Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It functions as your first line of protection against the outside world. It maintains homeostasis for your cells and regulates your ability to heat and cool your body. It is the first impression you make when you walk into a room and can even be used to express your creativity and personal beliefs through modification and ornamentation. Incorrect identification and mismanagement of your skin problem can lead to increased morbidity and mortality from disease due to prolongation to proper treatment.

While many physicians, physician assistants, nurses, or aesthetic providers offer skin care management, only a board-certified dermatologist has been extensively trained in evaluation and management of chronic and acute skin conditions.

A board-certified dermatologist has undergone a minimum of four years of medical school; four years of dermatology residency at an accredited program; and possible further training in a fellowship program to subspecialize further in the field of dermatology, dermatopathology, or Mohs micrographic surgery. In total, over eight years has been spent AFTER college by your dermatologist learning and perfecting the art of skin care. No other health care provider or physician has as much training for management of skin disease. The training is unparalleled in the field of medicine.

In contrast, a medical aesthetician has an aesthetician license from their state accredited program and has passed the licensing requirements as well. Typically, an aesthetician is trained in skin care including facials/massage, chemical peels, laser hair removal, permanent makeup application and product recommendations. On average, most medical aesthetician courses are between 600-750 hours in length (comparatively, a dermatologist has minimum of 70, 000 hours of training). While medical aestheticians are trained in skin care practices, they are not medical providers and have no medical training such as a nurse, physician assistant or physician. Further licensing is required by these individuals for laser treatments, and are restricted to non-ablative lasers such as laser hair or intense pulse light. They also are under the instruction and management of a medical provider, typically a physician, and cannot practice on their own.

Trust your skin to the only physicians specifically trained in all aspects of skin care management! Here at Southern Dermatology, we provide first rate dermatologic care for all ages and skin types. You will experience a professional evaluation and personalized treatment plan to get your skin in top condition, whether that be clearing up that stubborn acne breakout or getting your annual skin cancer screening. Skin health is one of the most important investments you can make—trust the skin experts at Southern Dermatology today!

When you see the letters “FAAD” after your dermatologist’s name, it stands for:

Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD). Find out more about FAAD from the link below.

https://www.aad.org/public/fad/what-is-faad