In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Dr. Alexes Hazen, board-certified plastic surgeon, microsurgery specialist, and founder of Zen Essentials, for a nuanced conversation on skin health, ethical aesthetics, and why meaningful results—whether surgical or topical—can never be separated from overall well-being.
A Nonlinear Path to Medicine
Dr. Hazen’s journey into medicine didn’t follow a traditional pre-med blueprint. After studying history, she worked with the New York City Department of Health during the height of the AIDS crisis, where public health education and prevention became central to her work. She later joined the Peace Corps, delivering hands-on healthcare in Honduras—administering vaccines, leading disease-prevention programs, and working alongside local health centers. That experience reshaped her understanding of medicine as both technical and deeply human.
Why Surgery Demands a Holistic Lens
Although trained in some of the most technically demanding aspects of surgery—including microsurgery—Dr. Hazen quickly noticed that surgical precision alone did not determine outcomes. Patients who were anxious, sleep-deprived, poorly nourished, or unsupported at home consistently struggled more during recovery. Over time, she began integrating holistic care into her practice, addressing mental health, nutrition, sleep, hydration, and expectation management as essential components of successful surgery.
Skin as a Reflection of Internal Health
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hazen emphasizes a foundational truth often overlooked in skincare culture: skin is an organ, and it mirrors what is happening inside the body. No topical product can override chronic stress, poor sleep, dehydration, or inadequate nutrition. When those fundamentals are addressed, skincare finally has the opportunity to work as intended—supporting barrier function, healing, and long-term resilience.
Ethics in Modern Aesthetic Medicine
Dr. Hazen speaks candidly about the ethical challenges facing aesthetic medicine today, from unrealistic expectations fueled by media to surgeons telling patients what they “need” rather than listening to what actually concerns them. She underscores the importance of board certification, patient selection, and the willingness to say no. For her, aesthetic medicine should enhance quality of life—not create new insecurities or prioritize profit over patient well-being.
The Origin of Zen Essentials
Zen Essentials was born from personal necessity. After developing severe sensitivities and allergic reactions to common skincare and household ingredients, Dr. Hazen found herself unable to use most products on the market. What she encountered instead were “clean” options that lacked efficacy or formulas that worked but were filled with irritants. Zen Essentials was created to bridge that gap—effective, non-toxic skincare designed for sensitive skin that feels calming, elegant, and supportive rather than aggressive.
A Return to What Actually Works
At its core, Dr. Hazen’s philosophy—both in surgery and skincare—is about restraint, balance, and respect for the body. Skin health isn’t about chasing trends or quick fixes; it’s about supporting the skin’s natural function while honoring the realities of stress, aging, and individual biology.
Listen to the full episode of Skin Anarchy to hear Dr. Alexes Hazen explore holistic healing, ethical aesthetics, and why real skin health begins with caring for the whole person.