Richard Parker
Richard Parker
What is your earliest memory of caring for your skin?
I have two early memories of skincare rituals.The first was of my grandmother, Mavis Churchin, who was a fashion buyer for David Jones. She was devoted to Helena Rubinstein, and I used to watch her sitting in front of her dressing table mirror applying her various creams and potions whenever I stayed with her. She was deeply committed to this ritual and I found it mesmerising.
The second was when I was 14 and I was taken to a dermatologist to diagnose the sudden appearance of white patches on my arms. I was a competitive swimmer and I was frequently sunburned. The doctor explained that my pigment cells were so damaged in these areas that they had actually died. In a very stern manner, he then told me that I needed to protect my skin from skin cancer by using a new high-tech cream called a “sunscreen.” This was in 1974. Thinking back, I can now see how seminal and synergistic both these experiences were in shaping my career as a skincare research scientist and Founder of RATIONALE.
What activity do you do which makes you feel most like yourself?
Research! I am never happier than when I have my head stuck in a dermatology, medical or formulation science journal. I always say that human skin is my guiding light and my research library. It is this understanding of the skin’s anatomy, physiology and pathology that powers every formulation I create at our RATIONALE Research Laboratory.
What is the most beautiful word or sound in the world?
The voices of those I love.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
My best investment was in my education. My first degrees were in music and education, and these have given me a powerful aesthetic discipline (technique) and love of the Arts.
My second qualification was in Formulation Science, and this gave me the foundation I needed to form the medically informed RATIONALE Research philosophy and team of scientists.
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it what would it say and why?
I am a joyful atheist who loves this life deeply. So, I guess my billboard would say….
This is it!
All we have is each other and this one opportunity to live on this beautiful planet.
Treasure every moment and act with loving kindness.
Richard Parker - Rationale
Whom do you secretly admire?
It’s no secret, but my husband, Greg Parker. And our son, Ezra. They are the most loving and loyal people I know, and I have the joy of interacting and being inspired by them every day.
In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour or habit has most improved your life?
To trust, without reservation, those I work with who are smarter and more talented than me in their respective fields. My job is to be the best leader of RATIONALE Research that I can be, and this keeps me perpetually on my toes and fully engaged at all times.
What time of the day do you feel the most energetic and what do you usually do in those moments?
I am a super early morning person! I’m usually awake and fully alert from 4-5am and I spend this precious time doing research or practicing the cello or the piano. When my brain is completely activated in this way, I feel ready to express my creativity and solve problems involving logic and strategy.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?
If I’m continually struggling with a problem and making no progress, I stop and ask myself “Is this the right time to be doing this?” Sometimes downing tools, talking to a loved one, lying on the floor and meditating or going for a 30-minute walk are more productive and get me back on track. I also find playing Bach on the piano or cello or even listening to Bach slow movements sparks creativity and focus. Bach is the great clarifier.
What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?
I speak to babies and animals in exactly the same way I talk to adults. I adjust my height to meet them at eye level, introduce myself and start a conversation, asking questions where appropriate. I do not know how much they understand, and people look at me as if I am crazy, but I believe they understand my kindly intent and feel loved. Babies and animals can teach us so much. I recently saw the Francis Bacon exhibition “Man and Beast” at the Royal Academy in London, and he expressed the commonalities of motivations and behaviours between mammalian species. We are not so very different.