Why seeking advice from an experienced dermatologist is key for healthy skin

Image for representational purposes only. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Picking the right dermatologist for all your skin and hair issues, who can trusted blindly is a difficult task. It is extremely crucial to look for an experienced dermatologist for personalised guidance and treatments.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body. So why let it suffer the brunt of unsupervised treatments and cheap options? You would not do the same when treating your organs, would you? Why head to the normal salon or a cosmetic counter when you can speak to a professional?

Most of us today are opting for various skincare treatments - invasive or non-invasive. Over-the-counter skincare might work for minor skin issues but not effective in addressing signs of ageing or if you wish to make a noticeable difference in skin texture, tone, health, and appearance. You need high-quality products and expertise that only dermatological supervision can provide.

Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, at The Esthetic Clinic sheds light on the importance of seeking professional advice from a well-experienced dermatologist to ensure effective care of your skin.

"Mistakes by untrained ‘specialists can cause irreparable damage to the skin and even scar the skin. A dermatologist goes under training in college and medical school to learn all about skin, hair nails, and anatomy. They have about 12 years of advanced education and training under their belt. They will always be the ones abreast with the latest developments or inventions in the field of study. Dermatologists are qualified to do the procedures that an aesthetician can only recommend," says Kapoor.

The need to opt for authentic dermatologist supervision
A major concern today in the cosmetic industry is the rampant rise of unqualified individuals claiming to be skin experts or dermatologists. This is a concern because their unprofessional practices reflect qualified cosmetic surgeons who are professionals running a clinic or spa. Dermat supervision means being physically present and doing the procedures yourself and not letting a nurse or nonprofessionals do it. It is unethical to claim to be a dermatologist when you are not and don't have the educational background to testify your professional status.

Here are some reasons why choosing a dermatologist-supervised skincare treatment is a smart move:

Medical skincare is better than OTC:
Dermatologists can prescribe products for skincare treatments that are tested for safety and efficacy so that the patient is sure of what they are using for their skin type. Medical-grade skincare treatments work better and faster than OTC products.

You will save a lot of cash in the long run:
Dermatologists use the latest, clinically tested, and proven technologies for skin resurfacing, anti-ageing, and other skin issues which are FDA-cleared and also include non-surgical technologies. They are the only ones who get a hold of the top technology. This has two advantages, one is that you get the latest treatments. Secondly, the trained provider will aim to meet your goals and devise a treatment plan based on your skin type. This gives long-lasting and sustainable results, which saves you a lot of money in the long run.

Botox and lasers can only be done by qualified medical providers:
Though these are common procedures, it is important to remember that they are medical procedures and you will have to live with the results for a long time if not years. Choosing a dermatologist will ensure that you get the right amount of treatment which is authentic and carried out in a clean and sterile environment.

There is no guesswork in skin care and you will feel better about yourself:
At some point in our lives, we all have wasted time on many skincare products hoping they will work but they only empty our pockets. Dermatologist-supervised skincare will come with an insider knowledge of what is good for your skin type, and what products and formulas work best for your concerns. You will get the benefit of dramatic improvement in the skin with fewer treatments and products than before. Streamlining your skincare routine saves a lot of time and frustration.

It is best to see a dermatologist before having any skincare procedure done to make sure you know whether the treatment you are opting for is healthy for your skin or not. Another important thing to remember is to make sure that you give your full medical history to the doctor especially if you are allergic to anything. For example, people with a history of herpes will face difficulty in getting laser treatments without preventive medication. Similarly, blood thinners make the skin sensitive to light and cause bruising and pigmentation in laser treatments. It's essential to make the right choice when it comes to skin, hair, and nail care.