What To Look For In a Dermatologist.

Jul 20, 2015

Shelley W.

For the past few months I've been noticing a serious uptick in beauties either visiting dermo's or receiving advisement on seeing one. Some receiving very outlandish advice and some not receiving the care that they deserve (and not seeing results).

My husband reads BL threads like its his daily newspaper. Its where he can read honest opinion about products and common skincare complaints. He is my go to guy when I'm clueless about something and need his advice so I can pass it on to you beautiful people. As a product formulator and now dermatologist he often shares what he see's/hears on a daily basis. His client base consist of individuals who often come in after being misdiagnosed by a dermatologist and seeking a second opinion. While he loves the dermo community he has found that many just don't give a flying bleep about their patients and are more concerned about billing and upselling product. Some of them get into dermatology because they can no longer afford the high malpractice insurance so they dive into a new field. I had an ob/gyn who went on to become a dermo. Would I trust her with my skin? Heck NO! if her passion wasn't there at the onset of medical school then I don't want her touching my skin.

While going to a dermatologist is great...if you can afford to do so my husband is a big supporter of estheticians. They actually spend more time with a person's skin than a doctor. He considers them the first line of defense and he has no qualms about referring a client to one before they see him.

1) First question to ask youself before booking that dermo appt. Have you truly exhausted every possible avenue to resolve your skin issue? Did you give products a fighting chance before giving up? The average time it takes to see results is anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks.

2) Referring to the above statement in regards to esthetician...have you visited one to lets say conduct extractions on your blackhead prone skin (just using that as an example). To determine whether a visit to big man is warranted. A lot of times when I see pics of beauties with congested skin loaded down with blackheads and whiteheads here on BL folks suggest all kinds of remedies but the real big time solution...a professional grade facial. The amount of money wasted on product could all be saved by getting a series of facials by a skin pro.

3) If every method has been exhausted on your end and a dermo is must, find out the speciality of that dermo before you even step foot in his/or her office for a consult. I have several dermos in my family and they all specialize in something. While they do practice general dermatology they have faves. I have one family member who is all about anti-aging. Another who is engrossed in pediatric. And one who is all about acne, Those that specialize attend conferences to learn about current studies and who are involved in long-running studies in their speciality. My husband is big on ingredients and how they react on the skin so his focus is contact dermatitis.

4) If you go to a dermo come with a list of three top concerns. These doctors are busy. As they sit in a room with you discussing x,y and z the next room has yet another patient waiting. Its a numbers game with them. And you will quickly learn that you will spend more time with the nurse/assistant than you will with the actual white coat. So coming prepared on your end is vital. I suggest even taking notes while speaking with the doc and if that isn't a option recording the convo (with doc permission of course).

5) For those suffering from acne. Ask what type of acne you are dealing with and the course of treatment. There is a doc my husband works with who is quick to write script for every little ailment but vaguely gives the patients details as to WHAT type of issue they are dealing with and that is a recipe for disaster.

6) Bring your core skincare/cosmetics with you. Yes, bring your core items listing ingredients to a visit and ask for their professional opinion. This will also tie in with any testing they conduct which is very important.

7) Be wary of any dermo that throws scripts at you without testing for possible allergens. Yes, sadly there are docs who receive kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies in the form of free trips, food and even cash payments. Its big business and often times they make more money off that than from patient billing.

Once you secure a sound dermatologist its also important to follow his/her recommendations to a T. Once they give you a game plan now is not the time to start experimenting with new products without their knowledge because it could negatively impact the prescribed routine. Especially with prescription meds please be mindful that yes...things will get worse before they get better and it vital that you just remain patient.

Sorry for the book long post and I do have other tips to follow but I just wanted to focus on the most important aspects and maybe in the near future bring up other key points.

Jul 20, 2015

Roz X.

The best read ever. I invest more money and energy in skincare than anything and an lucky to have found both a great derm and an amazing, licensed Esty. No easy feat...this is remarkably helpful and serves as an insanely thorough guide through the maze that is professional skincare.

Jul 20, 2015

Diana T.

Thanks for the tips girl - if I'm honest I've never seen a dermo in my life because of my personal hate for the medical industry in general - and also for the reasons you stated since I know that most care more about making money than caring for me as a person then I just don't trust them! With that said I do kinda wish I did see one when I was struggling with my cystic acne - because I was searching high and low for some kind of treatments and couldn't find anything until I joined BL and started listening to the beauties on this site! Which is why I'm so thankful for all you beauties but what ended up working were suggestions that were natural - witch hazel, willow bark and tea tree oil all saved my skin and so I try to give advice to beauties on here about what worked for me but I usually say just go to the dermo if you really aren't sure how to treat it because I know from experience you can drive yourself crazy trying to fix your skin and a good dermo would just be better (or so it seems) but thank you for the advice girl - I think I might try to find an esthetitician near me based on your advice :)

Jul 20, 2015

Kelly F.

Shelley, this is a great post! Really great information here. I am with Diana, never seen one, and looking back wish I had for several times in my life when my skin was acting up, but thanks to BL I too found great advice that has worked.

Jul 21, 2015

Shelley W.

I'm glad the information was beneficial to you ladies. If anything a basic dermo visit should occur at least once a year to check your skin for any weird lesions or questionable moles. And if they do find something at least you have the follow-up to keep an eye on it. I personally go every three months to make sure I don't have another skin cancer reoccurance. Some would say its a bit excessive but where I live and from past experience its a must. And I really need to step up my game with my esty and keep on top of my six week facial appointments. Once you find the right folks to care for your skin then your skin will be A-OK.

Jul 21, 2015

Kitty K.

Great read - especially for the newer Beautylish member's who may have not been around long enough to see any of the helpful information member's have left behind.

One thing I looked for when seeking out a dermatologist was one who specialized with Acne.
You'd be surprise the difference it makes when typing into Google 'Dermatologist who specialize in Acne Miami,FL Zipcode'.
It literally narrowed down my results to two dermatologists and so far it's been great.

Also, take note of the Derm's webpage as it can provide information on what they deal with.
When conducting my search, just by browsing through photos you could easily tell who specialized in what area.

I found a great dermatologist with great reviews, but when I looked through her Gallery... all of her Before & After's were cosmetic procedures.
She had about 100 photo's of anti-aging procedures and only 2 for acne, both cases very very minor.
I could only imagine how disappointed I'd be with my current case of bad acne if I went to visit her.

There truly needs to be more information on the web when it comes to Dermatologist, I wouldn't go to a tire-shop to get my window's tinted, just like I wouldn't go to a Derm who specializes in Botox for my Cystic acne ;)

Jul 21, 2015

Michelle S.

I love this! Back in high school, I went to this dermatologist who didn't give a damn about my skin. It was all about the money. The girls at the front desk told me my copay was $20, but it was actually $25. Two weeks later I get a phone call from the office, threatening to take legal action over five freaking dollars! This wasn't even my fault! I looked at it as the last straw. All along, she was pushing prescriptions on me. I'm allergic to tetracycline and twice I was prescribed it. Luckily, my pharmacist informed me on what I was prescribed. I'm happy to have found a better doctor. My skin's a million times better. If I was on here a few years ago, I definitely would have been pestering you for advice lol. I think this thread should get a sticky on it, so it stays at the top of the skincare section. You're awesome for posting this :)

Jul 21, 2015

Alia A.

Hey Shelly.I always expect some informative and useful content from you and you fulfill my expectaions:-) carry on girl.
dear I need your guidance. I am getting married after 2 months. what should I do for my skincare?I have normal skin,no acne,no scare prob (thanks to God). but I need some freshness glow on my face. what should I do?now a days I am using glycolic acid cream 10% & tretinion 0.05% cream. should I visit to a dermo for any peel or what?or please suggest any product for golw and freshnes. hope you will give me your precious openion:-)

Jul 21, 2015

Shelley W.

You're welcome ladies. :) Thank you.

Alia...Congrats on your big day!! You will have to post pics of your gown for the style section. ;) I wouldn't advise a dermo visit for a peel if you aren't experiencing any issues. If you are seeking a nice glow that is step up from your current program a pro grade facial from a licensed esthetician. They can also do a light peel that won't require a longer downtime. They also perform extractions that will lessen the appearance of enlarged pores and trust me...after all the steps that a facial entails you will walk out with a nice glow. Plus, its far cheaper than a visit to the dermo. ;)

Jul 21, 2015

Sarah N.

I couldn't agree with you more Shelley! Oh my Lord.. is all I have to say on some things I've seen on here 'my derm told me to do this, or use this' makes absolutely no sense! It's sad because not everyone is highly educated on the skin and take anything a Dermo says and runs with it and is being taken advantage of. Of course I agree with your comment about going to an Esthetician :) lol but for real, there's obviously bad estheticians just like bad dermatologists but for the most part, we can be just as educated on the skin depending on school and continuing education courses, personal research, etc. I personally LOVE my derm, but he laughs sometimes that I always self diagnose myself and always get it right. I go to him for the prescriptions & the confirmation though. I used to always go to any doctor and leave the room forgetting what I wanted to ask, especially when I don't have much time with the Dr to collect my thoughts so my mom would always tell me to write down my concerns and it really helps to make sure I get the most of my appointment. I love Kitty's idea of narrowing down search results. My father is a pharmaceutical rep so he works with many doctors and always recommends me to people with great success but I've seen the struggle with other friends of going to Dr after dr with no help. So happy you shared your thoughts with us! Love reading your posts as always!

Jul 21, 2015

Roz X.

My derm has a medspa on the premises and a chief skin consultant who offers free consultations. Her recommendations are signed off by my derm (who I see for psoriasis) and so I know that my Estie is familiar with my concerns and skin type/history/current products and meds. I am a huge fan 'peel' products for maintenance in my own skin care, but I am often surprised by the reaction that a an Estie peel is "too much money" yet they've spent well over $100 in cosmetic cover ups and failed skin creams. I have to save up...do my "no buys"...pass on boots I really or dining out..miss a concert I love to invest in a trip to the Estie for a facial, treatment, etc, but it is worth it. I grew up poor and know that not everyone can afford to see an Estie, but it is worth saving up for. So if you have a drawer full of drugstore foundation and concealers and a medicine cabinet full of acne products, fade creams, etc..that is far more costly than say, a consultation and treatment that will bring results rather than covering it up. I have friends who drop $25 on pizza without batting an eye, but think I'm crazy for the $100 I'll spend on an amazing treatment...with dramatic results that benefit my skin's health. There are high end creams that cost as much and will never duplicate spa results. Honestly, thinking of my skin as an investment (your body's largest organ) may help change your view on skincare. I also think more parents need to address their children's acne and not dismiss it as puberty...and more teens need to approach their folks to ask for help. If you are struggling, create a skincare save jar...and next time you reach for that Wet n Wild Lipstick or a Starbucks, stuff those dollars in your jar and invest in your health and happiness. It might take time, but it will be worth it, I promise!

Jul 21, 2015

Roz X.

typos *sigh*

Jul 21, 2015

Roz X.

(I don't intend to give the impression that I often visit the spa, because I could never afford that nor do I feel it is necessary. I've had only one visit this year to date, buy a great Estie or Derm will put you on a skincare wellness path with both a regimen and products that will make at-home skincare effective and much more cost-effective.)

Jul 21, 2015

Shelley W.

Right on Rozberry *raising fist in the air*!! Skincare and getting that occasional facial without a doubt will reduce the use of having to reach for primers and high coverage foundations every single time. It boogles my mind to watch girls put on tons of product to cover xyz when if they diverted the money spent on that to skincare...game changer.

Jul 21, 2015

Roz X.

I love my peel powah! ;)

Jul 21, 2015

Alia A.

Thanks shelly. I bridal dress will be from eastern style ,that perhaps will not fit in style section:-) but I could definitely send my pics of bridal look to your personal I'd, if you like :-)
I am from pakistan where looking for a licensed beautician is a difficult task. if you don't mind please suggest some products/names that I can do facial at home.

Jul 21, 2015

Shelley W.

Alia...Beautylish is an international community of beauties and variety is the spice of life so don't hesitate to post your beautiful bridal look here. When I get stationary I will definitely post a DIY facial for you. ;)

Jul 22, 2015

Alia A.

Thanks sweetheart:-) I will wait for that post :-)