Finding the Right Skin Care Professional
 A 2001 survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) found that about 45 percent of dermatologic surgeons reported an increase in the number of patients they saw who needed corrective treatment for burns, splotching, irreversible pigmentation and scarring resulting from various medical procedures performed by aestheticians, cosmetic technicians and employees of physicians without appropriate physician supervision.
Make sure you're seeing the right skin-care professional for the right reason. And always look for physicians who are board-certified in their specialty. This means they've passed an intense examination and take continuing education courses to maintain their knowledge and skills.
| Skin Care Professional |
Reason to Visit |
Special Training |
| Dermatologist |
Prevention and treatment of hair, nail conditions. |
After medical school and internship, completes three-year residency
in dermatology. |
| Dermatologic surgeon |
Surgical and non-surgical
skin treatments. |
Same as dermatologists; many
also complete one- or two-year
fellowships in dermatologic
surgery. Many are members of
the American Society for
Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). |
| Plastic surgeon |
Cosmetic or reconstructive
surgery. |
After completion of medical
school and internship, three-year
residency in plastic surgery, often
followed by fellowships
in subspecialties. |
| Esthetician |
Facial and non-invasive,
non-medical skin treatments. |
Cannot prescribe medication;
should not use complex
machines like lasers. Depends
on state licensing laws. All states
except Connecticut license
estheticians, although requirements
vary. |
Read More
1. Eating a Skin-healthy Diet
2. Exercising
3. Protecting Yourself from Environmental Effects
4. Memorizing Five Sunscreen Facts
5. Understanding How Damaging Stress Can Be
6. Finding the Right Skin Care Professional
|
