I Rated 12 Popular Skin Treatments: Here’s What I Actually Think & Why

If I could recommend only one anti-aging skincare ingredient, it would probably be retinol.

Very few ingredients have the level of scientific evidence behind them that retinol does. It stimulates collagen, improves skin texture, softens fine lines, helps with pigmentation, and even improves acne.

It’s one of the true foundational ingredients in skincare.

The biggest issue is irritation. A lot of people try retinol, overdo it, get inflamed, and quit too early. That’s actually one of the reasons I developed the KaramMD Trifecta system. I wanted patients to be able to use powerful active ingredients consistently without constantly battling irritation and barrier damage.

Because consistency matters more than intensity.

This is non-negotiable.

If retinol is the best corrective ingredient, sunscreen is the best preventative one.

UV exposure breaks down collagen, worsens pigmentation, accelerates aging, and increases skin cancer risk. And the reality is that many people spend hundreds of dollars on skincare while skipping the one thing that protects their skin the most.

The problem usually isn’t sunscreen itself. It’s that people don’t apply enough or fail to reapply it consistently.

Healthy skin long term starts here.

This is where things start getting more nuanced.

Botox remains one of the most effective non-surgical tools we have.

Used subtly and correctly, it softens forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines while helping prevent deeper wrinkles from forming over time.

I’m not against oral collagen supplements, but I do think they’re oversold.

Some studies show mild improvement in hydration or elasticity, but the results are inconsistent and nowhere near transformative.

Meanwhile, people often ignore the fundamentals that matter far more: sunscreen, retinoids, sleep, exercise, nutrition, and long-term consistency.

If you enjoy collagen supplements, that’s perfectly fine. I just wouldn’t expect miracles.

Microneedling is a treatment I generally like, especially for acne scars and texture.

This may be one of my more controversial opinions.

Chemical peels have been around for decades because they work.

They can improve pigmentation, dullness, texture, and overall skin clarity very effectively when properly selected.

The tradeoff is downtime and sun sensitivity, which is why I usually prefer them outside peak summer months.

Not every peel needs to be aggressive to be beneficial. Sometimes consistency with lighter treatments produces the best long-term skin health.

I know these are extremely popular right now, but I remain fairly skeptical.

Do I think they may have some mild anti-inflammatory benefits? Possibly.

Do I think most people are going to see dramatic anti-aging results from an at-home mask? Probably not.

In many cases, these devices feel more like a wellness ritual than a truly transformative treatment.

And there’s nothing wrong with rituals — as long as expectations are realistic.

Gua Sha is heavily overhyped online.

Honestly, this is one of the most underrated anti-aging tools available.

I actually like Hydrafacials.

They’re not transformative, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have value. Patients leave with brighter, cleaner, more hydrated skin and essentially no downtime.

I think they’re great for maintenance, events, or refreshing the skin.

You just have to understand that the results are temporary.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is looking for a single treatment that “solves aging.”

That treatment does not exist.

Aging is multifactorial. Skin quality changes. Collagen declines. Pigmentation develops. Facial structure changes. Skin laxity increases.

That’s why I constantly talk about the difference between skin and shape.

Skincare and skin treatments can absolutely improve skin quality. But they do not necessarily correct structural aging or sagging. Those are different biological processes.

Ultimately, the people who age the best are usually not the people chasing every new trend online. They’re the people who consistently protect their skin, use proven active ingredients, live healthy lifestyles, and stay patient over time.

That’s really the secret.

Not hype. Not magic.

Just consistency and good skin science.