
Beyond the beach parties and tourist spots, Goa is quietly redefining what wellness means. As climate conditions shift, with humidity, sun exposure and saline air take a toll on us, skin and hair concerns are becoming increasingly common.
Dr Bindu Sthalekar, celebrity dermatologist, trichologist and cosmetologist, has been known for her holistic approach to skin and hair health. With over 35 years of clinical experience and a clientele that spans industrialists, public figures, and everyday people alike, she is the force behind Skin Smart Solutions—with thriving clinics in South Mumbai, Bandra and now in Goa too, in the capital city of Panjim.
Speaking to Gomantak Times Digital, Dr Bindu shares what brought her to Goa and how she’s tailoring her dermatological expertise to meet the needs of the local community, with a personalised, climate-conscious approach at her Panjim clinic.
What inspired you to bring your skin and hair expertise to Goa?
Goa holds a very special place in my heart. It has an energy that’s both calming and inspiring. I would come to Goa quite often to visit our family deity and was always in love with the peaceful energy that place gave me. Over the years, I noticed many of my patients either visiting Goa regularly or moving here altogether for a better work-life balance. They often asked if I could start something locally, and that’s when the idea began to take root.
But what was truly motivating was the growing demand for expert-led skincare in Goa, without patients having to travel to Mumbai. Also, I moved here for work-life balance, especially after COVID-19. While the community here values wellness, it also struggles with climate-specific skin and hair concerns that require customised solutions. I wanted to make high-quality dermatological care accessible right here in Panjim.
How do Goa’s unique climate and lifestyle influence your dermatological approach at the clinic in Panjim?
Goa’s tropical climate, while beautiful, brings with it high humidity, intense sun exposure and saline air. These factors can be harsh on the skin and hair, especially for those not accustomed to it. At our Panjim clinic, we’ve designed our treatments keeping these conditions in mind.
What are some of the most common skin and hair concerns you see in Goa, and how do you address them?
For instance, we see a lot of patients dealing with fungal infections, persistent acne, clogged pores, frizzy hair and sun-induced pigmentation. The constant sweating and exposure to salt and chlorine—whether you live here permanently or are just vacationing—can disrupt your skin barrier and scalp health. So, we focus a lot on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and calming treatments, while also educating patients on how to build a skincare routine that actually works even when humid.
Are there any skin or hair concerns common among Goans and others that you frequently treat?
Yes, quite a few. For locals, I often treat melasma, tanning, sun spots and seborrheic dermatitis—conditions that are amplified by the sun and humidity. Scalp issues like dandruff, fungal infections and hair fall due to mineral-heavy water are also very common.
Among tourists, we see a lot of sunburn, rashes, allergic reactions to new products or sunscreen, and sometimes even heat-triggered acne. Many come after spending long hours outdoors without proper sun protection. So, part of our role deals with preventive care too, helping visitors protect their skin and hair before damage sets in.
How does your clinic blend modern dermatology with Goa’s laid-back yet vibrant culture?
We’ve created a space that feels clinical in expertise but calming in energy. Goa isn’t about rushing—you come here to slow down. So we’ve made sure that the experience at Skin Smart Solutions in Panjim reflects that.
While we offer all the advanced treatments—laser therapies, chemical peels, PRP, skin boosters—we approach them with a wellness-first mindset. We take time to listen, understand a patient’s lifestyle, stress levels, even their sleep habits. Skincare isn’t just topical; it’s internal, emotional, and environmental. Our consultations reflect that belief.
What makes your Goa clinic stand out from your other practices across India?
Each of my clinics has a personality of its own. The Goa clinic is more intimate and immersive, with a strong focus on lifestyle dermatology. Here, we blend medical dermatology with aesthetic treatments, but always keeping in mind the relaxed pace and natural beauty of the surroundings.
We’ve also tailored our menu to include skin and hair treatments that are particularly effective for humid and coastal climates. I often say, we don’t just copy-paste treatments across locations—we adapt. And in Goa, it means working closely with the climate, not against it.
Do you have any future plans for wellness collaborations or skin-health events tailored for your Goan clientele?
Absolutely. We’re currently in talks to collaborate with local wellness spaces and luxury hotels for skin and scalp health workshops. Goa has a vibrant community of wellness practitioners, from yoga and nutrition to mindfulness—and I believe that skincare can be a beautiful complement to that.
I’d love to host intimate skin clinics, sun-care awareness sessions, and perhaps even coastal skin wellness retreats in the future. The idea is to build a culture of preventive skincare, not just reactive treatment.
What message would you like to share with the local Goan community about skincare and self-care?
My message is simple: Skincare is not indulgence—it’s maintenance. And in a place like Goa, where the elements are strong and life moves a little slower, there’s all the more reason to prioritise self-care.
Don’t wait for a problem to appear. Start with a simple, consistent routine, wear sunscreen every single day, and treat your skin and hair with respect. You don’t need dozens of products—just the right ones, used with intention.
Also, never underestimate the link between stress, lifestyle, and how your skin behaves. What you eat, how you sleep, and how you feel emotionally all shows up on your face and scalp.
Goa gives you the space to reconnect with yourself. I’m just here to help you reflect that on the outside too.
DETAILS
WHERE: Edcon Mindspace, Near Taj Vivanta, St. Inez, Panjim
TIMINGS: 10am to 6pm
WHEN: Monday to Saturday
CONTACT: +91 9321892851