There are two kinds of skin doctors: general and cosmetic, and choosing the right dermatologist is crucial to addressing your concerns. Here's how to find one:

A general dermatologist will treat rashes,acne, and rosacea; they do skin exams to check for questionable moles; and they can help with issues such as thinning hair.

 A cosmetic dermatologist treats deeply etched wrinkles, scars, or persistent skin discoloration. They also offer peels, injections, and laser treatments.

Check the Website: A website is also a good place to see whether the doctor's focus is general or cosmetic. Someone who names laser treatments, or Botox and fillers, will be more experienced than a doctor who insists she does the mall equally well. 

Listen up: When you meet a cosmetic dermatologist for the first time, I think it's best to give a vague sense of why you're there and then let him talk. Mention that you're bothered by the lines on your face or noticeable leg veins, but don't go into all the remedies you've researched online. Listen to how he'd address those issues. His opinion will give you a sense of his aesthetic philosophy, including how aggressive he is. 

Ask the right questions: You want someone who does the procedures you're seeking all the time. At least three to five cases a day is good; more is even better. For lasers, ask if the practice owns or rents the devices. If they rent, they aren't lasering as much. Also be sure to ask who is doing the lasering. Some doctors will say they "supervise" the treatment a nurse or technician performs, but I don't think that's enough. The doctor should be hands-on. 

Talk to friends who like their dermatologist: Ask your friend specifically what she liked about the dermatologist, and other questions such as: 

  • Was the doctor’s staff helpful and friendly? Did the doctor offer several options for her problem during her consultation? Was the doctor supportive and open during and after the procedure?
  • You should also confirm how long your friend has been going to their dermatologist. If she has been seeing the same doctor for several years and over many visits, you should weigh her recommendation more than someone who has only been to the office one or two times.

Ask the receptionist if the doctor will be present for the consultation: Though you might assume the doctor will be present for your consultation,  there could be little to no training, supervision, or quality control for the technicians performing the treatments, or even a doctor present during these treatments. Always confirm the doctor will be present for your consultation and your first treatment.

Look at your friend’s skin: One of the best recommendations for a dermatologist is how their patients look. Is your friend’s skin improving? Does it have a healthy glow? If she has had Botox, does it look natural and light or frozen and fake? Be wary of dermatologists who advertise. 

Dermatologists who retain their patients and do consistent, good work don’t usually need to advertise. The only reasons a doctor would advertise is if she does not have enough patients and are not receiving referrals from her current patients or other doctors. So if you see a lot of advertising around a certain dermatologist, be cautious before scheduling a consultation with him/ her.