Is My Skin Concern Only Cosmetic?

There are now many places, outside of the traditional doctor’s clinic, for patients to seek treatment for their skin conditions, hair loss, sweating, moles, age spots, acne, or wrinkles. However, it is important to realize that ‘cosmetic concerns’ are often linked to the actual health and vitality of the skin and body. In purely aesthetic clinics, the underlying cause of the disease may easily be overlooked while treating the immediate issue.

Here are some skin treatments which should be addressed medically AND cosmetically.

Tone & Texture

Tone and texture are often the first noticeable changes of aging skin. While often thought of as a cosmetic concern, the root of this issue is often medical. Rather than starting with cosmetic injectables and lasers, it is best to begin by improving the barrier function of the thinning skin and by increasing collagen production. Even before Injectables are discussed (if at all), you will look and feel heathier and more youthful.

Adult Acne

One of the most common concerns. Clients can spend months, if not years, at significant expense, to try and solve a problem topically that needs to be addressed internally. Correcting issues such as inflammation, hormonal fluctuations, stress, and diet can bring an immediate stop to this frustrating condition.

Hair Loss

Before treatments like transplantation or PRP treatments are pursued, medical causes such as alopecia areata, hormonal disruptions, seborrheic dermatitis, or any number of other conditions should be considered. Not only is it vital to address the causes, sometimes these more expensive approaches are completely useless depending on the disease.

It is important to know that skin care, whether it be under the umbrella of cosmetics or medication, should be focused on improving the overall well being of the skin, and of the patient in general. The truth of the matter is that there is little divide between the biological mechanisms of a cosmetic condition and a medical condition. Therefore, we encourage patients not to see issues as cosmetic vs medical, but as whether or not it is something that affects their overall well being.