Dr. Aanchal Panth: The Belief That Fair Skin Is Inherently More Beautiful Is a Total Misconception [Dermatologist, 720K Followers, India]

Dr. Aanchal Panth Interview

 

Dr. Aanchal Panth is a dermatologist, dermatologist, and chief hair transplant surgeon with over 13 years of experience. An AIIMS-trained specialist, she combines clinical expertise with digital education to combat misinformation and promote evidence-based skin and hair care.

Q. Alongside your medical background and specialty, what inspired you to enter the field of medical education on social media?

I began noticing a growing number of videos receiving millions of views while promoting incorrect remedies and even harmful steroid creams. That was a turning point for me. I realized there was a clear need for credible medical voices to counter misinformation and provide evidence-based guidance.

Even today, a significant part of my content focuses on responding to viral claims and debunking myths that can negatively impact people's health. My larger goal is to contribute to a more science-literate India—one where people understand why something is being recommended and develop the habit of questioning information rather than accepting it blindly.

Q. Your clinic sets a powerful standard for patient care. Is there a memorable patient transformation that perfectly illustrates why you do this work?

There are many memorable stories, but two stand out.

The first involves a young woman who had been misdiagnosed for several years and found little relief despite multiple treatments. When she came to me, she told me it would be her final attempt at seeking medical help. After conducting a skin test, we were able to identify the correct diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. Within a month, she experienced significant improvement. Seeing her regain confidence and trust in medical care was incredibly rewarding.

The second was a patient suffering from alopecia totalis, a condition that had brought her life to a standstill. She had lost all her hair and struggled deeply with the emotional impact. After six months of treatment, her hair had fully regrown. She returned to work, regained her confidence, and eventually got married.

Moments like these remind me that medicine is about far more than treating symptoms. It has the power to transform lives. I carry immense gratitude for every patient who places their trust in me.

Q. How do you avoid absorbing your patients' stress while maintaining your own emotional well-being?

Spending time with my son helps me stay present and reminds me how quickly life moves. I also make it a point to exercise every day, regardless of how busy my schedule becomes. That routine is essential for my mental well-being. Like many professionals, I often feel there are endless responsibilities and never enough hours in the day.

Dermatology presents its own emotional challenges because many conditions are chronic and require long-term management. There are moments when you wish you could help patients faster or more completely.

That is why maintaining a healthy routine, reading regularly, exercising, and making time to decompress are so important. Taking care of yourself allows you to continue showing up fully for others.

Q. What is one misconception about skin imperfections that you wish society would abandon?

The belief that fair skin is inherently more beautiful.

For far too long, society has associated attractiveness with lighter skin tones, and that perception has affected generations of people. Fortunately, I am beginning to see encouraging change among younger generations. Many young women today embrace and celebrate their melanin-rich skin with confidence.

However, I often find that older generations still struggle with these outdated beauty standards. If there is one shift I would like to see, it is a collective move toward embracing, accepting, and celebrating every skin tone equally.

Beauty should never be defined by color.

Q. What is your favorite book, and why?

One book that has stayed with me is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.

It is a deeply moving story that reminded me how little we actually need to be happy. More importantly, it highlights the profound role relationships play in our lives.

The book reinforces a belief I hold strongly—that meaningful relationships are among life's greatest sources of joy and fulfillment. It is a powerful reminder to invest in the people who truly matter because few things are more valuable than genuine human connection.

Bio

Dr. Aanchal Panth is a highly experienced dermatologist and chief hair transplant surgeon with 13 years in the field, including 6 years as a specialist. She is renowned for her clinical dermatology and aesthetic sciences expertise, having completed her MD at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Dr. Anchal is known for her proficiency in Dermatopathology, dermatosurgery, and various laser treatments.

Her remarkable skill in hair restoration is evident from her successful performance of over 500 hair transplants, including complex cases involving up to 9000 grafts. Her contributions to dermatology and hair transplantation have established her as a sought-after specialist in Gujarat.

Dr. Anchal's academic and clinical expertise is complemented by her active participation in professional workshops and conferences. She is affiliated with notable organizations such as the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) and the Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons (AHRS).

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Interviewed By - Muskan Verma