SkYn: Interview with Dr. Jacqueline Moore
Dr. Jacqueline Moore has had a fascinating career. A trauma surgeon who served in Iraq with the United States Army, Dr. Moore has since returned home and has focused on her three children and skincare. She is the founder of skŸn by Dr. Moore, a northern Virginia-based med spa that is designed to offer men and women of color laser treatments, peels and other skin rejuvenation procedures that are safe and effective and made with natural and safe ingredients.
Dr. Moore recently discussed her career, spa, skin, and more via an exclusive interview.
Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you get interested in medicine and why did you decide to become an army doctor?
Dr. Jacqueline Moore (Dr. Moore): The tragic events of 9–11 deeply moved me and ignited a strong desire to serve my country. I grew up in a dual military family and was married to an Army Sergeant at the time, so I had a close-up view of the impact on the military Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines. This coincided with my aspiration to become a physician. Discovering that the military had its own medical school, which was specifically established to support America’s military readiness, presented a perfect avenue to merge these two passions. It was an opportunity to contribute to national service while pursuing a medical career.
MM: What kind of surgery experiences did you have whilst serving in Iraq?
Dr. Moore: My time in Iraq was both challenging and enriching professionally. I dealt with a wide range of surgical emergencies, often under high-pressure conditions. These experiences sharpened my skills in trauma surgery and reinforced my ability to make critical decisions swiftly and effectively. This intense environment fostered a resilience and adaptability that have been invaluable throughout my career.
MM: Upon returning home, why did you decide to focus on skin care in particular?
Dr. Moore: After my service, I saw an opportunity to apply my surgical skills to a field that was evolving and had unmet needs, especially in treating skin of color. My military experience, which involved treating diverse individuals, helped me appreciate the unique healthcare requirements of different skin types, guiding me to focus on inclusive and personalized skincare solutions.
MM: How do the needs of darker skin differ from the needs of lighter skin?
Dr. Moore: Darker skin, due to its higher melanin content, presents unique challenges such as a tendency towards hyperpigmentation and different scarring patterns. It requires specialized care that takes into account these distinct characteristics, particularly in the context of cosmetic and surgical procedures.
MM: What are the most important ways to cater to darker skin tones?
Dr. Moore: The most important aspect of catering to darker skin tones is understanding and respecting its unique properties. This includes “reading” the skin, understanding and choosing the right treatment modalities, being cautious with procedures that could trigger pigmentation issues, and providing education on proper skincare routines.
MM: How are treatments for lighter skin tones actually dangerous for darker skin tones?
Dr. Moore: Procedures and products designed for lighter skin often fail to consider the higher melanin levels in darker skin, leading to risks like pigmentation disorders or ineffective results. It’s imperative to use evidence-based approaches that are specifically safe and effective for darker skin.
MM: What prompted you to start your spa and how did you select the name?
Dr. Moore: The decision to start my spa was driven by my commitment to serve a diverse clientele, particularly those underserved in aesthetic medicine. The name of the spa was chosen to reflect this ethos, symbolizing inclusivity, care, and excellence in treatments for all skin types.
MM: What has it been like to raise awareness of the spa and keep it in business?
Dr. Moore: Starting and sustaining a new medical spa, especially in a niche market, is challenging but also exciting. The key to raising awareness will be a strategic combination of community engagement, education, and digital marketing. Leveraging social media and online platforms to showcase our unique services and expertise is also crucial. Networking with other healthcare professionals and participating in community events will be essential in building a strong local presence.
Maintaining the business involves continuously adapting to the needs of our clients and staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies in evidence-based aesthetic medicine. Offering exceptional, personalized service is critical in building a loyal clientele. Additionally, fostering a culture of trust and safety, particularly for clients with skin of color, has been a cornerstone of our business strategy. As a start-up, we’re always looking for innovative ways to enhance our services and client experience, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed expectations in this specialized field.
MM: What’s the best feedback you’ve gotten about the spa?
Dr. Moore: The most rewarding feedback has been from clients who feel seen and properly cared for, especially those who had previously struggled to find treatments suitable for their skin. Knowing that we are filling a significant gap in the skincare industry and making a real difference in people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling.
MM: How do you hope your career — and the spa — evolves over the next ten years?
Dr. Moore: In the next decade, I envision expanding the reach and impact of the medical spa, perhaps by opening additional locations or incorporating new, innovative treatments. The goal is to continue being a pioneer in providing comprehensive and inclusive skincare services.
MM: What are your ultimate goals for the future and is there anything else that you would like to mention?
Dr. Moore: Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting legacy in the field of aesthetic medicine, particularly as a champion for inclusive care. I also aim to mentor and inspire future medical professionals to continue addressing the diverse needs of all patients in both aesthetics and surgery. The journey ahead is about furthering this mission and making a broader impact in the realm of healthcare.