Dangers of Skin Treatment from an Unlicensed Provider

You've probably heard of some terrible and failed plastic surgery procedures, but have you ever heard of failed skincare procedures? Believe it or not, there are some skin care providers that operate under the false pretense of being licensed or certified when they are not. These scenarios may put your skin at potential risk. bottom line? Do your research.

Your skin is priceless, so treat it accordingly. If you are considering any skin care treatments in the near future, make sure you take the proper steps to find a reputable, qualified professional or certified dermatologist. Board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Dandy Engelman highlights the fact that unlicensed providers typically don't have the experience or proper equipment needed to perform most skincare treatments. 

“Licensed providers have extensive knowledge of the procedures they perform and also use the proper sterile equipment,” she says. “Going to an unlicensed provider puts you at real risk of receiving the wrong treatment. The proper dose of active substances, the concentrations and the amount of time they remain, and the technique (extraction, etc.) should not be given to someone who has not been properly trained.”

So, what exactly are you risking by turning to an unlicensed provider? The overall health of your skin, according to Dr. Engelman. Some common side effects can include infections, acne, sensitivity, and redness, she says, and that's just the beginning. Lack of proper use of equipment during skin treatment can also cause burns and blisters that can leave a scar if not taken care of. 

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SUPPLIER

When you give your skin into the wrong hands, you must not remain ignorant. Always do proper research on the different types of procedures available to you and the technicians and physicians you consult. “Find a reputable doctor rating site,” Dr. Engelman advises. "This will give you the opportunity to read about other patients' experiences with this doctor."

Ultimately, the results you achieve during your skin treatment will depend on your provider's skills and experience, so it's important to do your research and know your provider's qualifications. If you are looking for a board certified dermatologist, American Academy of Dermatology says look for FAAD after your dermatologist's name. FAAD stands for Member of the American Academy of Dermatology. To find a certified dermatologist near you, visit aad.org. 

SKIN CARE ALTERNATIVES

If you're on a tight budget, skincare treatments may be too expensive. The good news is that there are many products out there that can help you get one step closer to a smoother, healthier complexion. Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite skin care products from the L'Oreal portfolio of brands that can help address some of the most common skin concerns.

For signs of aging: La Roche-Posay Redermic C Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizing Face Cream

Are you trying to achieve a youthful appearance? Then try this skin moisturizer from La Roche-Posay. It contains fragmented hyaluronic acid and can help firm the skin so signs of aging - like lines and wrinkles - are visibly reduced.

For acne: Vichy Normaderm Gel Cleanser

If you suffer from constant breakouts and acne breakouts, try a cleanser specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. Normaderm Gel Cleanser, containing salicylic, glycolic and lipohydroxy acids, can help unclog pores and reduce the appearance of imperfections.

For Rough Texture: Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub

Sometimes all your skin needs is a good scrub to remove those rough, dry flakes from the surface. Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub is a great product to help remove excess dead skin cells. Made from real fruit extracts, this scrub uses finely ground scrub grains to gently exfoliate the skin.