Red Flags and Green Flags: Choosing the Right Dermatologist for You

Why Choosing the Right Dermatologist Matters More Than You Think

Your skin is not a weekend project. It is:

• Your body’s largest organ
• Deeply connected to hormones, immunity, stress, and lifestyle
• Slow to heal when damaged improperly

Good skin journeys are marathons—not miracles.

A Good Dermatologist:

• Remembers your skin history
• Adjusts treatment as life, stress, and seasons change
• Prioritises safety over speed

A Bad One:

Treats your face like a one-time transaction.

And the cost of that mistake isn’t just financial.

First Non-Negotiable: Qualifications (Before Reviews, Reels, or Offers)

Before you fall for testimonials or Instagram aesthetics, verify credentials.

In India, a legitimate dermatologist must have:

• MBBS, plus
• MD (Dermatology) / DNB (Dermatology) / DVD

Understand the Difference:

• Dermatologist → A licensed medical doctor trained to diagnose diseases, prescribe medication, and safely perform procedures
• Cosmetologist → Often non-medical; focuses on surface aesthetics (sometimes MBBS with short procedural certifications)
• Technician → Operates machines under supervision, not independently

Lasers, injectables, chemical peels, and acne treatments should never be performed independently by non-doctors.

If this sounds strict—it should be.
Your skin deserves medical care, not shortcuts.

Green Flags Before You Even Book an Appointment

You can identify a credible clinic early—if you know what to look for.

1. Transparent Online Presence

• Doctor’s full name visible
• Credentials clearly listed
• Medical registration mentioned

2. Education Over Selling

• Blogs, FAQs, or videos explaining why treatments work
• Not just “before–after” photos

3. Honest Technology Disclosure

Reputable clinics openly state the machines and protocols they use.

For example, clinics like Skin Solutionz clearly list their medical leadership and FDA-approved technologies, so patients know who is treating them—and how.

Transparency reflects professionalism.

Red Flags Before You Book (Do Not Ignore These)

1. “100% cure in 2 days”
2. “Permanent results instantly”
3. Heavy discounts pushed before consultation
4. No doctor name listed anywhere

In medicine, guarantees are unethical.
Only probabilities exist.

If it sounds too perfect, it usually is.

Green Flags During the Consultation

This is where trust is built—or broken.

1. Proper Examination

• Skin examined under medical lighting
• No diagnosis from across the room
• Makeup may be removed if necessary

2. Thorough Medical Questions

• Stress levels
• Diet and sleep
• Hormonal history
• Past treatments
• Current products

3. Clear Explanation of the “Why”

A competent doctor explains not just what you have—but why it’s happening.

Doctors like Dr. Tina Ramachander are frequently noted in patient reviews for taking time to explain the science rather than rushing to prescriptions.

4. Honest Risk Discussion

No treatment is completely risk-free.

If someone says “no side effects at all,” proceed cautiously.
Good doctors discuss downtime, redness, and possible reactions.

Red Flags During the Consultation

1. 3–5 minute visit with no examination
2. Same prescription for everyone
3. Jumping straight to expensive lasers
4. Dismissing your budget concerns

If you feel unheard now, you’ll likely feel unsupported later.

Green Flags in the Clinic Environment

Observe carefully. Your surroundings reveal standards.

1. Medical Hygiene (Not Just Spa Aesthetics)

1. Gloves used appropriately
2. Fresh bed sheets
3. Sanitised instruments
4. Proper medical lighting

2. Informed Consent

Consent forms are explained—not rushed.

This is not paperwork. It is patient safety.

3. The Power of “No”

One of the strongest green flags:

A doctor who says,

“This treatment isn’t right for you.”

Ethics show up before profits.

Red Flags in Clinic Processes

1. Reused tools or double-dipped products
2. No patch testing (especially critical for Indian skin tones)
3. No after-care support or emergency contact

If your skin reacts at midnight, you should not be guessing what to do.

How to Read Online Reviews (Without Getting Misled)

Do not obsess over one angry review.

Instead:

• Look for patterns
• Read 3- and 4-star reviews carefully
• Separate inconvenience complaints (“parking was bad”) from safety concerns (“my skin burned and no one helped”)

Safety complaints are deal-breakers. Always.

Choosing Between Two Dermatologists? Use This Rule

Expertise > Convenience. Always.

Traveling 30 extra minutes to a qualified, ethical clinic is worth far more than risking your skin at the nearest salon with a laser machine.

Skin damage takes years to undo.
Distance takes minutes.

When It’s Okay to Switch Dermatologists

You are not being disloyal. You are being responsible.

Switch if:

• You feel repeatedly unheard
• There is no improvement and no treatment modification after months
• Your concerns are consistently dismissed

A professional clinic will provide your treatment history to ensure safe continuity of care.

Final Thought (Read This Twice)

Your skin is not a product.
It is an organ.

The dermatologist you choose today influences:

• How your skin heals
• How it ages
• How confident you feel in your own face

Whether you choose a long-established clinic like Skin Solutionz or another board-certified centre, use these green and red flags as your filter.

In dermatology, the safest choice is almost always the smartest one.

If this helped you, save it—or share it with someone about to book a skin treatment.

It might save their skin years of regret.