With her award-winning expertise and deep-rooted passion for skincare, Dr. Kaly Jaff knows a thing or two about achieving radiant, rejuvenated skin. Earlier this year, we spoke with Dr. Jaff as she launched her podcast series with Go Radio, where she opens up about her journey from arriving in Glasgow as a Kurdish refugee to establishing one of the UK’s leading family-run aesthetic clinics.
Below, Dr. Jaff shares her skincare essentials, daily routine, and family secrets behind The Secret.
On launching her podcast with Go Radio
Earlier this year, you launched your own podcast with Go Radio. What inspired you, and what can listeners expect?
“I’ve always loved connecting with people and hearing their stories, and it struck me that my own journey could inspire others too,” says Dr. Jaff. “My parents moved to Scotland with the ultimate goal of giving my siblings and me a better quality of life. This podcast reflects that journey – it’s a mix of fun and meaningful moments, with stories from my childhood, the ups and downs of building a business, and how my family has always been at the heart of everything I do.”
She adds, “The series is a bit of everything: a spotlight on my siblings and our relationship, some behind-the-scenes stories from The Secret, insights on building a business, and even a few male aesthetic secrets. It’s real, honest, and hopefully inspires people to see that no matter where you start, success is possible.”
Her skincare routine
What does your daily skincare routine look like?
“My routine is all about consistency with these five essentials:
- Step 1: Cleanse – I always double cleanse in the evening to remove all surface oils so my products absorb better.
- Step 2: Tone – I use Skinceuticals’ Blemish and Age Toner, which removes moisture from the surface so my products aren’t diluted.
- Step 3: Instant Pore Refiner – This has been a staple from Zein Obagi; it refines my pores and helps create a flawless complexion.
- Step 4: Vitamin C – I love Skinceuticals’ Vitamin C Ferulic, which is essential for slowing down oxidation and enhancing vibrancy.
- Step 5: SPF – Advanced SPF by Skinceuticals is my go-to because it doesn’t just protect; it actively lifts pigmentation and prevents damage.”
And for the evening?
“In the evening, I add retinol. It’s an absolute must for anyone in their mid-20s and beyond to keep skin looking vibrant and rejuvenated.”
Her at-home treatments and must-have products
What about treatments – any go-to favourites?
“I always recommend according to each patient’s needs, but my personal must is microneedling with polynucleotides. This combination promotes DNA and cell renewal, leaving my skin feeling tight and clear with a smooth finish.”
So what are the five products you can’t live without?
“SPF, Vitamin C, retinol, polynucleotides, and hyaluronic acid – they’re all essentials.”
Building a family business at The Secret
Your clinic, The Secret, is a family affair. How did that come about?
“Family is at the core of everything I do. My brother, Dr. Shad, leads at The Secret, my twin sister runs our skin clinic, and my mum is the heart of our front-of-house. I became a mum myself last year, and since then, I’ve really felt how important family support is to my journey. The Secret is not just a clinic; it’s our family’s shared vision, and I think our patients feel that sense of connection.”
The Beauty Shelf quickfire: Dr. Kaly’s top picks
- Go-to cleanser: “Exfoliating Cleanser by Zein Obagi – I use it all year round.”
- Favourite serum: “Skinceuticals Vitamin C Ferulic for day; Growth Factor Serum by ZO at night.”
- Budget buy: “Garnier Everyday Tan for a subtle body glow.”
- Skincare splurge: “Investing in high-quality face products – it’s worth every penny!”
Listen in
Catch Dr. Jaff’s podcast on Spotify, where she dives deeper into her life story, family, and advice for achieving your best skin. Stay up to date with Dr. Jaff on Instagram @dr.kalyjaff and her website drkalyjaff.co.uk.
