Women in Aesthetics: Isabelle Raymond, PhD

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE AESTHETICS FIELD?

My journey began with a PhD in biomedical science at the University of Montreal, where I developed a deep fascination with how science can transform everyday wellness. After years in pharmaceutical and biotech, I transitioned into aesthetics and wellness, working across medical dermatology and aesthetic devices for more than a decade. I never would have guessed that this path would lead me to a supplements company, but stepping into my role at Nutrafol has been incredibly rewarding. Leading clinical and medical affairs here allows me to advance evidence-based approaches to hair health, and it has been inspiring to see how science-driven innovation in this space can truly change lives.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR MENTORS WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

I owe a lot to a handful of amazing executive leaders who all encouraged me to approach science with both heart and discipline.

My very first boss, Dr. Shawn Furniss, once told me that he hired me because of my ability to learn quickly—and that belief in my potential has stayed with me ever since.

More recently, Giorgos Tsetis has certainly influenced how I approach both my work and leadership. His unwavering commitment to transforming the conversation around hair health, combined with his bold, science-first mindset in the supplement space, have reinforced my own passion to keep raising the bar in clinical research, especially when it comes to women’s research. Working with Giorgos has reinforced for me that leadership driven by purpose can propel an entire organization forward and create meaningful, positive change. This is an ethos that I carry with me in every step of my career.

I would not be where I am today without the invaluable guidance, support, and friendships I’ve built within the dermatology community. A few mentors who stand out are Drs. Doris Day, Glynis Ablon, and Dendy Engelman. They have been instrumental in my journey by offering strategic yet empathetic insights, exemplifying female leadership, and consistently supporting me throughout my career. Their encouragement challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and trust my instincts during pivotal moments.

WHAT DO SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES NEED TO DO NOW TO THRIVE IN THIS COMPETITIVE MARKET?

In my experience, thriving in aesthetics is about truly listening to the science, patients, and your team. Science continues to evolve quickly, and practices that stay grounded in evidence-based insights will be better positioned to deliver meaningful, measurable results. But data alone isn’t enough. Pairing those insights with an integrative approach and one that considers the whole patient, their lifestyle, and their long-term goals creates a stronger foundation for trust and more satisfying outcomes.

Successful practices are also the ones that embrace adaptability and transparency. The aesthetics landscape is shifting rapidly, from new treatment modalities to heightened patient expectations around safety and authenticity. Being open to innovation, while communicating clearly and honestly with patients, ensures that practices stay ahead while building long-term credibility.

Finally, no amount of technology or advanced treatment can replace the human connection. Genuine patient relationships—taking the time to understand concerns, answer questions, and celebrate results—are what set truly thriving practices apart. At the end of the day, success in aesthetics comes down to marrying rigorous science with empathy, collaboration, and trust.

WHAT SAGE ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER WOMEN WHO ARE RISING STARS IN AESTHETICS?

Never underestimate the impact you can have by staying curious, data-driven, and resilient, even when the path ahead looks uncertain. Seek out mentors, build bridges across disciplines, and trust your ability to innovate—especially when facing “roads less traveled.”  Some of my best career moves came from trusting myself, leaning on mentors, and lifting up others around me. Remember, it is OK to celebrate wins, big and small, and help open doors for the next generation.

WHAT IS YOUR POINT OF VIEW ON WHERE MEDICAL AESTHETICS IS GOING IN THE SHORT/LONG TERM?

Exciting things are ahead! The future of medical aesthetics is becoming both smarter and more personal. In the short term, we’ll continue to see rapid growth in tailored solutions ranging from supplements and minimally invasive treatments to integrated care plans, and designed around an individual’s genetics, lifestyle, and life stage. Preventive care will take center stage, with patients increasingly seeking early interventions that support long-term outcomes rather than quick fixes. This shift will be supported by greater demand for transparency, ethical standards, and robust clinical data.

Looking further ahead, I believe medical aesthetics will continue to broaden beyond surface-level beauty to a more holistic approach that prioritizes total wellbeing. We’ll see a stronger integration of technology, AI, advanced diagnostics, and personalized analytics. This will enable practitioners to deliver precision-based care. The industry will also need to evolve its research practices to ensure diversity, inclusivity, and representation in clinical studies. This will ultimately lead to better results for all patients.

In the long run, aesthetics won’t just be about appearance. It will be about empowerment. Helping people feel more confident, healthier, and authentically themselves will remain at the heart of this field, with practitioners playing a key role in bridging science, art, and human connection.

Some tips for getting ready for the future:

• Prioritize lifelong learning: Stay sharp by tracking advances in clinical research and building cross-disciplinary connections amongst peers.
• Embrace collaboration: Inclusive, team-based approaches lead to the most innovative and lasting outcomes.
• Adapt with purpose: Progress depends on updating how we study and treat people—ensuring diverse representation and more equitable, evidence-based care.