Dr Rekha Sheth is a name to reckon with in the cosmetic dermatology industry in India. With more than 35 years of experience in the field, she has a host of celebrities on her client list. She also has many firsts to her credit. She conceptualised and opened the first beauty clinic in India, way back in 1994. The clinic has now grown into a chain called Yuva Skin and Hair Clinics. In 1997, Dr Sheth founded The Cosmetology Society of India – an internationally recognised organisation which works to educate and set standards for beauty and dermatology services in India. She has also authored ‘The Beauty Book,’ published by Penguin International, which focuses on Indian skin type.
She was the first Asian dermatologist to be nominated by L’Oréal to speak at the European Academy. She also became the first Indian woman to be nominated as Vice President of the prestigious International Society of Dermatology (ISD). Dr Sheth is the first asian woman to have received the prestigious Maria Duran Award by the International Society of Dermatology. She is also featured regularly in newspapers and magazines as an expert on skin and hair treatments.
Trending now
In an exclusive interaction with Aesthetic Medicine, Dr Sheth divulged details about what’s trending in the cosmetic dermatology world. She said, “In the West, the dermatologists have new technology and devices at their disposal as the market there is mature. In India, we have to do make the best of what we have. Since the market here is in a growing stage, I have realised that combination treatments work the best. For instance, microdermabrasion with peels or peels with Q-switch treatments give effective results. Peels are especially popular in India as they are affordable both for the doctors and the patients. They can be used to treat acne, pigmentation and dullness.”
The Indian market is different from the West in terms of patient concerns, too. Dr Sheth expounded, “Seven out of ten Indian women have PCOS. Apart from this, people face exposure to UV rays, pollution and blue light on a regular basis. Patients end up looking for quick fix solutions rather than going to the root of the problem. For PCOS, it is important to treat the problem first before treating the symptoms. I had once completely treated the acne of a patient but she came back to me after 10 years as the acne reappeared due to PCOS.”
Dr Sheth also pointed out that anti-ageing is one of the prime concerns for Indians today. Since she had pioneered the launch of Botox and fillers in India, she has witnessed the way the market has grown over the years. Fillers are increasingly getting acceptance now as they not only change the physiological appearance of one’s face but also improves the skin’s quality. “In the anti-ageing category, micro needling with radio frequency is a trending treatment. This treatment has no downtime. It tightens the skin and the results are immediate. It can also be used to treat acne scars, pigmentation, hair fall and excessive facial hair,” she added.
Focus on India
When asked about her opinion on Aesthetic Medicine magazine coming to India, Dr Sheth said, “Aesthetic Medicine magazine debuting in India is a good idea. I think the magazine should go out to consumers and the beauty industry, too. It should educate people on the vast dimension of aesthetic medicine and to make them understand what all is possible in this realm.”
Dr Sheth heads the Yuva Skin and Hair Clinics, which has three branches in Mumbai. She also has a cosmeceutical brand called Dr Sheth’s – For Indian Skin. As the tagline suggests, the products in the range cater to the needs and concerns of Indian skin. All the products are vegan and created with the combined knowledge of Ayurveda, Botanicals and Western Medicine.