Benefits of a Facial at Your Dermatologist’s Office

Facials can provide an invaluable bridge between your daily skin care routine and any dermatological procedures you may need. Facials, with their special cleansing, clarifying and exfoliation, can be customized to benefit any skin type, whether it’s oily and acne prone, dry or aging. But what’s the difference between a facial delivered in a dermatologist office versus one at a spa or salon?

Difference between a dermatologist and an aesthetician

First, let’s talk about what’s different between a dermatologist and an aesthetician.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who treats all type of skin diseases and skin and nail conditions. They can write prescriptions and perform surgery. Dermatologists go to school for 12 to 14 years to qualify for their career. In Texas, a licensed aesthetician must complete 750 hours of coursework at beauty school, which generally takes 6 to 12 months to complete.

Both dermatologists and aestheticians must take continuing education classes throughout their working lives to maintain their certifications.

Difference between a dermatology office and a spa/salon

A dermatology office with spa-like services provides medical supervision for your skin care in a way that a spa or salon cannot. Aestheticians or medical assistants who work in a dermatologist office are supervised by a doctor who specializes in skin and its diseases. Aestheticians who work in a spa or salon may not have any medical training or supervision. Also, there are no national standards for businesses that use the term “medi-spa,” so it may not be safe to have skin treatments using a laser, scalpel or needle in such locations.

Safer for your skin

There are many benefits to seeing an aesthetician or medical assistant who works for a dermatologist when you get a facial.

First, a dermatologist’s office with aesthetician services provides a safer option for basic skin care such facials. That’s because aestheticians and medical assistants who work with dermatologists have been trained to know when to call in the doctor for a condition that’s outside their expertise. This helps prevent skin damage caused by undertrained, unsupervised aestheticians.

Next, a dermatologist can suggest therapeutic facials with specific cleansers, conditioners and moisturizers to support your skin and help it recover as you undergo medical treatments for your skin.

Finally, it’s always safer for more complicated cosmetic procedures, such as laser hair removal or injections of fillers or Botox, to be performed under a dermatologist’s supervision rather than at a spa.

Types of facials

Many types of facials are available, depending on your skin care needs and budget. Therapeutic facials can be designed to work in conjunction with other more complicated dermatological procedures such as BBL or lasers to help you get the look you desire.

Some common types of facials include:

• Basic European-style facials are good for any type skin and offer a nourishing option for all skin types.
• Moisture peel facials include a light chemical peel that also hydrates the skin. This type of facial is painless and is best for normal to dry skin.
• Clarifying facials provide a deep clean for oily skin. Products used include a 20% glycolic acid and an oil-absorbing calming mask followed by extractions, if needed. A light hydrating serum finishes this facial.
• Radiance & hydration facials are designed for normal to dry skin. These facials start with a light polishing scrub to remove dull, dry skin cells, followed by a dual action mask to tone and plump skin. A Vitamin C gel is applied for antioxidant protection and finished with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Book your facial or other cosmetic services at Uptown Dermatology today by calling 214-303-1102 or by filling out the form below.