For aesthetic clinics, skincare is no longer simply an adjunct to in-clinic treatment. It plays a practical role in preparing the skin, supporting recovery and helping maintain results between appointments. For iS Clinical, that role has long been central to its formulation philosophy, with products designed around skin quality, resilience and visible clinical outcomes.
In a recent podcast, Aesthetic Medical Practitioner spoke with iS Clinical’s Dr Charlene DeHaven, Clinical Director, and Traci Imperio, Aesthetic Training Manager, offering a closer look at the philosophy and science underpinning the brand.
Dr DeHaven’s pathway into aesthetic medicine predates much of the industry’s current momentum. Originally trained in internal and emergency medicine, her early interest in preventative health and physiology set her apart at a time when medicine remained largely disease-focused.
That perspective continues to shape her approach today, particularly when it comes to the relationship between systemic health and the skin.
‘In medicine, we tend to separate the systems of the body, but the truth is it’s all one,’ she explains. ‘If you optimise your health – to live as long and as well as you can – that shows up in your skin, your heart, your brain. It’s all tied together.’
This whole-body lens extends directly into product development, where formulation is approached not just as topical intervention, but as part of a broader physiological framework.
Behind the scenes, that translates into a highly controlled, research-led process. Unlike many skincare companies, iS Clinical manufactures its own products, allowing for tighter control over ingredient sourcing, formulation and testing. Raw materials are extensively researched, combinations are carefully evaluated for compatibility, and final formulations undergo independent clinical testing before release.
Imperio notes that this commitment to validation is reflected in the scale of the brand’s clinical data, with more than 70 independent third-party studies supporting its formulations – a point of differentiation in a category often driven by marketing claims rather than evidence.
At the ingredient level, the approach is notably balanced. Rather than favouring a single philosophy, the brand draws from both traditional medicine and modern biotechnology.
‘There’s a lot of knowledge and wisdom that comes from botanicals and traditional medicine,’ says Dr DeHaven. ‘When you take those ingredients and evaluate them scientifically, you can see what’s really valuable and what’s not. So we use botanicals, but we also like high-tech, science-led ingredients – whether they’re made in the lab or derived from plants – that are rigorously tested. We know they work.’
That same pragmatism carries through to clinical practice, where skincare is increasingly positioned as an extension of treatment protocols rather than an adjunct.
From barrier support and inflammation control to microbiome balance, Imperio emphasises that preparing the skin before in-clinic procedures – and maintaining it afterwards – is critical to achieving predictable outcomes.
‘You wouldn’t run a marathon without training first,’ adds Dr DeHaven. ‘If you want the best result, you don’t just have a procedure – you prepare the skin beforehand and take care of it afterwards to optimise results.’
At the same time, patient expectations are evolving, with a growing demand for formulations that align with both performance and broader lifestyle considerations.
‘Clients are becoming more savvy, and we need to listen to that. They’re looking for cleaner ingredients, more multitasking products and support to age gracefully – not to change who they are. What they’re asking for is actually where we’re already at; it’s about communicating the science more clearly,’ says Imperio.
Looking ahead, both point to a future shaped less by single ‘hero’ ingredients and more by advances in areas such as epigenetics, mitochondrial function and cellular longevity – developments that are already beginning to influence topical innovation.
For now, the direction is clear: clinically validated formulations, integrated treatment strategies and a growing alignment between internal health and external outcomes.
The full conversation explores these themes in greater depth, including emerging technologies, evolving patient expectations and where clinical skincare is heading next.
WATCH THE PODCAST EPISODE HERE or listen on your favourite podcast service.
