Our Founders

Our Founders: Dr Luigi Polla and Ada Polla

DR. LUIGI L. POLLA, FOUNDER

@foreverinstitut | @forever.boutique.beaute
@dr_luigipolla

World-renowned cosmetic dermatologist—and father of Ada, our CEO—Dr. Luigi Polla was the first medical doctor in Europe to use laser technology in his practice, which revolutionized aesthetic dermatology. But beyond the physical benefits, his experience of seeing people’s lives improve following these treatments led him to understand that how a person looks plays a big part in their overall well-being. His earliest topical skin care formulations were created for post-procedure at-home care for his patients. These formulations marked the beginning of Alchimie Forever® as skin care products to not only immediately treat sensitized skin, but also for anti-aging benefits.

Dr. Polla specialized in dermatology during his medical studies in Geneva, Switzerland, and broadened his expertise in cutaneous (skin) allergies at University Hospital Saint-Luc in Brussels. From there he spent two years at the Wellman Laboratory in Boston, gaining expertise in laser dermatology. Upon his return to Geneva in 1986, Dr. Polla opened a solo dermatology practice addressing the needs of children suffering from skin issues like hemangiomas and port wine stains, eventually leading to the use of pulsed dye laser technology in the aesthetic treatment of adults. In 1997, the spa made its transformation into the first fully integrated European medical day spa, known as the Forever Institut. Dr. Polla is the founder of the Swiss Society for Aesthetic Medicine, a board member of the Committee on the International Union of Aesthetic Medicine, and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Today, he continues to practice dermatology—both medical and cosmetic—at the Forever Institut. The medi spa is an important component to Alchimie Forever®, acting as the foundation on which the brand’s learning and discovery are built.

Favorite Products:

Skin Repair Gel
Kantic® Brightening Moisture Mask
Dry Skin Balm

ADA POLLA, CEO

@adapolla

A skin care expert, entrepreneur, and lover of art & champagne, Ada Polla launched her family’s Swiss-based skincare line in the US in 2004, and has run the company, Alchimie Forever®, ever since.

Having earned a BA from Harvard University and an MBA from Georgetown prior to the launch, it might come as no surprise that, today, the brand boasts global visibility and distribution. Ada’s focus and determination have produced double-digit annual growth and garnered her several press-worthy opportunities to share knowledge from her family’s dermatologic practice and research. Her passion for the science of anti-aging skin care has led to her securing partnerships with exclusive spas, specialty boutiques, pharmacies, and online partners. Ada continues to share her family’s philosophy that healthy skin can be achieved by using clean and clinical skin care products.

Ada contributes to several industry magazines and speaks at top universities and leading industry conferences. She was featured on the cover of BusinessWeek’s SmallBiz and was one of the top five finalists nominated for Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneur Magazine. The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship has also presented her with the Homegrown Entrepreneur Award.

Ada has experience in consulting, and cut her teeth doing product management in the medical device industry. She is on the board of the Independent Beauty Association, and spends much of her time traveling to accomplish the work she does.

Favorite Products:

Advanced Retinol Serum
Pigment Perfecting Serum
Tightening Eye Gel