Skip to content 
As beauty and skincare professionals with over 15 years of experience at Natura Spa, we’ve seen countless clients navigate the sometimes confusing landscape of skin health. One of the most common questions we hear is: “Should I see a dermatologist for this?” It’s a crucial question that deserves a thoughtful answer.
While professional spa treatments like our specialized organic facials and expert waxing services play an important role in maintaining healthy, glowing skin, there are times when medical expertise is essential. Understanding the difference between cosmetic concerns that benefit from spa treatments and medical conditions requiring dermatological care empowers you to make the best decisions for your skin’s health.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it deserves both preventive care and prompt medical attention when needed. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you recognize the warning signs that indicate it’s time to schedule that dermatologist appointment, understand common conditions that require medical intervention, and learn how professional skincare services and dermatology work together for optimal skin health.
Understanding the Dermatologist’s Role in Your Skincare Journey
Dermatologists are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They complete four years of medical school followed by a specialized residency in dermatology, making them uniquely qualified to address both medical and cosmetic skin concerns.
What dermatologists treat:
- Skin cancers and precancerous lesions
- Chronic skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, rosacea)
- Severe or persistent acne
- Unusual moles or skin growths
- Hair loss conditions
- Nail disorders
- Skin infections requiring prescription treatment
- Age-related skin changes requiring medical intervention
At Natura Spa, we work in harmony with dermatological care. While we excel at maintaining skin health through professional treatments, facials, and our signature Brazilian waxing method, we recognize when medical expertise is necessary and always encourage our clients to seek appropriate care.
Red Flag Warning Signs: When to Schedule That Appointment Immediately
Certain skin changes require prompt medical evaluation. If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait—schedule a dermatologist appointment as soon as possible:
The ABCDE Rule for Moles
Any mole or spot exhibiting these characteristics needs professional evaluation:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other half
- Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
- Color: Multiple colors or uneven color distribution
- Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), though melanomas can be smaller
- Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms
Additional Urgent Warning Signs
Skin changes that won’t heal: Any sore, spot, or lesion that doesn’t heal within 2-3 weeks warrants medical attention. This includes persistently bleeding spots or scaly patches that keep recurring.
Sudden or severe reactions: If you experience widespread hives, severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of a serious allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care.
Rapidly changing growths: Any skin growth that appears suddenly and grows quickly should be evaluated promptly.
Painful or tender spots: While some skin irritation is normal (especially after treatments like waxing), persistent pain, tenderness, or warmth in a specific area could indicate infection or another medical condition.
Common Skin Conditions That Require Dermatological Care
Understanding which conditions benefit from medical treatment helps you seek appropriate care sooner rather than later.
Persistent or Severe Acne
While occasional breakouts can often be managed with professional facials and proper skincare routines, certain types of acne require medical intervention:
- Cystic acne: Deep, painful nodules beneath the skin’s surface
- Acne that scars: If breakouts consistently leave marks or scars
- Widespread acne: Covering large areas of the face, back, or chest
- Acne resistant to over-the-counter treatments: If you’ve tried quality products for 2-3 months without improvement
At Natura Spa, our HydraFacial treatments complement dermatological acne care beautifully. Many of our clients see their dermatologist for prescription treatments while maintaining their skin between appointments with our customized facials designed for acne-prone skin.
Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea require medical diagnosis and often prescription treatment:
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Characterized by dry, itchy, inflamed patches that may weep or crust over. While moisturizing is essential, moderate to severe eczema often requires prescription topical treatments.
Psoriasis: Presents as thick, scaly, often silvery patches that can be itchy or painful. This autoimmune condition requires medical management, though professional skincare can support treatment.
Rosacea: Persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. Triggers vary by individual, and prescription treatments are often necessary for control.
Suspicious Skin Growths and Changes
Any new growth or changing lesion deserves evaluation. This includes:
- Unusual-looking moles or spots
- Scaly patches that don’t resolve
- Pearly or waxy bumps
- Flesh-colored or brown scars without prior injury
- Recurring spots in the same location
Early detection of skin cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes, making regular skin checks essential.
Hair Loss Beyond Normal Shedding
While everyone loses 50-100 hairs daily, certain patterns of hair loss indicate medical conditions:
- Sudden, patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)
- Gradual thinning with no family history
- Hair loss accompanied by scalp irritation, scaling, or pain
- Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
- Hair loss following medication changes or medical treatments
When Professional Spa Care and Dermatology Work Together
At Natura Spa, we believe in the power of integrated care. Many skin concerns benefit from both medical treatment and professional spa services working in tandem.
The Partnership Approach
Before dermatological treatment: Professional facials and proper skin preparation can optimize your skin’s condition before medical procedures. Our expert estheticians ensure your skin is clean, healthy, and ready for treatment.
During medical treatment: Many dermatological treatments can be enhanced with appropriate spa care. For example, gentle, professional-grade products used during our facials can support prescription acne treatments without interfering with their effectiveness. For acne scarring concerns, our microneedling treatments can work alongside dermatological care to improve skin texture and minimize the appearance of scars.
After medical procedures: Once your dermatologist clears you, professional spa treatments help maintain results and keep your skin glowing. Our post-treatment care protocols are designed to support healing and optimize outcomes.
Hair Removal Considerations
Our signature Brazilian waxing method and other hair removal services sometimes intersect with dermatological concerns. We always recommend consulting your dermatologist before waxing if you:
- Use retinoids or other prescription skin medications
- Have active skin conditions in treatment areas
- Are undergoing certain medical treatments
- Have recently had laser procedures or chemical peels
This collaborative approach ensures your safety while helping you achieve your beauty goals.
Preventive Dermatology: The Annual Skin Check
Even without specific concerns, annual skin examinations are recommended for everyone, especially those with:
- Fair skin that burns easily
- History of significant sun exposure or tanning bed use
- Family history of skin cancer
- More than 50 moles
- History of severe sunburns, particularly in childhood
- Weakened immune system
Think of annual skin checks like dental cleanings—preventive care that catches problems early when they’re most treatable. During these appointments, dermatologists examine your entire body, documenting moles and spots for future comparison.
At Natura Spa, we encourage all our clients to maintain this preventive schedule. Healthy skin is beautiful skin, and early detection saves lives.
How to Prepare for Your Dermatology Appointment
Maximize the value of your dermatologist visit with proper preparation:
Document your concerns: Take photos of problem areas and note when changes began, what makes them better or worse, and any associated symptoms.
List your products: Bring a list of all skincare products, medications, and supplements you use. This helps identify potential irritants or interactions.
Know your history: Be prepared to discuss your personal and family medical history, including previous skin issues, cancers, and treatments.
Skip the makeup: Arrive with clean skin so your dermatologist can see your natural skin condition clearly.
Prepare questions: Write down everything you want to ask to ensure you don’t forget important concerns during your appointment.
Finding the Right Dermatologist
Choosing the right dermatologist ensures you receive quality care:
Verify credentials: Look for board certification by the American Board of Dermatology, indicating specialized training and expertise.
Consider specialization: Some dermatologists focus on specific areas like cosmetic dermatology, pediatric dermatology, or surgical dermatology.
Check reviews and referrals: Ask trusted sources, including your primary care physician or beauty professionals, for recommendations.
Evaluate communication style: Choose a dermatologist who listens to your concerns, explains conditions clearly, and involves you in treatment decisions.
Consider logistics: Location, office hours, and insurance acceptance matter for ongoing care.
Your Skin Health Action Plan
Creating a comprehensive approach to skin health involves both professional spa care and appropriate medical attention:
Monthly self-examinations: Check your skin head to toe, noting any changes or new spots. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas or ask a partner for help.
Annual dermatology check-ups: Schedule preventive skin examinations even without specific concerns.
Regular professional skincare: Maintain your skin’s health with treatments like our customized facials at Natura Spa, designed for your specific skin type and concerns.
Prompt attention to changes: Don’t wait if you notice something concerning. Early intervention almost always leads to better outcomes.
Sun protection daily: Prevent future damage with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
Conclusion: Your Partners in Skin Health
At Natura Spa, we’re honored to be part of your beauty and wellness journey. With over 15 years of experience serving clients across our Florida and California locations, we understand that beautiful skin requires both professional care and sometimes medical expertise.
Remember these key takeaways:
- Trust your instincts—if something seems wrong, get it checked
- Don’t delay evaluation of warning signs like changing moles or non-healing sores
- Annual skin checks are preventive care, not just reactive treatment
- Professional spa treatments and dermatological care work beautifully together
- Your skin health is an investment in your overall wellness
Whether you’re visiting us for our signature Brazilian waxing, rejuvenating facials, or other professional treatments, we’re committed to supporting your skin’s health. When medical expertise is needed, we’ll always encourage you to seek appropriate dermatological care—because your health and safety are our top priorities.
Ready to elevate your skincare routine? Book your service online and schedule a consultation at Natura Spa today. Our experienced professionals will assess your skin, recommend appropriate treatments, and guide you toward your healthiest, most radiant skin. And if we notice anything that warrants medical attention, we’ll support you in seeking the right care.
Your skin tells your story—let’s make sure it’s a healthy, beautiful one. Visit us at any of our Florida or California locations, or contact us today to begin your personalized skincare journey with Natura Spa.
