Conversations with Rachel McClain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel McClain.

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into creating PUAH™ Skincare is deeply personal and rooted in both science and faith. I am a licensed pharmacist, trained to understand medications and how they impact the body. But my perspective on healing truly shifted after a pivotal experience with my daughter.

In 2015, shortly after she was born, she developed a severe rash on the back of her neck. It was diagnosed as a yeast rash, but I was told it didn’t require treatment. As a mother and a pharmacist, that didn’t sit right with me. I decided to carefully use a small amount of antifungal cream I had—similar to what’s used during nursing—being very cautious due to her age and potential side effects. While I saw slight improvement, her skin became increasingly dry, which concerned me even more.

That’s when I began searching for a more natural solution—something that could both treat and nourish her skin. I came across information about coconut oil and its antifungal properties. I decided to try it, and within about seven days, her skin completely healed.

That moment changed everything for me.

This wasn’t something I was taught in pharmacy school, and it sparked a deeper curiosity: if coconut oil could do this, what else could natural ingredients do? That question led me down a path of studying botanicals, skin conditions, and holistic health in a way I had never explored before.

From there, what started as personal research turned into formulation—first for my family, then for others. PUAH was born from that journey. The brand is God-given and a reflection of my faith and obedience to step into this calling. It represents my commitment to creating plant-based, results-driven products that support the body naturally.

Today, PUAH has grown into a brand known for impactful formulations like the Dragon’s Blood Anti-Aging & Repair Cream, loved for its radiant glow and skin-rejuvenating properties, and the Comfrey Osteodynia Elixir, a patent-pending formula recognized for its powerful pain relief support.

Where I am today is the result of that one moment of curiosity, combined with my clinical background, my role as a mother, and my faith. It set the foundation for everything I am building—a brand centered on healing, intention, and restoring the body from the inside out.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like any entrepreneurial journey, there have been moments of failure, doubt, and uncertainty along the way. One of the biggest internal challenges I faced was feeling like I didn’t fully “belong” in the skincare space. As a pharmacist, I have a strong clinical background, but I’m not a dermatologist—and at times, that made me question whether I was truly qualified to build a brand in this industry.

However, what grounded me was real-life experience. What I saw firsthand with my daughter’s skin, and even my own, showed me that results, consistency, and understanding the body holistically can be just as powerful as traditional pathways. That gave me confidence to keep going.

There were also moments where I stepped into rooms and spaces where I didn’t feel like I fit the mold—but instead of shrinking, I leaned into who I am. I embraced my unique position as both a pharmacist and a wellness-focused entrepreneur. That combination allowed me to stand out rather than blend in.

Building PUAH has required resilience, faith, and a willingness to move forward even when things weren’t perfect. Every challenge has refined my vision and strengthened my confidence in what I’m building.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I am a creator, a pharmacist, and a wellness advocate who chose to build something beyond the traditional path. While I was trained in pharmacy, I quickly realized I didn’t fully fit into the conventional model. Instead of forcing it, I created my own space—one that blends clinical knowledge with holistic, plant-based wellness. That decision has opened doors for me in ways I never imagined.

Today, I am known as “The Functional Hormonal Pharmacist™.” I specialize in supporting women through the natural ups and downs of being a woman—whether that’s PMS, PCOS, perimenopause, or menopause—using nutrition, botanicals, and lifestyle-based approaches. My focus is always on getting to the root cause and helping women feel empowered in their bodies.

I also share this work through my Instagram, @drrachelrph, where I create and educate through juicing. I’ve built a community by sharing effective, science-informed juice recipes that support real health concerns in a practical, approachable way. That platform has become a space where people can learn how to take control of their health naturally.

In addition, I am currently working on a comprehensive juicing recipe book and eBook that I’m excited to release soon. It will bring together my knowledge, experience, and passion into a resource that people can use daily.

Through my brand, PUAH™, I extend that same philosophy to skincare—creating products that support the body externally while honoring what’s happening internally.

What sets me apart is that I didn’t wait for permission to step into this space. I built it. I combined my background in pharmacy with my passion for natural healing, and I allowed my experiences—both personal and professional—to shape my direction. I am constantly creating, learning, and evolving, and I think that authenticity resonates with people.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to turn my calling into something that genuinely helps others—whether it’s through skincare, education, or wellness. I’ve created a lane that didn’t exist for me, and now I get to walk in it with purpose.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Some of my favorite childhood memories revolve around simple, joy-filled moments with my family. We loved to sing together, and we would pretend we were part of major gospel choirs like Hezekiah Walker and Kirk Franklin & the Family. Those moments were full of laughter, creativity, and connection—we truly enjoyed ourselves and created our own little world through music.
I also remember looking forward to Fridays because that meant TGIF night. Watching shows like Full House and Family Matters was something I genuinely looked forward to every week. Those little traditions brought so much excitement and comfort.
Looking back, it wasn’t anything extravagant—it was the consistency, the joy, and the time spent together that made those memories so meaningful. Those are the moments that still make my heart smile today.

Pricing:

• All of my pricing can be found on www.puahskincare.com for products

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.puahskincare.com
• Instagram: @puahskincare

Image Credits
I shot all the photos. So Dr. Rachel McClain.