Photo Credit: @peterthomasrothofficial Instagram
CEO, founder and formulator Peter Thomas Roth was born into a heritage of skin care. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peter’s family owned and operated two spa resorts in Hungary.
When Peter launched his clinical skin care company in 1993, he set out to develop innovative, cutting-edge products inspired by the soothing, reparative and anti-aging properties of the mineral-rich Hungarian thermal spring waters that flowed through his family’s spa resorts.
By scouring the earth for the most effective clinically-developed and natural ingredients in the field of skin care, Peter is continuously developing a comprehensive range of new products to meet the latest trends and customer needs around the world.
The brand’s state-of-the-art formulas have garnered countless awards across the globe by consistently delivering on Peter’s core philosophy: Breakthrough formulas. Astonishing results.
We spoke with innovative skin care creator Peter Thomas Roth about his favorite products, how to achieve an optimal skin care routine, and more.
Photo Credit: Peter Thomas Roth
What made you want to enter the beauty industry?
Skin care is a huge part of my heritage. My father grew up in Hungary where my grandparents had a hotel and people would come from all over to soak in the thermal springs there. The mud and minerals were very healing and soothing—your skin felt better and you looked better! So, coming from a family that took skin care seriously, I always knew I wanted to go in that direction. But what really pushed me to create my own skin care line was when I developed skin issues. I had acne as a teenager and adult, and nothing ever worked!
This is why, when I created Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care, I chose the most effective ingredients at the highest level possible for each product. I don’t believe in sprinkling ingredients—if an ingredient is going to be on the label, it should be at an amount that makes a meaningful difference. I include the percentage of active ingredients on all my products so you know what you’re getting, and you know it delivers astonishing results! What I hear time and time again from my customers is that they love my products because they work.
What is the most common skin concern you’ve found when it comes to men and women?
I’ve found that fine lines and wrinkles are a universal concern among men and women. And the first step to younger-looking skin is proper hydration—it makes your skin appear smoother and also helps plump the look of those fine lines and wrinkles. People really love my Water Drench Cloud Cream because it’s formulated with a powerful 30% Hyaluronic Acid Complex that draws moisture straight from the atmosphere. It gives skin a continuous burst of hydration for up to 72 hours. Brilliant!
What advice would you give to someone who lives a very active lifestyle that wants to achieve optimal skincare but isn’t always able to commit?
The most important thing is to keep your skin clean, hydrated and protected. My Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel is perfect for an active person because it combines exfoliating Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid with brightening botanicals to provide a deep clean. To lock in moisture, you can’t go wrong with my Water Drench Cloud Cream. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and provides up to 72 hours of hydration. And for effortless sunscreen application, try my Instant Mineral SPF 45. It’s a powder with a built-in brush applicator so you just touch-up and go!
What is your favorite product you’ve created?
I try every single product and have my own lab where I work hand in hand with our chemists to make each formula breakthrough and original. I don’t have a particular favorite because I’m proud of them all, but I’ve been loving my new Potent-C Serum! And I always wear Skin To Die For Primer to blur away the look of my lines and pores.
What would you say is the ‘ideal’ skin care routine?
It depends on your skin type and concerns but generally speaking, I think the ideal skin care routine should include a great cleanser, mask, treatment serum and moisturizer. And you should wear at least SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
Photo Credit: Peter Thomas Roth
How do you recommend people keep up with their skin care regimen while traveling?
I believe it’s important to stay consistent with your skin care routine while you’re away, and this is why almost all of my products are available in convenient travel sizes. Beauty editors have told me they swear by my 24K Gold Hydragel Eye Patches! The air on planes is especially drying for your skin and long flights can be tiring, but wear these while you sit back and relax, and you’ll look fabulous and refreshed—so easy. If your favorite full-size products don’t come in travel sizes you can also pick up small toiletry containers at your local drug store.
What are the biggest myths about skincare you’d like to debunk?
Skin care is more universal than people think. Whether you have normal, oily or dry skin, everyone needs hydration. Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you don’t need to moisturize…and just because you have dry skin doesn’t mean you need a thick, heavy cream. Proper hydration is essential for amazing skin!
