In this edition of Inside the Aesthetic Mind, we speak with Dr. Soumya Sachdeva, a board certified dermatologist known for her clinical clarity and outcome-focused approach. She shares how she treats sun damage using Harmony XL Pro, and offers insights for both patients and peers in the field of aesthetic dermatology.
What inspired you to pursue a career in medical aesthetics?
“It started with clinical dermatology, but over time I saw the impact that aesthetic treatments could have on confidence and mental well-being. I wanted to offer results that went beyond treating disease — to help people feel better in their skin, in a medically sound way.”
What’s your go-to Alma platform?
“Harmony XL Pro, without a doubt. It’s my workhorse. The versatility it offers — from pigmentation to rejuvenation — lets me tailor treatments precisely. Especially for Indian skin, where caution and customization are key, it strikes the right balance between safety and efficacy.”
What’s your approach to aesthetic treatments?
“I focus on individualised treatment planning. No two skins are the same — and no protocol should be either. I look at the patient’s skin history, lifestyle, expectations, and build a realistic roadmap for improvement that prioritises long-term skin health.”
What’s a common myth about aesthetic treatments you’d like to debunk?
“That they’re instant or superficial. Many believe lasers or injectables will deliver overnight results. But effective aesthetic care is cumulative and layered. It requires consistency, proper skin care, and realistic expectations.”
Sun damage is a common concern. How do you treat it?
“Most people don’t recognise it as sun damage — they just see pigmentation, dullness, or rough skin. Using Harmony XL Pro, I often combine Dye-VL for superficial pigmentation, Q-Switch for deeper pigment, and ClearLift for collagen remodeling. It helps me treat both the visible effects and underlying degradation from UV exposure.”
Can you tell us about a patient success story that’s stayed with you?
“One patient had significant sun spots and uneven tone from years of outdoor work. We spaced out four sessions using Dye-VL and ClearLift. The improvement was progressive — she said it was the first time she’d left home without makeup in over a decade. The emotional impact of those changes is always memorable.”
What’s your best piece of advice for fellow aesthetic practitioners?
“Understand skin before you treat it. No technology can replace clinical judgment. Also, educate your patients. A well-informed patient is more likely to follow through and see better results.”
Is there a personal philosophy you follow in practice?
“Keep it intentional and minimal. Treat only what needs treating. Patients don’t always need more — they need the right intervention, at the right time, with the right explanation.”
How do your patients typically respond to laser-based treatments?
“Initially, there’s curiosity or hesitation — especially with first-timers. I make it a point to explain what the laser does, what the sessions will look like, and what kind of results to expect. Harmony XL Pro makes that easier — it’s predictable and has minimal downtime.”
And finally, how do you see the future of aesthetic medicine evolving?
“I think it’s moving towards early intervention and skin health maintenance. Patients now ask how to prevent damage before it shows. Devices that allow non-invasive, combination-based treatments with low downtime — like Harmony XL Pro — will continue to be central to that shift.”
Dr. Soumya Sachdeva’s work is rooted in clear assessment, targeted intervention, and long-term planning. Whether she’s treating sun damage or offering maintenance care, her focus remains on safe, effective outcomes that respect the skin and the patient’s journey.