“And people need to realize that….perfection is not beauty, or looking like somebody else is not beauty. We all are unique. We all have our own unique features. And I think just enhancing those and being better versions of ourselves, or a little younger versions, and not saying 20 years young, maybe five years younger, a five-year younger version of ourselves is what we should aim at, because beauty lies in the uniqueness. It doesn’t lie in perfection.“
– Dr. Jaishree Sharad
Welcome to another inspiring edition of Meet Our Sheroes, where we celebrate the incredible journey of Dr. Jaishree Sharad, a pioneer in cosmetic dermatology who has transformed the landscape of skincare with her innovative approach and unwavering dedication.
With over 23 years of excellence, Dr. Jaishree Sharad has earned her place as a global icon in the field of cosmetic dermatology. Her name resonates with trust, expertise, and unparalleled commitment to skincare. As one of the most internationally renowned cosmetic dermatologists, she has touched countless lives, from Bollywood stars and television personalities to politicians and athletes, helping them embrace confidence in their own skin. Her extensive expertise and personalized care make her a sought-after name among her esteemed clientele. Continue reading to learn how, with persistent drive to achieve excellence in her field, she carved not only her own path but also revolutionised our perception of skincare and beauty and we are pretty sure it will revolutionize yours too.
From Humble Beginnings to Dermatology Pioneer
Her story, from humble origins in a middle-class household to becoming a pioneering force in radio frequency technology and derma rollers in India, and eventually rising to recognition as one of the most known dermatologists, serves as a reminder that fate is created rather than given.
Dr. Jaishree’s narrative starts with a childhood dream of becoming a doctor in which her family was always encouraging her, “When you grow up, you’ll be a doctor.” She was a studious student through and worked hard, eventually getting her MBBS degree,a cornerstone of medical education in India. Dr. Jaishree aimed to become a paediatrician, however, life had different plans and due to unanticipated circumstances, she had to return to her hometown to care for her ill mother, forcing her to take a temporary break from her job.
When she returned, she was left with few options and her college offered her a single seat in dermatology, a profession that was not particularly popular at the time. As she stated, “there were very few dermatologists across India in, I’m talking about 1997 1996 where, you know, they were sort of doing all these simple dermatosurgical procedures. They were doing vitiligo surgeries, they were doing sebaceous cysts, acne scar surgeries”. After her course, she worked from 9 a.m. to about 2 p.m. in four different polyclinics, offering consultations, and by evening, she would travel an hour to assist and learn from her mentor, a leading expert in the field for over four and a half years.
In 2004, after years of effort, she was rewarded with a fellowship at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, where she learned advanced techniques in Botox, fillers, and lasers—skills that were virtually unknown in India at the time. With this newfound knowledge, she returned to India and started her own practice in a modest 300-square-foot space, continuing to work at the polyclinics during the morning hours to sustain her career.
After being introduced to cutting-edge radio frequency technology in Bangkok, she recognized an opportunity to bring something new and impactful to India.
Dr. Jaishree’s Journey to Becoming India’s Renowned Dermatologist
Hear it from her firsthand as she narrates the extraordinary path that led her to become one of India’s most respected dermatologists :
When I went to Bangkok, my teacher, was very fond of me because, you know, I used to sit and assist him in his private practice as well. We’d finish the hospital work by 6:30 or 7:00, and then sit in his private clinic. Until about 11, he would see patients, treat them, and perform procedures like fillers or lasers, and I would assist him.It was during this time that radio frequency technology had just about come. He suggested, “Why don’t you take this device to India?”
“I brought radio frequency technology to India. So, I was one of the first back then, in 2004, to introduce it. I started talking about it everywhere—demonstrating, showing the before-and-afters, and convincing people that this device works. That’s how I got various platforms where I could speak. Well, it so happened that there was a conference in 2005 in Hong Kong, and I was invited to speak as a speaker. Again, because of the Bangkok connection, I went there and spoke on the same radio frequency technology. There was a professor, very established and renowned, who asked me a whole lot of questions. I think I managed to convince him that this technology works.
When I came back, a couple of months later, I got a call from a very high-profile patient who said, “I’ve been referred to you by this doctor in Hong Kong. Will you come and do my treatment?” At the time, I lived in New Bombay, which is like the suburbs—similar to how New York and New Jersey are separate areas. I was essentially in “New Jersey.” This presented another struggle: figuring out how to get the device and where to treat her. In New Bombay, there were hardly any patients interested in aesthetic treatments. I said, “Okay, this is my opportunity.” I figured out a place—a really tiny, one-room setup. I would pack the machine and everything into my tiny Maruti 800, dump it all in, drive to the location, and set it up. That’s how my journey began. Word of mouth played a significant role. It was all a struggle. I came from a lower-middle-class family. My childhood was full of challenges. I got married very young and had responsibilities to take care of my brother and sister after my mom passed away in 1997. But God was kind, and paths kept opening for me. Every time I made a decision, it was as if the universe was helping me find a way. What kept me going was my passion for my work and an unrelenting zeal, which continues to drive me even today.There was no PR, no marketing—nothing. It was all word of mouth. I was new to Bombay (which is now Mumbai). I didn’t have a big daddy or any kind of support.
In 2006, I went to Melbourne for another conference where I spoke. I was always submitting free papers, pushing myself, taking loans (EMIs), and using study loans to buy tickets because I didn’t have the money otherwise. I introduced the derma roller to India for the first time. Again, it became a trend. I was talking about it everywhere. The founder of a company in Germany saw my work and contacted me. They asked, “Will you come to London to speak?” I said, “If you sponsor me, I’ll come.”
So, they sponsored me. I spoke at the FACE conference in London, one of the most popular conferences. I even conducted hands-on training sessions for UK-based dermatologists.A couple of months later, a high-profile actor came into my clinic. By then, I had moved to a setup of my own in Bandra. The actor said, “I’ve heard about you. This doctor in London referred me. Will you see my skin?” And that’s how my journey truly began—first with a referral from Hong Kong and then another from London.”
She described how, in those difficult times when she could barely make ends meet, she never let go of her belief in her work. With limited resources—sometimes just one set of clothes for the entire year—she continued pushing forward, driven by an inner conviction that success would come through persistence and passion. It’s during these challenging moments that she truly gave her “1,000%”—a commitment that allowed her to rise above adversity and keep moving toward her goals.
Dr. Jaishree’s pursuit of excellence, rather than fame or recognition, set her apart. Whether she was assisting her mentor or attending conferences, she was driven by a passion for her field, a trait that is critical for researchers and academics who aspire to make a meaningful impact. Her work reminds researchers everywhere that the struggle for knowledge without any immediate benefits is not in vain—it is the very foundation upon which breakthroughs, innovations, and lasting impact are built.
Dr. Jaishree on Aesthetic Technologies, Holistic Skincare, and the Science of Ageing Gracefully
Dr. Jaishree also discussed two main technologies used in aesthetic treatments: radiofrequency and microneedling, both of which are widely employed in clinics, including in the United States.
She describes radiofrequency (RF) technology as a non-surgical procedure for skin tightening. The procedure employs radiofrequency energy to heat the collagen in the skin, tightening it and stimulating the generation of new collagen over time. She stresses that this therapy is not a replacement for Botox or fillers because it lifts and firms the face rather than targeting wrinkles. This technology is utilised in clinics with machines such as Venus, Axilas, and Aviva, and she notes that, while it can reverse some signs of ageing, it takes frequent treatments, usually once or twice a year, to preserve the benefits.
Micro-needling Is the use of a device with small needles to form micro-channels in the skin, similar to a derma roller but this method improves the absorption of serums and solutions such as vitamin C and peptides as it allows them to enter deeper into the skin. She explained that, although derma rollers are now available for home use, in professional settings, the technique has advanced to micro-needling with radiofrequency or derma pens, which deliver deeper results such as skin tightening, fine line reduction, and improved pore size. These clinic-based therapies boost the production of collagen and enhance the effectiveness of other skin care serums.
Dr. Jaishree emphasises that, while at-home derma roller usage yields more superficial outcomes, clinic-based micro-needling devices provide deeper regeneration and skin tightening benefits. Dr. Jaishree emphasises that aesthetic dermatology includes the overall health of the body, mind, and skin.
She emphasises that having beautiful skin requires more than just following a skincare routine; it also includes gut health and the skin-brain link. Dr. Jaishree emphasises the significance of eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding fad diets and crash diets, and, most significantly, reducing sugar, which she says accelerates the ageing process by producing glycation, which breaks down collagen. She also emphasises that sugar might elevate the IGF-1 hormone, exacerbating acne. Furthermore, she stated that alcohol and nicotine, in any form, can damage the skin’s collagen, resulting in accelerated ageing.
Holistic Approach to Healthy Skin: Diet, Sleep, and Exercise
In her practice, Dr. Jaishree advocates for a holistic treatment approach that addresses both internal health and external aesthetics.
She said, “the first thing I want to mention is your diet. You should include brightly colored fruits and vegetables, especially more vegetables, because they are very rich in antioxidants, and that’s exactly what your skin and body need.” She continued, “Next is sleep. When you’re sleeping, your growth hormone increases, which helps your collagen build and repair your skin. Melatonin also rises, helping you sleep and acting as a powerful antioxidant. It also lowers your cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. When cortisol goes down, inflammation decreases. So, sleep benefits your skin. If you have eczema, urticaria, acne, or hair fall, all of these conditions will improve with proper sleep. It’s important to follow your circadian rhythm and make sleep a routine—if you’re going to bed at 11, stick to that time every day. Don’t sleep at 11 one day, 12 the next, and 2 am the day after. Make it a regular routine.” She then added, “Exercise is also very important. Not only does it increase blood flow, supplying your skin with more nutrients, but it also raises the happy hormones in your body. This sends signals to the brain, and in turn, the brain sends signals to your skin, making it healthier. Exercise helps the skin as well.”
She went on to talk about stress, saying, “In today’s world, everyone has stress—even small children. But coping with it is crucial because stress raises your cortisol levels, which leads to acne, hyperpigmentation, collagen breakdown, fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and patchy skin. Stress exacerbates conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and causes more hair fall.” She emphasized, “So how do you deal with stress? We all know about yoga, pranayama, and meditation, but it’s not that easy. I recommend picking a hobby and giving yourself one hour of ‘me time’ every day. Whether you’re good at art, want to draw, paint, sing, swim, or even just shut yourself in a room and dance like a monkey—whatever makes you happy. Put on a fun Bollywood song and dance; nobody’s watching you!”
She concluded, “Self-love is extremely important. If you don’t take time to love yourself, confidence won’t grow, and your bad hormones will increase, which affects your skin. If you’re not happy inside, your skin will remain dull, no matter how many treatments you try. Whatever is inside will reflect on the outside. If you’re happy, your skin will glow.“
“If you’re happy, your skin will glow,” she said. “If you’re not, you may do 1000 treatments, and your skin will still remain dull. So, that’s again very important.” She emphasized the need to keep yourself engaged. “For example, I’m not just dealing with patients; I’m also attending conferences, learning new things, reading up on PubMed, keeping up with new journal articles, giving lectures, and even managing a bit of Instagram. I try to do everything in my own way, at my own pace, without getting overwhelmed by the thought of not having enough time. It’s all about giving yourself a little time for these things.”
She explained, “Then, do your skincare ritual, which involves cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen—those are non-negotiable. You can add on whatever serums you want. And maybe after the age of 35, you should do a little bit of treatment here and there. I’m not saying you should be at a skin clinic every week or even every month, but maybe once every quarter, you could consider some treatment. You can’t defy the process of aging, so you need something. I always say 20% of your skin is determined by your genes, 30% by your lifestyle, 20% by your skincare routine, and the remaining 30% by what you do in terms of treatments for the aging process. So, I always encourage people to age youthfully but gracefully, never overdoing things.”
“And people need to realize that, you know, perfection is not beauty, or looking like somebody else is not beauty. We all are unique. We all have our own unique features. And I think just enhancing those and being better versions of ourselves, or a little younger versions, and not saying 20 years young, maybe five years younger, a five-year younger version of ourselves is what we should aim at, because beauty lies in the uniqueness. You know, it doesn’t lie in perfection,” she said.
Dr. Jaishree Sharad and Dr. Alka Chopra Madan also discussed the evolving demographics of her clientele. Dr Jaishree shared in the past, her practice primarily centered around women, however, this has changed significantly over the years and today the client base has an equal number of men and women seeking her services.
What’s the right age to start with?
As a dermatologist, she treats patients of all ages, including newborn infants, for allergies and eczema. When it comes to aesthetics, she acknowledged treating children as young as 9 or 10 years old, particularly for acne issues.
Dr. Jaishree advised patients wanting aesthetic treatments that they should consider chemical peels or microneedling when they are 17 or 18, particularly if they had scars. She emphasised the importance of treating traumatic, surgical, and acne scars in order to regain confidence and self-esteem.
Dr. Jaishree indicated that she conducts cosmetic operations such as Botox and fillers on patients as young as 22, particularly those with specific issues such as very thin lips or sunken eyes. As she works with numerous celebrities, she frequently tackles concerns such as thin lips and hollow eyes in order to improve their appearance for professional purposes. Dr. Jaishree also stated that for cosmetic treatments at earlier ages—sometimes as early as 16 or 17—she prefers to wait until the patient is a little older, such as 22, to ensure that their decision is well-thought-out.
Dr. Jaishree responded, “The right age. So, you know, I always say that do not wait for the building to collapse, because then you have to rebuild everything, right? When we age, the process of aging does not just involve the skin. The process of aging involves the bone. You know, we have five layers here. We have the bone, and over the bone, there’s like a fat deposit, a thick deposit of fat. Then there is muscle, and then there is, again, some amount of fat, and then the skin. All of these layers are aging, not just the skin. When the bones, fat, and muscles lose their integrity, the skin becomes thin, doesn’t have support, and it starts sagging, so everything looks like it’s drooping.“
Here is a link to her blog and video in which she explains this process herself:
https://www.jaishreesharad.com/2023/04/21/can-creams-help-to-get-rid-of-sagging-skin/
Dr. Jaishree continued, “If you wait for all of that to happen, it’s very difficult for us to rebuild. I mean, it’s possible, but we’ll have to do that much more, or even probably a facelift or surgery. But if you begin early and you maintain it with small treatments, like a little radiofrequency, a skin booster injection, maybe a HIFU, which is an ultrasound treatment, or microneedling, so maybe three or four treatments in a year, you will be able to maintain your face, pretty much as it looks at 35 or a little more. It will not allow that collapse to happen. That’s why you should start early.”
The Key to Dr. Jaishree’s Flawless Skin
The key to Dr. Jaishree’s flawless skin is a regimen of self-control, regularity, and thoroughness. For the past quarter of a century, she has applied sunscreen religiously, knowing full well that it shields the skin from damaging ultraviolet radiation and delays the ageing process. For her nighttime skincare routine, she applies a retinoid, which increases cell turnover, diminishes the appearance of fine wrinkles, and encourages the creation of collagen. On top of that, she gets a Profiler skin booster treatment every six months. This helps her seem young by stimulating collagen formation by tiny injections, all while keeping her face looking natural. She pays special attention to the neck as it ages more quickly than the face and treats it every three months. Twice yearly, Dr. Jaishree has HIFU therapy, which uses heat to stimulate deeper layers of skin to tighten and firm it, for an extra boost.
Dr. Jaishree on Choosing Safe Skincare: Trusted Brands, Harmful Ingredients, and the Importance of Sunscreen
She suggests going with brands that have been around for a while, have been tested by the FDA, and have been the subject of much research. The hallmarks of a trustworthy business include adherence to rigorous regulations, the completion of comprehensive clinical research, and the maintenance of complete ingredient transparency. What works for one person’s skin type might not be good for yours, so it’s important to use products that are tailored to yours, says Dr. Jaishree.
On the other hand, she warns about purchasing goods from unproven vendors, particularly those making grand claims (like skin-lightening cosmetics in India) about how miraculous they are. Steroids, mercury, or lead are just a few of the dangerous compounds included in them. She says that most chemicals are safe to use unless you have an allergy to them, but she stresses that you should stay away from parabens and oxybenzone, two ingredients in sunscreens. Thankfully, you may find several safe sunscreens that do not contain these chemicals. Dr. Jaishree emphasises the significance of appropriate skincare without the worry of toxic chemicals when using trustworthy products, and she continues by saying that skin cancer, including basal cell carcinomas and melanomas, can result from not using sunscreen.
Dr. Jaishree’s Bestselling Books and Contributions to Dermatology Literature
Dr. Jaishree has authored multiple books, such as Aesthetic Dermatology for Dermatologists, aimed at those pursuing dermatology studies and fellowships, and Skin Talks, published by Penguin in 2014. Her second book, The Skin Rules, was also a bestseller. In 2023, she released The Skin Care Answer Book, which tackles frequently asked questions from her Instagram followers, creating a practical guide for readers. She has contributed chapters to several esteemed textbooks on dermatology, reinforcing her expertise in the field. Dr. Jaishree is in the process of completing her fourth book, anticipated to be published within the coming year.
We at Meet Our Sheroes are proud to salute Dr. Jaishree for her outstanding achievements and the positive impact she has had on countless lives. As I penned down this blog, I found myself approach skincare with a newfound respect and a more informed mindset.I’ve always wondered if skincare really works, but after listening to Dr. Jaishree’s science-backed explanation, I finally got the answers I was looking for. Her clear, scientific approach to skincare showed me that it’s not just about using any product or undergoing any treatment—it’s about understanding how different processes and ingredients interact with our skin and how they can provide real benefits.
Also, to me, her story is a powerful reminder that the consistent efforts of a true researcher are never in vain as that every small step, every extra hour, and every ounce of dedication counts in the long run. Dr. Jaishree’s path to recognition was not instant but built over time, layer by layer, with each book, lecture, and contribution.
Her story is a perfect example of how women take charge of their futures, and inspire others. At Global Women Power, we continue to encourage women to pursue their dreams, build confidence, and support one another, just as Dr. Jaishree has done throughout her distinguished career.
