Nina Desai, MD

Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics is a full-service medical and cosmetic dermatology practice offering a complete portfolio of cosmetic services including injectables, devices and the latest technologies to improve overall skin health. Founder Nina Desai, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in the treatment of skin diseases for all ages and skin types. After earning her medical degree at Brown University and completing fellowships at Harvard University and Cornell University, Dr. Desai practiced in New York City for several years before relocating to Southern California. She opened Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics in 2021.

Tell us how it feels to have your own practice.

Having my own practice and creating an environment that offers the highest level of personalized patient care, while providing effective treatments with the latest devices, has always been my dream. I am so excited to share Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics with my patients and the community. We have been growing ever since I opened my practice. Going to work at Pure is such a joy. I feel so fortunate to be able to work and raise my family in this amazing community.  

Why are you considered a go-to person in the South Bay community? 

When creating my practice, the primary goal was to create an environment where my patients wanted to come and spend their time. It was about creating a relationship with my patients in which they feel listened to and that all of their skin care issues have been addressed. I think that my patients trust that when they see me, they will have a great long-term plan for their skin and all of their questions will be answered. It is not just about treating their medical skin issues or addressing their cosmetic skin concerns; it is about making sure both are in balance so their skin not only looks its best but is its healthiest as well. My patients appreciate this comprehensive approach.  

What challenges have you faced as a woman in business?  

As a woman in business and a mom of four young kids, the biggest challenge has been having enough hours in the day to get everything done. I love to give my work 100%, and I also love to give my family 100%. So initially I would find it challenging to go from work mode to mom mode and vice versa. Once I realized that my strengths as a mom also make me a better physician and entrepreneur, and my strengths as a business owner make me better equipped to handle four kids and a busy household, everything became more manageable. Not that I have completely figured it out, but I am now able to use what I have learned from all of the different aspects of my life to attack any challenge as it comes.  

What advice would you give your younger self just starting out in business?  

Don’t wait for the perfect time to make a move in your career. Taking a chance and putting yourself on the line is never easy, but if you don’t do it, you will never have the success you desire.  

What motivates you to go to work every day?

I absolutely love what I do. I have a long, personal relationship with most of my patients, and l love seeing them through their skin care journeys. For me it is not about one issue on the skin; it is about treating the skin as a whole so you love your skin and you are motivated and inspired to take care of it. Whether I am treating acne/acne scarring, removing skin cancer or easing sun damage, I love giving my patients the confidence they need to face the world. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it is the first thing we present to the world. It really is my privilege to be able to care for it.

How do you foster a positive work environment?

I find that the most positive work environment is where everyone knows they are a valued member of the team. My staff is the backbone of the business. They are the first and last contact for our patients, so their positive attitudes are everything. The environment we foster at Pure is one of camaraderie and teamwork. Everyone on staff is willing to help out and jump in wherever needed to ensure that patients are well cared for and their experience is nothing short of phenomenal.

What does success mean to you?

Success to me is feeling proud of what I have built and accomplished, and my children being proud of me as well. I measure my success by how fulfilled I feel day to day. I love waking up in the morning and knowing there are things I have always dreamed of—like owning my own practice—that are now a reality.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell