The desire for increased self-satisfaction and greater well-being has led to an increased demand for treatments addressing unwanted body fat, smoother skin, and hair loss. Cosmetic dermatology offers treatments to slow aging and soften the effects of time, using products derived from essential components that skin utilizes for structure, texture, and firmness. Early intervention is key to prolonged, youthful-looking skin, while preventative maintenance helps preserve your best look.
The Science Behind Skin Aging
The skin's outer layer contains proteins, connective tissue, collagen fibers for support, and elastin fibers for flexibility and strength. Collagen production, responsible for keeping skin hydrated and tight, slows over time, leading to creases. Hyaluronic acid, found in connective tissue, provides cushion and lubrication for a youthful glow. Aging naturally changes these attributes, lessening skin firmness and elasticity. External factors like sun exposure, environmental free radicals, air pollution, smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition also hasten skin aging. Cosmetic dermatology aims to counteract this skin damage, requiring a fundamental understanding of facial anatomy and specialized techniques to restore a youthful appearance.
Dermatologist vs. Esthetician
Many people seek professional help to maintain or achieve clear skin, with a significant percentage experiencing skin abnormalities. When considering professional intervention, it's essential to differentiate between a dermatologist and an esthetician.
Esthetician
An esthetician is a cosmetic professional focused on improving skincare, specifically the skin's appearance, through various treatments. These licensed practitioners complete specific courses to provide client treatments, including electrolysis and acne treatments, with a focus on appearance. Estheticians may work in spas, salons, or medical spas. Medical estheticians focus on medical care and may work in physician's offices, while spa estheticians offer relaxation techniques.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a doctor specializing in hair, skin, and nails. They identify and treat specific conditions affecting sensitive areas of the body. Given that the skin is the body's largest organ, dermatologists possess extensive training and knowledge of skin types and are certified by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). Board certifications ensure additional skills and patient safety. Dermatologists can improve skin through recommendations and treatments and identify underlying health issues manifested on the skin, some of which may be life-threatening.
Read also: Types of Facials
Key Differences
While both dermatologists and estheticians address the cosmetic side of skincare, significant differences exist. A dermatologist is qualified to diagnose and treat skin conditions and can provide referrals to other specialists. Dermatologists focus on the health of the skin, not just its appearance, and can treat conditions like skin cancer. Estheticians concentrate on the surface of the skin. A dermatologist can diagnose serious acne, rashes, bumps, or dryness and provide thorough assessments before recommending treatment. A seemingly harmless mole could be cancerous if untreated, and a spot resembling a sunspot might be melanoma.
From a cosmetic perspective, an esthetician is trained to improve the skin's look and feel. However, for expert advice on skin health, consulting a dermatologist is crucial.
Dermatology-Grade Facials: A Medical Approach
A dermatology-grade facial, also known as a medical facial, is a treatment designed to resolve or reduce specific skin problems. It differs from a regular or spa facial in three key ways:
- Involvement of a Medical Professional: A dermatology-grade facial is performed under the supervision of a dermatologist, aesthetic doctor, or experienced aesthetic nurse, though a medical aesthetician may perform the work. This supervision allows for the use of medical-grade products.
- Customization: The facial is tailored to the individual's skin needs.
- Intensity: A dermatology-grade facial includes more intensive treatments to solve specific problems.
The process involves a consultation with the practitioner, who examines the skin and determines the most beneficial treatment. After agreeing on the details, the practitioner or aesthetician performs the facial. After the treatment, patients need to follow skincare recommendations for the best long-term results, including gentle face washing, avoiding scrubs and exfoliators, using minimal makeup, avoiding strenuous activity for a day or two, staying hydrated, and avoiding sun exposure.
Benefits and Side Effects
Dermatology-grade facials can improve the skin's clarity, brightness, and smoothness. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions that make regular facials inadvisable. While these facials include more challenging components, they should have minimal side effects. Common immediate effects include flushed or reddened skin that feels warm, but treatments for pigmentation may cause darkening and crusting, leading to longer downtime. Due to the intensity and medical components, dermatology-grade facials are not typically relaxing and may involve some discomfort.
Read also: Types of facials available in Tallahassee
Types of Facials and Add-ons
Facials are noninvasive, skin-refining treatments performed by an esthetician or dermatologist. They typically involve cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and massage. Different types of facials exist, including European facials, deep cleansing facials, teen facials, and anti-aging treatments. Facials can be customized to address specific skin types and concerns. Add-on treatments can further enhance the skin's needs.
Facials benefit the skin by deeply cleansing, unclogging pores, removing dead skin cells, and adding hydration. They also increase blood circulation, slow the aging process, and improve the penetration of skincare products. Regular facials are beneficial for all skin types, including acne-prone, dry, oily, and sensitive skin.
Frequency and Maintenance
The skin cell regeneration cycle takes about four weeks. To maximize the benefits of facials, it's recommended to get one every four to six weeks. Getting facials more frequently can lead to skin irritation. Dermatologists may recommend facials every four weeks for acne treatment as part of a skincare regimen.
Following pre-treatment skincare tips from a dermatologist or esthetician is important, such as avoiding products containing exfoliating acids, retinol, or retinoids for up to a week before the appointment and avoiding excess sun exposure. After a facial, it's important to be gentle with the skin, keep it hydrated, and follow the recommended skincare routine. Avoid touching the face, excessive sweating, and extreme heat.
Medical Facials at Advanced Dermatology
Medical facials at Advanced Dermatology are more intense than those performed at spas or with at-home products due to the use of medical-quality tools and products. Chemical peels can be combined with medical facials for optimal results.
Read also: Radiant skin with VA facials
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin to reveal healthier, new skin. Advanced Dermatology's licensed aestheticians recommend medical facials, chemical peels, or a combination based on individual needs.
- Quatro Peel: This specialized treatment, used only by doctors and skincare specialists, contains five all-natural fruit acids to improve skin health and appearance, smooth wrinkles, improve sun-damaged skin, and control acne.
- Perfect 10 Peel: This peel promotes smoother, softer skin with a more even tone and visibly reduced signs of aging, with peeling starting 72 hours after treatment and lasting three to five days.
- VI Peel: Available from healthcare professionals, the VI Peel reduces fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne marks, and scarring, and is effective in reducing dark spots, including melasma.
Moderate chemical peels are skin-resurfacing methods that reduce fine lines and wrinkles, treat acne, reduce acne scarring, and address uneven skin pigmentation. They involve applying a solution to remove cells from the epidermis and some from the dermis. After the procedure, the skin will be red and swollen with limited downtime, and full healing takes about one to two weeks.
Estheticians vs. Dermatologists: Choosing the Right Professional
Understanding the difference between estheticians and dermatologists is crucial for choosing the right expert for specific skin issues.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a doctor specializing in skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes, capable of diagnosing and treating over 3,000 conditions. Dermatologists:
- Perform diagnostic and preventive exams
- Offer counseling and education about skin conditions
- Provide treatment
Some dermatologists specialize in medical or cosmetic procedures. Medical dermatologists focus on the health of the skin and diagnose conditions such as alopecia, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, contact dermatitis, nail fungus, dandruff, allergic reactions, rashes, warts, scalp and hair disorders, and subcutaneous growths. Cosmetic dermatologists offer treatments to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots, including dermal fillers, Botox, microneedling, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing.
Esthetician
Estheticians are trained to provide treatments to the outermost layers of the skin, offering guidance on caring for and improving the skin's appearance. Unlike dermatologists, they lack medical training and cannot diagnose skin conditions, prescribe medications, or perform invasive treatments. Estheticians offer services such as facials, microdermabrasion, hair removal, makeup application, body scrubs, masks, and superficial chemical peels. Medical estheticians work alongside dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons in clinical settings, offering treatments like pre- and post-surgical skin care, tattoo removal, deeper chemical peels, and laser hair removal under physician supervision.
Training and Credentials
Dermatologists undergo at least 12 years of education and training, including medical school, a year-long internship, and three years of residency. Some pursue specializations like dermatopathology or Mohs surgery. Board certification, indicated by FAAD after their name, requires the highest level of training and expertise. Estheticians require a license in all 50 states, involving a high school diploma or GED, attendance at cosmetology school for 4 to 6 months with 600 hours of training, and a state-approved exam. National certification through the National Coalition of Estheticians Associations (NCEA) is also available.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between a dermatologist and an esthetician depends on individual concerns. For addressing the skin's appearance without specific symptoms, an esthetician can offer microdermabrasion, facials, and superficial treatments. However, only dermatologists can perform invasive treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and scar revision surgery.
- Peels: Estheticians can perform mild peels, while only dermatologists can perform deep peels.
- Laser Treatments: In most states, only dermatologists can perform laser treatments.
- Microneedling: Most states classify this as a medical treatment, typically performed by dermatologists.
For acne, skin discoloration, or persistent dryness, consulting a dermatologist is recommended for diagnosis and treatment. They may then refer you to an esthetician for maintenance.
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