Remember the phrase—jack of all trades and master of none? Meet Dr. Chytra V Anand, who puts the age-old saying to shame. Popularly known as Dr. Fix It, Dr.
Anand is an internationally renowned celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and the Founder and CEO of Kosmoderma Clinics. With unmatched expertise in
cosmetic dermatology therapies and utmost respect for her clients’ privacy, it’s not too hard to guess what makes her the best in the business.
Dr Chytra V Anand
Dr. Anand’s journey began in 2006 when she moved back to India after completing her education in London. The relocation was to pursue her long-standing dream of opening a chain of skin and hair clinics in India that meet international standards. With a compelling vision for her business, she founded a specialist cosmetic dermatology clinic and Bangalore’s first MediSpa–Kosmoderma in 2006.
Soon, she realised that doctors in the country did not have enough exposure to cosmetic dermatology. She believed in reinventing herself and decided that it was time to change that. She then founded the International Academy of Aesthetic Medicine in 2007 to train doctors in the field of cosmetic dermatology. After working relentlessly, her training academy became a huge success. Post that, there was no looking back for her.
Her advanced and developed sense of aesthetics did not go unnoticed. She became one of the most sought after cosmetic doctors in the country with celebrities, industrialists and many prominent personalities as her clients.
Dr Chytra V Anand
In 2020, with plenty of time on her hands, the trailblazer put together her revolutionary brand– SkinQ. She also took to instagram to share her knowledge with the world. People loved her educational and fun approach and today she has garnered a following of 81.4k followers. Dr. Anand proves that being successful does not come down to one title. So when thought of strong women who inspire us for our #POPxoWomenWhoWin series, it was only fitting for us to reach out to her.
She shared with us her journey, how she strikes a balance between work and home and the best bit–her own skincare routine. Edited excerpts below:
How do you begin your day? What does a typical day look like for you?
In pre-COVID-19 days, I travelled seven to 10 days a month, training aesthetic doctors worldwide on facial glamorisation and cosmetic dermatology. These days post COVID-19, my schedule is different. My day begins at 8 AM. I start my day by drinking a glass of warm water, followed by five almonds soaked overnight with walnuts and 1 cup of ginger tea, while soaking in a bit of sun for 10 mins. This sets up my circadian rhythm for the day. And then I spend some time with my four-year-old son. After that, from 11 AM, my workday begins. It is filled with meetings and online consults. Thrice a week, I head into the clinic for patient procedures. I break for lunch at 1.30 PM and then work till 6 PM. After that, it’s time for my one-hour-long workout. Then I eat my dinner by 8.00 PM with my husband where we catch up for the day, over a glass of wine. Next, I read stories with my son. Once he’s asleep, from 10.30 PM – 3 AM is me time. I usually read and catch up on the news. I also catch up on all emails and day end reports and write articles/blogs among other things. I get most of the work done during this period.
What is your skincare routine like?
AM: Wash face, SkinQ Hydrate Elixir, SkinQ Sun Protect gel, 1 SkinQ Glow capsule
Noon: Reapply SPF
Night: Cleanse, apply skin moisture balm, SkinQ Cell Repair Retinol (thrice a week), Blistex lip balm, Skin Q Hair Boost & Health Boost capsules
Once a week: Full body oil massage
Once in 2 weeks: SkinQ Hydrate DIY Facial kit at home
Once in 4 weeks: Kosmoderma Skin and Immune Booster Infusions
Once in 6 weeks: Kosmoderma Celebrity PhotoFacial
Once in 3 months: Hair highlights with my stylist and deep conditioning
Once in 6 months: Kosmoderma Hydra Boosters
One a year: Kosmoderma HairGen ( Stem Cell therapy for my hair)
Dr Chytra V Anand
How do you juggle between clients and producing content for your Instagram handle?
I have learnt to be very organised in time to juggle many roles. I could not do it without my phone calendar and schedule everything on it. Secondly, I have a PA who runs many tasks and does chores for me to utilise my time better. She helps organise most of the routine stuff and is a call away for any fixes at home. Honestly, it’s a life-saver.
What is a mantra that you swear by in your professional/personal life?
Be the best you can be. Don’t compare yourself, just do your best.
What are the key skills or qualities that have helped you succeed?
Forward-looking, positive attitude, calm demeanour, ability to work and adapt in pressure situations. My love for learning new skills that help me to constantly update myself and stay relevant. I am always happy to help anyone and never compare myself to others. I define my path and my metrics, and this is a key asset to me.
What has been your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
There are many, honestly, I am blessed. My first is that I am a Self-made female entrepreneur with South India’s leading Skin Clinic chain and Training Academy. Next, would be training over 3000 doctors globally in the field of aesthetic, medicine and dermatology. And starting a brand of colour skincare for Indian skin: SkinQ. Lastly, receiving the FICCI FLO Award for leading women entrepreneur in health.
Tell us a little about SkinQ. What inspired you to work on this line?
I felt a vacuum in the Indian Skincare market as brands lacked actives in the correct percentage. The disappointment in people’s faces when their skincare did not work or when it caused reactions encouraged me to start my D2C line. I’ve been carrying around the concept in my head since 2016 and had worked on formulas in 2012, but it all came to fruition in 2020. The concept behind Skin Q is about getting people to know and understand their Skin Quotient ( Skin Q) like their IQ. To understand that it requires active ingredients in the right proportion for skincare to work, which most brands don’t offer.
You have 81.4k followers on Instagram. What is your approach to being a social media influencer?
I got active on Instagram during COVID 2020 due to the time on my hands. As I understood it better, I realised this was a way for me to share my knowledge and skills with people. When I started making my content, I saw the engagement rise and it encouraged me to get involved full time. I enjoy this very much; it’s a creative outlet. I also leverage my vast network of leading global aesthetic doctors and invite them IGTV live, for my followers to ask questions. Access to most of these doctors would be next to impossible otherwise.
What are the three things we’ll always find in your makeup bag?
1. Guerlain Pearls Powder
2. Sephora Dark Brown Eye Pencil Makeup
3. Forever lipstick Matt
And lastly, how do you relax?
Spending time with my son is my greatest joy. Apart from that, I enjoy listening to TED talks, reading and cooking. I also love to travel. This, to me, is the best way to relax. And of-course, shopping!
Featured Image: Dr Chytra V Anand
