s important to highlight this because it’s in your hands, not your doctor’s, to change these factors.

Stress raises cortisol levels, which increases oil production and can cause acne. It can also worsen chronic conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Even if you don’t have these issues, long-term stress can still accelerate skin ageing, delay wound healing and even cause hair loss. Implementing lifestyle changes like regular exercise, better sleep, a balanced diet, mindfulness, meaningful social connection (and limiting digital connection) all help manage stress.

Not all stress is bad – we need some to thrive – but it needs to be balanced with rest. Life is all about balance. If we’re always on and never off, we become unwell – physically or mentally.

Also, not all toxins are physical. We are affected by the people, places and ideas around us. Positive thinking can strengthen the immune system. Moaning less and practicing gratitude can go a long way. If you’re unhappy at work or at home, it may be time to recognise the need for change – it can be a powerful act of self-healing.

What are your go-to skincare tips for summer — especially for sensitive or inflamed skin?

Focus on strengthening your skin barrier with ingredients like ceramides, and use sunscreen – ideally mineral sunscreens if you have sensitive skin.

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Always on your beauty shelf: Homeoplasmin by Boiron, a wonderfully affordable French multipurpose ointment with plant extracts and mild antiseptic properties. I use it to hydrate lips and skin, to help heal minor irritations, and even as a makeup primer. Tip: I apply a thin layer to my lips, then use a red pencil on top.

Always in your bag: Currently, the Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola tinted lip balm – it marries hydration with just the right amount of colour, no mirror needed.

Favourite wellness splurge: Foot reflexology!

Favourite podcast or book right now: I always read two books at once – one for learning and one for relaxing. Currently in my handbag: “Out of Africa” by Karen Blixen and “How We Break” by Vincent Deary, a beautiful and wise book by a health psychologist.

A practice that helps you stay connected: Yoga, always. And I think I’d benefit from adding breathwork – it’s something I’d love to explore.

Best skin advice: Know your skin type!

One skincare rule you swear by: Invest in skincare so you can save on makeup.

The most beautiful people are… Those who’ve faced adversity and emerged with grace and empathy. They embody a beauty that transcends appearance.

Favourite Aevi product: Torn between the Awakening Hand & Body Wash and the Clean Hand Sanitizer!

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To book an appointment with Amélie, visit her website here or send an email to dramelieseghersclinic@gmail.com. For more honest skincare advice, quiet wellness moments, and daily inspiration, you’ll want to follow her journey on Instagram @dramelieseghers.

This collaboration was inspired by a shared commitment to helping people become more mindful of what they put on their skin and promoting awareness about skin care ingredients, with no financial gain or commercial interests involved.