KAPLAN MD SKINCARE
Skincare trends move fast. Faster than skin can realistically keep up with. One week it’s glass skin, the next it’s skin cycling, and suddenly everyone has a 12 step routine they swear is life changing. Dermatologists look at trends a little differently. The question is never what’s trending, but what actually works without compromising the skin.
According to Dr. Stuart Kaplan, the best skincare trends are the ones that respect the skin barrier, deliver real results, and fit into real life. Some trends get a quiet yes from dermatologists. Others get a polite no.
Minimal routines are having a moment, and dermatologists are fully on board. Skin responds best to consistency, not complexity. When routines get too long or too layered, products stop penetrating properly and people stop sticking with them.
Dr. Kaplan often emphasizes that the most effective skincare routines are the ones patients can realistically maintain. This is where high performance, multitasking products make a real difference. A treatment like the Diamond Contour® Supercharged 1 Minute Daily Facial delivers exfoliation, resurfacing, and brightening in a single step, making consistency easier without sacrificing results.
“When patients simplify their routines, their skin often improves,” Dr. Kaplan explains. “It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing the right things correctly and consistently.”
Exfoliation has officially rebranded, and dermatologists are relieved. Gone are the days of harsh scrubs and aggressive techniques. Today’s trend focuses on controlled, professional-style exfoliation that improves texture, tone, and absorption without disrupting the skin barrier.
Dermatologists support exfoliation when it’s purposeful and properly formulated. The goal is smoother, brighter skin that can better absorb treatment products. This is why products like the Diamond Contour Insta Glow Gommage Body Peel resonate so strongly. It delivers visible smoothing and radiance without the irritation that comes from overdoing it.
“Exfoliation should support the skin, not stress it,” says Dr. Kaplan. “When it’s done correctly, it enhances everything else in your routine.”
Retinol will always be relevant, but dermatologists are particular about how it’s used. Random application, inconsistent schedules, and layering it with incompatible products often lead to irritation instead of results.
Dermatologists prefer retinol routines that are structured, intentional, and easy to follow. The Diamond Contour 1 Minute Skin Tightening Retinol Concentrate is designed around that philosophy, delivering targeted retinol exposure in a controlled way that fits seamlessly into an evening routine.
“Retinol works best when patients use it correctly and consistently,” Dr. Kaplan explains. “More product or longer application times do not equal better results.”
Some trends may look impressive online but raise red flags in a clinical setting. Over layering products often prevents proper absorption and overwhelms the skin. Chasing viral ingredients without understanding formulation leads to irritation and disappointment. Extreme DIY skincare methods skip professional formulation entirely, which is where safety and efficacy actually come from.
Dr. Kaplan notes that most skin issues he sees are not from underuse, but from overuse. Too many actives, too many steps, and too much experimentation at once.
Trends are not the enemy. Misunderstanding them is. The skincare trends dermatologists support are rooted in consistency, proper formulation, and respect for the skin barrier. When trends align with those principles, they can elevate a routine instead of complicating it.
Luxury skincare should feel intentional, not overwhelming. The best routines do more with less, guided by expertise rather than hype.
