Why I Don’t Recommend Every Trendy Skincare Treatment (Here’s How I Decide)

 When it comes to skincare, I get asked all the time, “How do you decide which new treatments are worth trying?” 

Honestly, it’s not about the latest buzz or the trendiest product . It’s about digging deeper, really understanding what’s happening under the surface of our skin, and being absolutely sure it’s safe and effective before I even think about recommending it.

The first thing I do is look at the scientific evidence , the  studies published , the peer reviews not just flashy marketing claims. I read about the ingredients, how they actually work, and whether there’s credible evidence supporting their use. A product can sound revolutionary, but if it doesn’t have solid data behind it, it doesn’t make it past this stage.

Then I think about how it’s formulated and delivered. It’s one thing to have a powerful ingredient, but if it can’t penetrate the skin properly, or if it’s unstable in the formula, it won’t do much. And of course, safety is non-negotiable. I carefully consider potential side effects, whether it’s suitable for all skin types, and how it behaves long-term. Even if something promises amazing results, it’s not worth the risk if it could cause irritation or worse.

 There’s a big difference between a controlled lab study and how a treatment performs on actual people.  For me the  recovery time, comfort, and consistency of treatment is equally important.. If a treatment works beautifully in theory but falls short in practice, it doesn’t make sense to recommend it. I would suggest everyone in this field that when you are treating someone , only do what you are 100% sure and makes sense to you .

Cost is another factor I can’t ignore. I want treatments that deliver real, measurable improvements—not just expensive promises. If a less costly alternative offers similar results safely, that’s what I would suggest. And finally, I look at the brand behind it. Transparency, ethical marketing, and a commitment to education over hype go a long way in earning my trust.

At the end of the day, recommending a skincare treatment is a responsibility. You can’t just follow trends—you need to ensure that anything you do in your treatment room is truly effective  &   safe. 

Every product or procedure I stand behind has been carefully evaluated for effectiveness, safety, and value. This thoughtful, cautious approach is how I ensure results you can trust.

And this is also my advice to anyone new in this field:
Never chase trends — chase understanding, safety, and integrity.

Dr Alka Mehta