Dermatologists or Aestheticians? Which one is right for you?
For years, there has been a growing animosity between these two professionals as the scope of their work overlap in many ways, but their training and the way they practice can be worlds apart in many aspects.
People with skin care problems are torn between needing to consult a dermatologist and approaching an aesthetician, or facialist, instead. A dermatologist’s training consists of 4 years in general medical school, a year of general internship, and an additional 3 years of dermatology residency.
Aestheticians, on the other hand, undergoes cosmetology training and is eventually certified or licensed by the state. It’s best to first check the credentials of an aesthetician before subjecting yourself to a consultation with them. This isn’t meant to downgrade them at all – in fact, there are aestheticians who are highly competent and keep themselves updated with the latest medical trends.
Dermatologists feel that some aestheticians are quick to endorse products which may possibly be harmful to patients just because they get commissions on these products. They say that fragrances incorporated into moisturizers, for instance, may irritate the skin and cause breakouts.
Others disagree with the way aestheticians see a patient coming in with an inflamed pimple, and immediately attempt to pick at it and squeeze it.
On the other side of the coin, aestheticians feel that there are some dermatologists who are also too hasty in prescribing antibiotics for a single pimple or are too quick to call a mild rash an ‘acne breakout.’ In addition, they say that dermatologists have scant knowledge of the latest products and are too wary of suggesting organic, at-home regimens for their patients.
Skincare problems – when to see a professional
Aestheticians opine that one need not consult a dermatologist to ask for help about dry skin or just a few blackheads. They also feel that it’s enough for patients to see aestheticians for skin cleansing.
However, if you want to stay safe, you can go see a dermatologist perhaps every three to four months to have your skin cleaned. For cases of severe cystic acne, though, the visits should be more frequent in order to receive cortisone or antibiotic treatments.
It’s also essential to see a dermatologist if you’re suspected of having skin cancer, especially when you have a history of the disease. For the first year after the diagnosis, one should go see a dermatologist 3-4 times a year, and then once yearly after that.
You should also see a doctor once a year if you have lots of moles or if any members of your family have also had skin cancer.
Maintaining good and healthy skin
Both groups of professionals, however, are one in saying that long-term exposure to the sun can be very harmful to skin. It has been scientifically proven to cause not just skin cancer but also premature wrinkling and ageing of the skin.
Average people can get by with skincare products having an SPF of 15, but those with very fair complexion should use products with SPF 30 or even 45. If it’s necessary for you to go out in the sun, don’t just use a water-resistant lotion – use one that’s waterproof, with an SPF of 25-30.
Tanning salons are likewise criticized by both dermatologists and aestheticians. Use a self-tanner instead of subjecting yourself to an artificial stimulation of melanin.