After five years of quiet work with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, Martha Stewart is opening a new chapter in beauty with Elm Biosciences—a mindset rooted in disciplined routines, science you can live with, and the belief that skin health is part of a larger lifestyle. In our conversation, she shares the nonnegotiables, the habits she never skips, and why aging well is about practice, not perfection.

 

What inspired you to create a skincare line at this point in your career, and what gap in the market were you hoping to fill?

Skin is our largest organ, and as you age it has to be taken care of religiously and efficaciously. I have been interested in skincare since I was a child. Dr. Bhanusali introduced me to the science and intricacies of skincare, which inspired the creation of this line. We think there is a broad audience that this line will appeal to. Individuals who want to look and feel their best from the inside out. We want to help people age both gracefully and beautifully.

How involved were you in the development process, from ingredients to packaging? Did you insist on any “non-negotiables”?

I have been deeply involved in every step of the process from the past 5 years. I have worked closely with Dr. Bhanusali testing each iteration of the products and providing detailed feedback to get to this line of products we are so proud of.

What does your own daily skincare routine look like, and how has it evolved over time?

I always start my day with a clean face. I’ll then usually put on a skincare mask, and then lather myself with the serum.  I then apply a sunblock with a tint in it and proceed with my day.

You’ve always embraced aging gracefully. How does this line speak to women who want to look their best at every age?

Senescence takes place every day in our bodies. Cells die, skin ages, and there are many opportunities to halt that or to prolong the life and health of your skin.

You’ve successfully launched everything from cookware to wine. How do you see this skincare line fitting into the larger Martha Stewart lifestyle empire?

Your face is part of your brand. My brand and lifestyle embody good, healthy and active living.

What’s the one thing you can never go to bed without doing, regarding beauty routine?

I never go to sleep without washing my face. This is a key component to my skincare routine and very important for overall cleanliness.