In a recent LinkedIn post, Ahana Banerjee discusses the limitations of traditional surveys in understanding consumer skincare habits and highlights the value of real-world data. Banerjee, the founder of Clear, a platform for tracking skin health, argues that relying solely on self-reported information often misses crucial details about user behavior and product efficacy.
According to Banerjee, the core issue lies in human memory and the inability to accurately recall precise details about skincare practices over time. This is particularly problematic when trying to establish cause-and-effect relationships between product usage and skin outcomes.
“Nobody remembers exactly when their breakout started, which product they introduced three weeks earlier, or whether they actually used it every night.”
Banerjee contrasts traditional survey methods with the approach taken by Clear, which involves longitudinal tracking of users’ skin journeys. This method, she explains, captures actual events rather than relying on potentially flawed recollections.
The Power of Longitudinal Data Over Self-Reporting
Banerjee emphasizes that while surveys capture what people *remember*, longitudinal tracking captures what *happened*. This distinction is vital for understanding the true impact of skincare products and routines.
As Ahana Banerjee notes:
“Surveys capture what people remember. Longitudinal tracking captures what happened.”
This data collection method allows for the identification of specific actions taken by users, such as introducing a new product, abandoning a particular routine, or observing gradual improvements that might not be immediately apparent. The insights derived from tracking 70,000 individuals on Clear have revealed that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Individualized Responses to Skincare Products
A key finding from Clear’s extensive data set, as highlighted by Banerjee, is the highly individual nature of responses to skincare products. What works wonders for one person might have no effect on another, or could even exacerbate skin issues.
In Ahana Banerjee’s view:
“The irritating reality that the same product can help one person, do nothing for another, and make things worse for someone else.”
This observation underscores the difficulty in making broad recommendations and the need for personalized approaches. The industry, Banerjee suggests, is replete with opinions but often lacks concrete, real-world evidence linking specific recommendations to tangible outcomes.
Bridging the Gap Between Recommendation and Outcome
Banerjee concludes that the primary challenge in the skincare industry is the deficit of real-world evidence that connects product recommendations to actual results. Her company, Clear, is focused on addressing this gap.
According to Ahana Banerjee, the lesson learned from observing thousands of skincare journeys is that users don’t just need more information; they need help understanding their own patterns over time. This involves identifying what changed, what might have caused those changes, and what steps should be taken next.
The platform aims to provide users with the tools to analyze their personal data, helping them make more informed decisions about their skincare routines based on empirical evidence rather than anecdotal advice or potentially misleading trends.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ahana Banerjee on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 17, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →