Beauty Boss: Darla Smith, Manager of Theraderm Clinical Skin Care

Darla Smith.

Our latest Beauty Boss is Darla Smith, Manager of Theraderm Clinical Skin Care—an award-winning medical grade skincare developed by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Beckman. She has worked closely with Beckman to build the line and she continues to work in the lab creating new products for the brand.

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Beckman is the founder of Therapon Skin Health, parent company of Theraderm, which was founded in 1977 when he set up his private practice specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. While treating severely burned patients, Beckman was determined to improve their quality of life by finding solutions for restoring full function and mobility to skin-grafted hands, which ultimately led to the development of Beckman’s Skin Care Cream in 1989.

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Beckman now devotes his time to researching, developing, and creating additional products that address all types of skin care concerns including acne, uneven skin tone, and deep wrinkles. With key members of his team including Smith, Beckman’s company continues to deliver world-class solutions for all types of skin issues. We chatted with Smith who shared her favorite beauty and wellness tips, secrets for success, best advice, and much more.

When was Theraderm founded and what does the name mean?

Theraderm was founded in 1980 in Arkansas. “Thera” comes from improving a therapy (in this case skin therapy/products) and “derm” relates to skin.

Where are your products sold?

Theraderm is sold in the U.S., Canada, and UK.

Future plans for the brand?

We recently launched our brand new Brilliance Boost Resurfacing Pads! Every jar holds 50 fabulous resurfacing pads packed with ingredients that bring our skin’s natural, luminous beauty. It's like giving your complexion the VIP treatment it deserves.

The pads contain a blend of lactic and mandelic acids for a smooth texture, ethyl ascorbic acid (a vitamin C derivative) for a youthful glow, Arbutin for complexion clarity, and Allantoin for a soothing touch. Each and every application offers a dual exfoliation experience with the synergy of lactic and mandelic acids. These ingredients work harmoniously to gently refine skin's texture, diminishing roughness and unveiling a canvas that’s touchably smooth and irresistibly velvety. 

Next up: a tinted SPF, hydrating mist, and skin tightening lotion to pair with lasers.

Theraderm is an award-winning medical grade skincare line developed by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Beckman.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

Our founder, Dr. James Beckman, a skilled biochemist, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, dedicated himself to helping burn victims who often needed multiple skin grafts. He was introduced to a special peptide, which he incorporated into a skin care salve to aid their recovery, bringing comfort and relief.

This incredible peptide, protected by 31 patents, is permitted for Theraderm use only in any skincare product. It miraculously rebuilds the skin collagen fiber/matrix, structural proteins to restore natural thickness, pliability, and strength to prevent laxity and wrinkles while building a healthy foundation for ageless skin. As word spread about the effectiveness of this salve, it gained popularity not just among burn victims, but among his patients looking for effective, science-backed skincare solutions.

Intrigued by the unexpected outcomes observed in his patients, Dr. Beckman introduced this exceptional salve into his aesthetic clinic. He applied it to patients after laser treatments and facelifts, and to his delight, a remarkable side effect emerged: skin that was deeply hydrated with noticeably reduced appearance of pores, fine lines, and discoloration.

And just like that, from the altruistic act of aiding burn victims, a skincare revolution was born. This one product  grew into the renowned Theraderm Clinical Skin Care line, which today features 30 solutions targeting skin health and radiance. 

Theraderm Brilliance Boost Resurfacing Pads offer a dual exfoliation experience with lactic and mandelic acids to refine texture and diminish roughness in skin.

Does Theraderm have a hero product?

Our Fruit Acid Exfoliant is a customer favorite due to its ability to rejuvenate skin cell turnover and treat burns. Glycolic acid may be one of the most common exfoliants used in beauty products, but James Beckman, MD, instead decided to use lactic acid as the base of this product.

A unique advantage of lactic acid is that it is the critical molecule necessary for new collagen formation by fibroblast cells. Without lactic acid, there can be no wound healing or repair at the cellular level. It is also a superior humectant that attracts water to itself, enabling soft, pliable skin that is well-hydrated.

Exfoliating is one of the most beneficial practices we can put in place for our skin during the winter, when skin tends to dry out due to low humidity, blasting heaters and cold winds. Here’s I use the product: 

  • Exfoliating (of course). The best way to keep your skin glowing throughout the colder months is to use the Fruit Acid Exfoliant to get rid of dull skin cells and minimize pores for a healthy radiance.

  • Toning The Skin. The Fruit Acid Exfoliant is a great toner! This gentle solution helps remove dirt and oil, balances the skin’s pH, and as it exfoliates, it lets products penetrate the skin more effectively.

  • Avoid Ingrowns. I’ve found that the Fruit Acid Exfoliant helps to exfoliate the skin and keep ingrown hairs from looping in on themselves. Just a quick swipe with a few drops on a Gentle Action Application Pad after shaving and no ingrown hairs or irritating razor burn.

Theraderm Eternox Peptide Creme includes patented Soluble Keratin Peptides tohelp visibly reduce signs of aging.

What are your favorite products from the brand?

I love our Eternox Peptide Crème. It extends the life of in-office treatments and is the next best thing to attain derm-like results. The key ingredient, Soluble Keratin Peptides, are active molecules that cause rapid rebuilding of collagen. They are naturally sourced by hydrolyzing wool fibers into very short amino acid chains that can be absorbed deep into skin. They dependably rebuild the collagen fiber/matrix, structural proteins that restore sun-damaged skin to its natural thickness and strength that prevents laxity and wrinkles.

This breakthrough ingredient is only available in Theraderm topical skin care products. Protected by 31 patents, the peptides actively decrease lax neck skin, forehead wrinkles and facial lines while delivering lightweight moisture to skin.

When the time comes, you may even notice you can start prolonging up to several months between injectables because the natural skin properties have been significantly restored by true rebuilding of natural collagen in the skin.

Who inspires you?

Our incredible founder, Dr. James Beckman, and women in the work force.

Secret to success?

Work hard, learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them.

Beauty secrets?

Take time for yourself, give yourself at-home facials, and exfoliate.

Wellness tips?

Rest, drink water, exercise, and keep stress levels down.

Best advice?

Be honest and follow your heart.

Favorite way to relax?

Being with family (especially with grandchildren), playing with my dogs, yard work and, of course, remodeling my house.

For more information about Theraderm Clinical Skin Care, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @theradermclinical

[Images courtesy of Theraderm Clinical Skin Care]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk