In this illuminating episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Jordan Harper, a board-certified nurse practitioner and the founder of Barefaced, to discuss the movement toward simplicity, integrity, and education in skincare. With nearly a decade of experience in aesthetic medicine, Harper has built a brand grounded in evidence-based results and real-world empathy — redefining what it means to care for your skin.
From ICU to Aesthetics: Where Barefaced Began
Before founding Barefaced, Harper worked in the ICU — an environment that honed her problem-solving mindset and attention to detail. Transitioning into aesthetic medicine, she quickly noticed a troubling pattern: patients were willing to invest thousands in injectables and lasers but neglected consistent, foundational skincare.
“It’s like going to the dentist twice a year but never brushing your teeth at home,” she says. “The real transformation happens in your daily routine.”
This insight became the seed for Barefaced: a skincare brand built on education, simplicity, and science.
The “Less But Better” Philosophy
Harper’s clinical philosophy — less but better — stems from the belief that healthy skin starts with fundamentals. “People are overwhelmed,” she explains. “They think more is better, but it’s not. You can’t just layer actives and expect results — you have to build a foundation.”
Her signature framework, The Core Four, defines Barefaced’s approach to long-term skin health:
- Exfoliant – to renew cellular turnover
- Vitamin C – to brighten and protect
- Retinoid – to regulate and rejuvenate
- SPF – to preserve and prevent damage
Beyond that, Harper emphasizes barrier repair, consistency, and education. “You can’t see results if your skin isn’t functioning properly. Longevity starts with health.”
Longevity Over Quick Fixes
In a culture obsessed with “anti-aging,” Harper reframes the conversation toward longevity skincare — sustaining cellular and barrier health for the long term. “Anti-aging is about correction,” she says. “Longevity is about prevention. This is the only skin we have — the goal is to make it last.”
She urges consumers to resist the lure of overnight results and focus instead on nurturing the skin’s resilience. “Prevention is always more powerful than correction.”
Redefining “Medical Grade” and Formula Integrity
Harper addresses the buzz around “medical grade” skincare — a term often used without regulation. “To me, it represents a standard,” she explains. “Thoughtful formulations, clinically studied ingredients, and meaningful concentrations — paired with medical oversight.”
At Barefaced, this translates into formula integrity and transparency. Every product is tested for efficacy and safety, designed to be results-driven yet accessible. “We’d rather take a financial loss than compromise our standards,” she says, recalling a $200,000 decision to pull an imperfect product from production.
The Toning Pads That Started It All
Barefaced’s cult-favorite Toning Pads were Harper’s first formulation — a daily-use hybrid that combines exfoliating acids with soothing and hydrating ingredients. “They’re like a serum in a pad,” she says. Designed for tolerance and balance, they provide visible radiance without disrupting the skin barrier. Clinical testing even revealed a reduction in redness — an unexpected but welcome result.
“The faster someone sees results, the more consistent they become,” Harper notes. “Toning Pads give that early proof that skincare actually works.”
Serving Over Selling
Perhaps the most defining part of Barefaced’s identity is its community ethos. “Our goal isn’t to sell — it’s to serve,” Harper says. “If we don’t think our product is right for someone, we tell them. That honesty builds trust.”
Through AI skin analysis tools, personalized consultations, and ongoing digital touchpoints, Barefaced replicates the in-office care experience at home. “We want people to feel guided, seen, and supported — not sold to,” she adds.
Integrity as the Ultimate Luxury
For Harper, Barefaced’s success lies not in hype but in discipline. “The bigger you get, the louder the noise,” she reflects. “But less but better applies to everything — products, partnerships, and decisions. I only launch what I truly believe in.”
In a beauty world driven by trends, Jordan Harper stands out as a clinician who values precision over performance. Barefaced isn’t just skincare — it’s a reminder that simplicity, honesty, and scientific rigor never go out of style.
Listen to the full episode of Skin Anarchy to hear more from Jordan Harper on redefining skin health through education, integrity, and clinical results.