Beauty Boss: Richard Parker, Founder of RATIONALE
Richard Parker.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Richard Parker, Founder of RATIONALE—a line of advanced skincare products that were created to prevent and reverse sun damage. A cosmetic chemist, Parker has spent his career researching the relationships between skin genetics and epigenetic environmental influences.
From RATIONALE’s world-leading research laboratories outside Melbourne, Parker and his team of skincare scientists develop advanced skincare formulations that combine superlative Australian solar research with proprietary Skin Identical technology, creating formulations that work synergistically with skin.
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A favorite among dermatologists, plastic surgeons, cosmetic physicians, and celebrities alike, RATIONALE enlightens and transforms skin with skin identical formulations that harness the same vitamins, minerals, proteins, lipids, and antioxidants found naturally in the human body, enabling them to be recognized and optimized by skin.
In addition to an expansive skincare collection, RATIONALE also offers results-driven skincare treatments that utilize state-of-the-art modalities and techniques at its clinic locations around the world, including its U.S. flagship clinic on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Each treatment is customized according to one’s unique skin needs, with unique offerings that include an advanced skin analysis performed using VISIA Technology to identify skin dynamics in both the superficial and deeper layers of skin.
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We chatted with Parker who shared his favorite beauty and wellness tips, secrets for success, best advice, and much more.
When was RATIONALE founded and what does the name mean?
RATIONALE was founded in 1992. In medicine, a rationale refers to the reason we do something. In our case, we exist to prevent and repair the major cause of skin aging: the sun.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
80% of facial aging is caused by the sun, so our rationale was to pioneer the most advanced topical response to skin solar protection and repair.
RATIONALE is a line of advanced skincare formulations that prevent and reverse sun damage.
Does RATIONALE have a hero product?
Everyone’s skin is genetically different, so where we start differs for every client. Our real hero is The Essential Six Pillars of skin health involving immune protection, antioxidant protection, and solar protection every morning; and barrier repair, pH repair, and DNA repair every night.
What are your favorite products from your brand?
The formulation I’m most proud of is our superfluid Zinc Fusion technology, which is founded in our sunscreen ranges—#3 Tinted Serum SPF50+ and Beautiful Skin SPF30. They are liquid zinc facial oils that impart an immediate, clarifying, nourishing glow while providing complete protection from UV, Visible Light, and Infrared energy, as well as hydrating and protecting the skin from pollution.
These Zinc Superfluids took over 30 years to develop, involving pioneering new pigment technologies with Japanese physicists, photobiologists, and bio-engineers who work with contact lens and other medical device manufacturers . A colossal truly international effort and a totally unique and beloved formulation breakthrough in sun and environmental protection.
Where are your products sold?
RATIONALE is available on our website, at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, as well as our flagship clinics and network of dermatologists and plastic surgeons in the U.S. and worldwide. We always encourage clients to undergo a live Consultation with one of our Online Consultants on our website.
Future plans for the brand?
Our mission is to take our unique and powerful solar skin protection and repair Formulations and technologies to the world through our network of doctors, Flagship Clinics, and premium retail specialists.
RATIONALE #3 The Tinted Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($176) is a hydrating daily SPF50+ serum that protects skin with proprietary Zinc Fusion technology and provides a transparent finish.
How many clinic locations do you have?
We have 17 clinics globally. Our flagship U.S. location is located on Melrose Place in Los Angeles.
What services do you offer?
We offer an extensive array of facial treatments that are customized to each person’s unique skin need and goals. Each treatment incorporates our professional-grade formulations alongside state-of-the-art, non-invasive modalities to boost immediate radiance and promote lifelong skin health.
Do you offer a signature treatment?
Our Signature Consultation gives clients an advanced skin analysis using VISIA Technology to reveal one’s skin dynamics of the superficial and deeper layers of the skin. Following the analysis, a tailored skincare ritual and treatment plan is created for the client. To round out the experience, a RATIONALE Skin Therapist will perform a 45-minute Instant Radiance Facial which features LED light therapy for immediate skin rejuvenation.
What’s your favorite treatment?
I alternate between having a monthly EpiNova for amplified radiance and our CryoGenic Facial for calming and soothing.
RATIONALE offers an extensive array of skincare treatments at its 17 clinics including the brand’s flagship U.S. location on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
Who inspires you?
My beloved family, colleagues, and friends inspire me every day. Whoever said you can’t be friends with the people you work with has obviously never worked at RATIONALE! These are the smartest, most loving people I know. I am so very blessed to have them in my life and they are a daily source of motivation to be a better person and a better scientist.
Secret to success?
Specialize. Specialize. Specialize. And be the best worldwide. We make the world’s most advanced skincare formualtions to prevent and reverse sun damage, which accounts for 80% of facial aging. We are the acknowledged leaders in our field globally and we have the unanimous support of dermatologists and plastic surgeons around the world.
Beauty secrets?
Invest in a RATIONALE Platinum Consultation. We take a DNA sample, send it to pathology for analysis, then use your own skin’s genetic strengths and weaknesses to construct your perfect skincare regimen. It’s the most accurate, fastest pathway to Luminous Skin for Life.
The Signature Consultation ($150/90 min) includes an advanced skin analysis using VISIA Technology and a 45-minute Instant Radiance Facial featuring LED light therapy for immediate skin rejuvenation.
Wellness tips?
Know your genes.
Listen to your body.
Balance in all things. No extremes. But nothing neglected.
Best advice?
Surround yourself with people who are kinder, smarter, younger, and more accomplished than you. They are a daily blessing and inspiration.
Favorite way to relax?
I am a classical pianist, cellist, and composer. Music forms a vital daily part of my creative and social life performing in various ensembles and attending concerts. RATIONALE sponsors an Australian string ensemble called Lux Australis (“Southern Light”) and we perform world premier works by Australian Composers.
For more information about RATIONALE, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @rationale
[Images courtesy of RATIONALE]
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