With more than a decade of experience in dermatology, Dr Amrin Banu Shaik has built her practice around a simple idea: good aesthetics should never come at the cost of healthy skin or individuality. As the founder of Brillare Aesthetic Clinic in Banjara Hills, she combines clinical expertise, advanced technology and personalised care. For Dr Amrin, the goal is not to create a filtered version of beauty, but to help patients look and feel like the best version of themselves. Here, she discusses pigmentation, Botox, fillers, skincare trends and the importance of informed choices, consistency and realistic expectations.

What led you to start Brillare Aesthetic Clinic, and what philosophy lies at the heart of your practice?
I have been practising dermatology for more than a decade, and over the years I realised that patients wanted more than treatment. They wanted personalised advice, good technology, honest guidance and a doctor who understood their individual concerns. That realisation led to Brillare Aesthetic Clinic in Banjara Hills. We have been here for four years, bringing clinical expertise, advanced treatments and personalised care together under one roof. For me, Brillare is not only about aesthetics. It is about helping people feel comfortable in their own skin and confident in making informed decisions about their skin health. Aesthetics should enhance, not erase, what makes someone unique.

After more than a decade in dermatology, which treatments deliver the most meaningful results?
I don’t think one treatment works best for everyone. What matters is identifying the concern and choosing the right combination for that individual. Whether we are dealing with pigmentation, uneven texture, collagen loss, ageing or hair-related concerns, a personalised plan is usually more meaningful than simply choosing the latest popular procedure. The most satisfying result isn’t necessarily a dramatic before-and-after photograph. It is when a patient returns with healthier skin, greater confidence and a better understanding of how to care for themselves.

Glutathione is widely discussed for skin brightening. What is your medical perspective?
There is some scientific basis for glutathione affecting melanin production, but the hype has gone far beyond the evidence. It may offer some brightening in certain individuals, but the results should not be presented as dramatic, permanent or guaranteed. I am particularly cautious about intravenous glutathione promoted purely for skin whitening. There is not convincing evidence to consider it a safe, predictable or sustainable way to change someone’s natural skin colour. I would rather identify the cause of pigmentation and treat it with evidence-based therapies and consistent sun protection. The objective should be healthier, more even-looking skin, not changing your natural complexion.

What are the biggest mistakes people make when treating pigmentation, particularly on Indian skin?
One of the biggest mistakes is treating pigmentation aggressively without understanding its cause. Indian skin can develop pigmentation following inflammation or irritation. Layering several acids, scrubs, retinoids and other activities for faster results can damage the skin barrier and make the problem worse. Pigmentation is not one condition. Acne marks, melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation and sun-induced pigmentation can look similar but require different approaches. Sunscreen is also fundamental, particularly when treating pigmentation. My approach is simple: identify the cause, calm the skin, protect it and treat it consistently. Pigmentation rarely responds well to impatience.

What can a patient expect from a consultation at Brillare?
A consultation should never begin and end with a procedure recommendation. I first understand the person: their concern, what they have tried, their routine and what they hope to achieve. I then assess the skin clinically, including its sensitivity, hydration, texture and overall condition, while looking for possible triggers. Lifestyle also matters. Travel, work schedule, skincare habits, budget and willingness to commit to maintenance all influence what is realistic. I explain expectations, downtime, possible side effects and timelines. The plan must work both medically and practically for the patient.

Many people worry that Botox or fillers will make them look frozen or overdone. How do you achieve a natural result?
That is a common and valid concern. Botox and fillers should enhance natural features rather than change someone’s identity. With Botox, I prefer to modulate muscle movement instead of eliminating expressions. With fillers, I consider proportion, structure and volume, using them only where genuinely indicated. First-time patients do not need to do everything in one sitting. I prefer to start conservatively and build gradually if necessary. The best aesthetic work is often subtle: someone should look fresher, more rested and balanced without everyone asking what they have done.

What misconceptions do people have about being “camera-ready”?
Strong lighting and high-definition cameras can make subtle changes in texture, pigmentation or volume more noticeable. One misconception is that more products automatically mean better skin. In reality, good skin usually comes from consistency, appropriate ingredients and understanding what your skin needs. Sunscreen is not only necessary when spending time outdoors. Daily photoprotection is important, even in an urban lifestyle. Being camera-ready should not mean chasing perfection. Healthy, well-maintained skin will always look better than a filtered version of yourself.

What does your own skincare routine look like?
My routine is simple. In the morning, I use a gentle cleanser, an antioxidant or serum, moisturiser and, most importantly, sunscreen. At night, I cleanse, use a targeted active and apply moisturiser. Consistency matters more than a ten-step routine. On exhausting days, I may simply cleanse and moisturise. Skincare should fit into your life rather than become another source of stress. Sunscreen is the one step I try not to compromise on.

Which skincare trends do you support, and which would you see disappear?
Skin cycling can help some people reduce irritation by spacing out stronger activities, but it does not need to be rigid or universal. I also like the hydration, barrier care and sun protection associated with the glass-skin trend. The problem begins when people expect completely poreless, flawless skin and layer a dozen products to achieve it. I would happily see DIY acid peeling disappear. Strong acids can cause burns, irritation and prolonged pigmentation when used incorrectly, particularly on Indian skin. My rule is simple: take the useful habit, but do not blindly copy the entire protocol.

What is your vision for the future of Brillare Aesthetic Clinic?
Our focus is meaningful growth without compromising quality. We want to continue bringing clinical expertise, advanced technology and personalised care together. Technology can make treatments more precise, but it should support the doctor, not replace the doctor. I want Brillare to stand for ethical, results-driven dermatology that people can trust. Every patient should feel their treatment was designed specifically for them, rather than prescribed as a trend or package. The personal connection between doctor and patient will always remain at the heart of good dermatology.