Dariya Tishchenko: when skin is about health, not trends

Dariya Tishchenko is a dermatologist and an expert in aesthetic medicine with many years of experience. In her practice, she combines instrumental, injectable, and classical techniques, always prioritizing skin health and an individual approach. In this interview, she shares her work philosophy, thoughts on beauty trends, male skincare, and her ambitions for international growth.

You work at the intersection of medicine and aesthetics. What unique know-how or approach do you consider your signature?

Our know-how is that we don’t change faces — we emphasize the uniqueness of each person. After collecting the anamnesis, we determine the goal: is it treatment, anti-aging, or prevention? We work long-term, creating an individual strategy for each patient. They understand what they’re paying for, what to expect, and how they’ll look afterward.

We don’t follow templates — protocols may change, and I always explain why. It’s important that patients understand the meaning behind what we do, not just “get something done.” You can’t achieve long-lasting results in one session — it takes time.

As a dermatologist with many years of experience, I work at the intersection of classical, hardware, and injection-based cosmetology. And to this day, I love performing peels and skincare treatments. We call these our “procedures for the soul and body.”

You have many years of experience, but aesthetic medicine is constantly evolving. How do you choose which methods to apply, and which ones have already become “must-haves” for your patients?

Aesthetic medicine is constantly evolving — that’s a fact. Everything comes through practice. I continually upgrade my qualifications, attend international congresses, and exchange knowledge with my colleagues.

I can’t say there’s one single “must-have.” These days, the trend is healthy, radiant, even skin without breakouts or pigmentation, with minimal pores and no dryness. To achieve that, we use a variety of methods.

It all depends on the patient’s age, budget, and how regularly they’re ready to come. My initial consultation lasts 40–60 minutes — I get to know the patient, and after that, I prepare a 6- to 12-month plan. It might slightly change, but generally, we stick to it. The person understands the purpose, the cost, and the expected result.

These days, aesthetics are no longer just for women. How do you convince young men and male clients that skincare is not “feminine,” but about health, confidence, and self-respect?

To be honest, I don’t have to convince anyone. I give results — and that’s enough. The men who come to us are active, working professionals, constantly developing themselves. They need to look healthy and well-groomed.

It’s not about what’s “for women” or “not for men.” They go to the dentist, the urologist, get manicures, do laser hair removal — and come to a cosmetologist. This is already a “must-have.”

We understand well how to work with men. We also see many teenage boys who, by the way, often listen to their doctor more than their parents. That’s where preventive medicine begins. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated — just a few products and occasional procedures like HydraFacial, botulinum therapy, or acne treatment.

You’ve already built your own clinic and earned a strong reputation. What new professional goals do you aim to achieve next — clinic expansion, launching your own courses, or going international?

Going international — definitely. I already have a lot of experience, and I’m curious to work not only with Ukrainians but also with different skin types from around the world.

I believe I have a unique opportunity right now — and if I don’t take it, I won’t be true to myself. With our lifestyle, wars, ecological situation, water quality, food, and pollution, skin health is greatly affected by external factors. Many people today suffer from allergies, eat poorly, and don’t get check-ups — especially abroad.

I’m not a gynecologist or an endocrinologist, but it’s often after my words that patients decide to get tests and health checkups.

I also plan to scale my clinic, launch signature courses, and train new specialists. But not just for the sake of certificates — I want to raise skilled professionals who truly feel the skin, understand it, and can provide real, meaningful results for patients.

 

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