The Dangers of Getting a Skin Treatment By an Unlicensed Provider

You’ve probably heard of some scary botched plastic surgery procedures, but have you ever heard of botched skin treatments? Believe it or not, there are some skin care providers who operate under the false guise of being licensed or board-certified when in fact they are not. These scenarios can put your skin at potential risk. The bottom line? Do your research.

Your skin is priceless, so treat it as such. If you’re planning on getting any skin treatments done in the near future, make sure you take the proper steps to find a reputable, skilled technician or board-certified dermatologist. Board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Dendy Engelman highlights the fact that unlicensed providers usually don’t have the expertise or proper equipment needed to perform most skin treatments. 

“Licensed providers have extensive knowledge of the procedures they perform as well as use the proper sterile equipment,” she says. “Going to an unlicensed provider puts you at real risk for receiving the wrong treatment. The proper dose of actives, concentrations and the amount of time these are left on as well as technique (extractions, etc.) should not be left to someone that has not received the proper training.”

So, what exactly are you risking when going to an unlicensed provider? The overall health of your skin, according to Dr. Engelman. According to her, a few common side effects can include infections, breakouts, sensitivity, and redness, and that’s just the beginning. Lack of proper equipment use during skin treatments can also cause burns and blisters, which can leave a scar if not taken care of. 

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT PROVIDER

When you’re putting your skin in the hands of someone else, you shouldn’t be in the dark. Always conduct the proper research on the different types of procedures available to you, as well as the technicians and doctors you’re consulting with. “Find a reputable doctor rating site,” Dr. Engelman advises. “This will give you the chance to read about other patient experiences with that doctor.”

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

SKIN TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES

If you’re on a tight budget, skin treatments may be too costly. The good news is that there are tons of products available to help you get one step closer to a smoother and healthier-looking complexion. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite skin care products—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—that can help tackle some of the most common skin concerns.

For Signs of Aging: La Roche-Posay Redermic C Anti-Wrinkle Face Moisturizer

Trying to achieve a youthful-looking appearance? Then try out this skin-plumping moisturizer from La Roche-Posay. It’s formulated with fragmented hyaluronic acid and can help plump the look of skin so signs of aging—think: lines and wrinkles—appear visibly reduced.

For Acne: Vichy Normaderm Gel Cleanser

If you suffer from constant breakouts and flares of acne, try a face wash that’s specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. Normaderm Gel Cleanser—formulated with salicylic-, glycolic-, and lipo-hydroxy acid—can help purify pores and reduce the appearance of imperfections.

For Rough Texture: Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub

Sometimes, all your skin needs is a good scrubbing to get rough, dry flakes off the surface. The Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub is a great product to help remove excess dead skin cells. This scrub, which is made with real fruit extracts, uses finely ground scrub grains to help exfoliate the skin gently.