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How to Find the Right Dermatologist for You
Whatever our problems may be, seeing a healthcare professional is a step that we all have to go through eventually. And when it comes to choosing the right dermatologist, it’s a trial and error journey like any other. After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all to skin care. You’re still going to go through rough patches, but this time, you’ll have the help of a professional by your side.
Read on to find out how to choose the best dermatologist for your skin’s needs.
How do I choose a good dermatologist?
For any skin, hair, and nail problems, it is always good practice to consult with a dermatologist. Choosing a great dermatologist will take some time and research, but trust us when we say that hard work will pay off. There are plenty of good ones out there, but they won’t always be the right one for you.
Sounds like tough work? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here are a few things that make a good dermatologist:
They’re attentive to your needs
If you’ve been to a dermatologist and they send you off not even 5 minutes after talking, consider it a red flag. A good dermatologist is one that can help you identify what’s wrong with your skin. These are the ones who will really take time with you, listen to your story, and explain everything that’s happening with your skin and what treatment is necessary so you’re not left in the dark. Your appointment will be satisfying, and your concerns addressed properly. You can trust the dermatologist to know exactly how your condition should be handled, as well as give you the best advice and prescription.
With this in mind, it’s also the best practice to write down your questions and concerns, because it is possible to blank once you’re face to face with the dermatologist. Observe your skin and be specific with the problems you’re encountering. Also, have a list of your past treatments, current routine, and other pertinent information ready. This will help your dermatologist to better understand your skin.
They don’t immediately peddle their products
Red flag #2: your dermatologist barely listens to you during your quick appointment, and already they’ve got a set of creams, exfoliants, and medicines to shove down your throat. While a doctor definitely knows best, you can’t avoid ones that only have profit in mind. Try looking up alternatives for their recommended products if you still want to give them a go. And if you trust your dermatologist enough to purchase what they’re recommending, then there’s no harm in that, either.
They could be covered by your insurance
If you’re fortunate enough to have dermatologists covered by your HMO, we recommend checking them out first. At the very least, you’ll be getting a professional consultation free of charge. Best case scenario? You find the one that knows exactly how to treat your skin’s condition. It’s even possible that your insurance covers multiple dermas, so you can choose a dermatologist from a pool of options without spending too much.
They’re highly recommended by others
It’s true, skin care isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. What you’re experiencing won’t be the same as the next person because each one of us has different histories, health conditions, and genetic makeup. But asking your friends for recommendations can be a huge help in finding the right dermatologist for you.
At the very least, you’ll hear firsthand experiences about the dermatologist and have an estimate of how much a consultation would cost, how much money to prepare during the visit, what kind of products they usually recommend, etc. It’ll narrow down your leads and save you a potentially disastrous consultation.
They have board certification
In choosing the right dermatologist for you, it is important to know you’re getting the best care possible. Board-certified dermatologists undergo years of training in institutions accredited by the Philippine Dermatological Society, so suffice it so say that they’re the ones you should trust. Similar to the American Academy of Dermatology, the PDS is the highest authority of dermatology in the Philippines. Plenty of dermatologists only go through substandard programs that last anywhere from 3 months to a year, but they aren’t accredited by the PDS.
On that note, many people tend to think board-certified dermatologists and aestheticians are interchangeable. They aren’t! Both can help with different skin ailments, but you should always seek a dermatologist’s help when trying to treat difficult skin problems. These include acne, lesions, psoriasis, skin cancer, etc. Aestheticians, on the other hand, can only help determine one’s skin type and recommend an appropriate skin care regimen. They also offer facials, body wraps, microdermabrasion, and similar procedures that keep skin looking fresh and healthy. If you’re simply looking for a way to treating a breakout, you can check out our skincare routine for acne.
How do I start seeing a dermatologist?
There are plenty of reasons to start looking for a dermatologist. Some people start at a younger age than others, while plenty only get to do it later in life. There is no criteria for anyone who wishes to consult with a skin professional. However, there are certain conditions that call for a trip to the doctor. These include difficult to treat acne, eczema, rosacea, scar treatment/removal, or even skin cancer. You can also see a dermatologist if you simply want specialized care for your skin, hair, and nails.
If you’ve never been to a dermatologist before, you might not know what to expect from your first visit or even how to get an appointment. Each dermatologist will have different clinical setups, but calling ahead and booking an appointment is the safest way to get started.
How much does it take to see a dermatologist?
Many factors go into choosing the right dermatologist. Money is one of them. If you can, choose a dermatologist who is covered by your HMO so you can avoid spending a fortune on consultation alone. There are also some board-certified dermatologists that offer free consultation, so if you live near one, go ahead and take advantage of it. Otherwise, prepare to shell out around Php 500 on the initial consultation.
Can you see a dermatologist online?
Dermatology clinics are not always physically accessible to everyone. You may be living in an area that is too far away for frequent visits, or it is possible you have a tight schedule that doesn’t exactly give you enough time for checkups. Because of this, many dermatologists have chosen to open up online consultations.
Due to the pandemic and stricter health protocols for medical practitioners, more practices are transitioning to an online setup. This way, patients will be able to get the professional advice they need without risk of exposure to the virus.
If you’re looking for a doctor but don’t want to risk going out, then an online dermatologist is your best bet. All you have to do is prepare your questions, concerns, as well as the consultation fee, and the right dermatologist will give you all the help you need.
If you want to get the best treatment possible for your skin, you should be looking for the dermatologist who understands what you need the best. It’s not easy to choose the right one, but if you are diligent enough, you may be well on your way to giving your skin, hair, and nails the care they deserve. Soon enough, you’ll be able to tick off “achieve clear skin” on your new year’s resolutions list!
Looking for new products to add to your regimen? Check out the these skincare must-haves for the new year.
Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.
