Noreen- Leesburg

Let’s start at the beginning—can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to create Inner Glow Vitamins?

Inner Glow Vitamins first became an idea about 17-20 years ago when I was an assistant professor at the University of Utah. A lot of people don’t know this, but Utah has the highest skin cancer rate in the United States- it’s most of what I was seeing day-to-day. GIven the outdoor lifestyle and genetic predisposition people have to skin cancer in Utah, prevention was a challenge. Supplementation wasn’t a thing back then, so the best people could do was sunscreen, if that. That’s when I started exploring options for my patients. I spent nights thinking- what else can I do? That’s when I began studying herbs and nutraceuticals, pondering what these could do to repair and protect the skin. Initially, I would mainly research ingredients and then recommend them to patients. They would come back, though, with these awful supplements with horrible ingredients, not to mention expensive! I remember a patient came in with a fish oil supplement that mainly consisted of canola oil. That was when I decided to take matters into my own hands and create Inner Glow Vitamins. I did it for my patients.

What does a typical day in your life look like? Any rituals, routines, or little luxuries that anchor your day?

My schedule varies with everything I juggle, but generally, I start early. First, I get my two high schoolers on the bus. Then, on my way to work, I check in with my college-aged kids. Once I get to the office, I check in with my assistant over coffee. Since my schedule has so many variabilities, I look forward to the little things that don’t change; my lunchtime smooth is one of those things! I’ve been having a smoothie for lunch for almost a decade. Given my love for ingredient research and exploration, I love trying new combinations!

You must tell us- what’s in your smoothie lately?!

Although a lot of things change, there’s one constant, and that’s blueberries. Blueberries are the most potent antioxidant- this is the easiest thing to add to your daily diet that will make a difference to your overall health. I’ve also been adding pomegranate, matcha powder, ginger, and probiotics, similar to the Inner Glow Age Defense Vitamins.

What’s one skincare product you can’t live without?

The Inner Glow Age Defense Vitamins. I’ve been taking these for about 17 years- we only recently launched, but from research to product development, it’s been with me for a long time. The skin cells turn over every 40-50 days, so you will see a difference within 5-6 weeks. The way I describe the power of these supplements is that you’re building from within. People focus so much on the external regimen and the multi-step skincare routines, but is it doing that much without the support of these internal building blocks? I don’t think so.

Who is a woman—famous or not—who has deeply inspired you, and how has she shaped your outlook or path?

I’m sure many people would answer their mom to this question, and I’d do the same. As long as you have a good relationship with your mom, which I have been blessed to have, it’s hard to come across a woman more inspiring than your own mother. My mother is like my blueprint and has shown me what strength looks like.

What’s one of your favorite skin conditions to treat?

I love treating hair loss! I love that it often presents as such a mystery, and cracking the code with the patient brings me and the patient so much gratification and peace of mind.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

Trust the timing of your life. You don’t need to have it all figured out at once. Give yourself time to evolve, and don’t underestimate the power of kindness.

Are there any books, podcasts, or people you return to when you need grounding or inspiration?

I think Being Mortal by Atul Gawande is a must-read. Most of what I listen to for podcasts has nothing to do with medicine- I love Freakonomics, for instance. When I do find myself in the mood for some science, though, I like Peter Attia. Peter Attia talks about what to do with diet and other health and nutrition-related things.

Speaking of diet, how do Inner Glow Vitamins add to this nutritional piece?

You can’t get certain things from diet alone, and that’s where Inner Glow Vitamins come in. Inner Glow Vitamins have ingredients like polypodium in South American ferns and pycnogenol in French bark, for instance- which we’d never see in our diet otherwise.

What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I have an interior design degree that I got later in life, which has come in handy!

Is there a mantra or quote you come back to again and again?

Use your gifts to do good. At Inner Glow Vitamins, we donate 10% of our profits every month to women in need.

What’s next for you and Inner Glow Vitamins? Where can we find the vitamins?

I’m excited about the future of Inner Glow Vitamins. We only just launched, but I’m hoping they take off. 2025 is projected to be the hottest year yet, and we’re coming to a point where sunscreen alone isn’t enough. We have a few other things up our sleeves that I think will also be very exciting- stay tuned :)

You can find us at innerglowvitamins.com and on Amazon!