If you have never been to a skincare clinic or spa, it can be a daunting task, to say the least. Depending on the area in which you live, there could be upwards of fifteen different options, each boasting extensive skin treatment menus. So how are you to choose and ensure that you are working with the best highly trained professionals and specialists available to you?
Thankfully, there are a number of easy tips you can employ to find the best skincare center in your area (rather than just Googling “skin care clinic near me” and hoping for the best.)
How to Choose a Clinic for Skin Care
It is important to choose the right clinic for you and your skin needs, but it also important for you to feel comfortable with your esthetician. While she or he may have more experience than you with skin care, you should not feel intimidated but rather should be able to open up to them about your concerns and challenges. To help you find the best fit, you will have to do your research but some of these techniques can help you along the way.
Referrals
Often times the best recommendations are those received from friends and family. Ask the people around you who they see, particularly if they have great skin that you admire. They may not have an answer for you but if they do you can bet it will be a phenomenal resource for you! Plus, if you are a referral, some clinics may provide you with a small discount on the skin care services you select.
Reviews
Of course, the tried and true method of reading reviews is also an excellent way to discern a proper clinic from one that may leave something to be desired. When a review names a specific esthetician, positively or negatively, you may even choose to ask the clinic about that individual specifically whether that be to be attended by them or avoided, respectively. It is important to take those reviews that are overly negative with a healthy sense of skepticism, especially if nearly all other reviews are positive. However, if an establishment has nearly all bad reviews it is probably best to look elsewhere.
Exploring profiles on Instagram can be a great help! Many businesses, big or small, have profiles and link them to their websites. If you see one, try clicking through it and note the types of things they are posting. Do they post before and after photos? Provide helpful and useful information to their audience? Have any promotions available? Seeing the resources they voluntarily put forth can say a lot about the way they conduct business and how they regard their clients. You should also explore the photos the clinic is tagged in to see posts from real clients. It will help you get a better feel for the type of experience the clinic is able to provide.
Photos
Similarly, and especially if Instagram is unavailable, look for a photo gallery posted online from the clinic and their clients. Before and after photos are useful to see the results of any treatments that you are interested. But photos of the spa itself can be telling. Ideally, you would want the clinic to appear well lit, clean, and relaxing. If it appears otherwise, you may be better suited elsewhere.
Call Ahead
Think you have found the place for you? Give them a call and ask a few questions about any products or skin care treatments you are interested in. A reputable skin care clinic will happily answer any questions you have and may even offer a free consultation. They have nothing to hide and would like to ensure their clients are informed when making decisions. Any clinic that is cagey or tries to hide information, likely is not the best option to entrust your health and safety.
How to Choose a Dermatologist
If your skin concerns or skin conditions are more severe and demand the attention of a dermatologist, many of the same principles will apply to your search. Regardless of whether you seek out a dermatologist or esthetician, you should always make sure they have the appropriate license to practice their skill. They should have their licensure prominently displayed in their place of business. If they do not, ask to see it. And again, you will want to ensure the clinic or office is clean and tidy, not just in photos but when you visit as well. If it is not, take your business elsewhere as it could be an indicator that they are not abiding by safety standards.
