Dr Yadav recently spoke with a journalist on the current skin fads and trends.

Read exchange here:

1. What is one skincare trend that you would absolutely AVOID recommending people to try on their own at home?

DIY Chemical Peels at home - whether by using precsription strength professional products or by aggressive use / layering of strong home care products / combination of peels with exfoliation.

2. Microneedling patches are advertised as patches that have microneedles attached. They are apparently great for treating acne. A lot of dermatologists out there approve of this at-home skin care treatment. Do you? If so, tell us why. 

Microneedling patches are a recent addition and have potential for misuse by anxious acne patients in an attempt to clear skin rapidly. Gentler is always better since acne is an inflammatory condition. Also, severe acne needs oral medication under professional supervision - failing which permanent scarring can occur. Thus I currently do not endorse the use of the patches - nor microneedling with a dermaroller or dermapen at home. There is significant risk of lasting skin damage and complications due to improper technique & post care. Best avoided.

3.    We’ve heard of personalized shampoos, which help build a custom hair care routine for its users. A big trend in 2019 is personalized skin care products, which provide skin care for each individual's skin needs. This involves asking a series of questions, such as where do they live, how often they work out, etc, and then plugging in those results to get a customized routine for your skin.

4. Speaking of this, is this a skin care trend that you believe is helpful? If so, why.

We have been crafting personalized skin care routines and treatment plans for patients for many years. Individual needs do vary and the availability of personalized skin care dispensing or formulation is likely to become a bigger trend.

5.    What are some 2019 skin care trends that you think are useful?

My favorite trend is the tweakment. Tweakments are minimalist frequent non invasive treatments done subtly and in smaller doses starting earlier in life (20s-30s) to prevent/undo signs of aging.

Tweakments are more cost effective in the long run and do not drastically alter one's appearance

6.    Smart beauty apps and devices that connect to the internet are becoming a big trend in 2019. For example, the American Academy of Dermatology, who released a new tech-forward app designed to manage chronic urticaria. “The app allows people to journal and diary their hives, learn about them and discuss them with their dermatologist.” In addition to this, there are more smart beauty devices that are able to connect to the internet, Bluetooth and mobile apps. Are you for or against beauty turning ‘smart’ by being a part of mobile apps and wireless technology for at-home use?

Definitely for. Technology has played and will continue to play a significant role in the evolution of beauty & dermatology. We presently use smart devices in clinic and prescribe apps to help patients track their symptoms & take charge of their own health.

7.    CBD oil and cannabis-infused beauty has become super trendy in 2019. What do you think of this new trend? Are you for or against it? Please explain why.

CBD is not the magic potion it's been hyped as even though it may have some anti inflammatory effect. This is a grey area with lack of adequate evidence and regulation. On the fence, thus far.

8.    Full-body skincare. We spend so much time caring for our faces, but lately in 2019, more and more people are focusing on full-body skin care, which means paying attention to our aging necks, bacne, body acne, etc. This means that more companies have been adding hyaluronic acid or AHAs to body creams and lotions. What are your thoughts on this trend? Is it something you’re seeing a lot of? And are you supportive of it?

Absolutely. All our patients use their skincare products on the body as well. We treat concerns of the body with the same seriousness as the face - with a special emphasis on necks and hands, since the thin skin in these areas ages faster even than the skin on one's face.