News

Should you see a dermatologist?

Considering seeing a dermatologist? Here’s how to go about it.

Dr. Geeta Yadav, Board-Certified Dermatologist answers your questions.

If you’ve browsed the Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair & Allure magazines or Huffington Post online, you may have seen Canadian buzz-worthy dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav answering questions and sharing global skincare trends. The Toronto-based doctor and founder of FACET Dermatology has captured the attention of U.S. media over the past 12 months as the go-to expert for all things professional skincare. She has the unique ability to explain complex technologies and procedures in simple, easy-to-understand terms. I sat down with her recently to ask her to explain how a regular individual goes about seeing a dermatologist for a specific skin concern.

Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto
Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto

Dave: To start, many people feel a little intimidated or nervous about visiting a dermatologist. Can you tell us a little bit about the process?

Dr. Yadav: Once you get your appointment, you will meet with a dermatologist and share your concerns, whether they’re a specific medical issue or a desire to look more youthful. Your dermatologist will make a diagnosis and determine the best course of action for treatment for your unique needs. From there, you’ll work together towards your goals.


D.L. Do you need to be referred to a dermatologist by a family doctor? And if so, why is this?

Dr. Yadav: Typically, yes, when Canadian patients need to be referred to specialist doctors, like dermatologists, by their family doctors before they can be seen for treatment of a medical issue. This will ensure coverage by your province’s health plan. Waiting for an appointment slot can take a while but know that if your specific concern is potentially serious, such as skin cancer, your appointment will be made sooner. For patients interested in aesthetic treatments like injectables or laser skin resurfacing, they can directly contact the dermatology clinic as these procedures are elective and thus not covered by a health plan.


D.L. Some people think that visiting a dermatologist is very expensive. Can you tell us about how many of the services are affordable?

Dr. Yadav: Beyond medical treatments that are covered by your province’s health plan, aesthetic treatments do cost money. Affordability depends on a lot of factors, including where you and your dermatology clinic are geographically located (major cities like Toronto and Quebec have higher costs of living, which are reflected in prices), the expertise of your provider (the more experience they have, the more they tend to charge), the specific treatment and number of treatments you’re interested in, and other factors. At my practice, FACET Dermatology, we are always happy to share our treatment plan and pricing before starting any course of treatment; we also offer payment plans.


D.L. How are the clinical products you can buy at a dermatologist different from the ones you can buy in a drugstore like Shoppers Drug Mart? Is the percentage of active ingredients higher?

Dr. Yadav: They’re very different. Clinical products, sometimes referred to as cosmeceuticals, are developed with more potent ingredients than those you’d find at a drugstore. They’re also clinically proven to deliver powerful results. That’s not to say there aren’t great products at Shoppers Drug Mart, but there, you won’t get a customized routine designed specifically to target your concerns. At a dermatologist’s clinic, your provider will be able to select the best products for your unique needs. They’ll also be able to prescribe you even stronger formulas, like tretinoin, for more advanced results.

Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto
Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto


D.L. What are the most popular skin concerns people come to you with?

Dr. Yadav: That’s one of my favorite things about being a dermatologist — no day in clinic is the same! That said, I see a lot of patients looking to enhance their appearance with injectable treatments like Botox and Juvederm, reduce signs of aging with resurfacing lasers, and remove growths like moles and skin tags. I also treat concerns like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.


D.L. Has technology changed much over the past five years? Are you able to better treat conditions with new lasers and technology?

Dr. Yadvav: Technology has changed significantly throughout the course of my career, including over the past five years. The advancement in device technology has allowed for more precise and targeted treatment of a wide range of concerns, whether they’re broken blood vessels or love handles. I’m especially excited about one of the recent additions to my clinic, Emsculpt NEO. It uses a blend of high intensity focused electromagnetic technology and radiofrequency to simultaneously strengthen and tone muscles while burning away fat. It’s highly effective and can be used all over the body, including love handles, the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, backs of the arms, and more. 


D.L. What is the best skincare advice you can give a client?

Dr. Yadav: There is one piece of skincare advice that applies to anyone and everyone: Wear sunscreen every single day. Even if it’s cloudy or rainy, even if you’ll only be exposed to the sun a few times between errands when hopping out of the car, applying SPF 30 or higher is an absolute must. Using sunscreen not only helps prevent premature aging of the skin for a longer-lasting youthful appearance but can also prevent the formation of skin cancer. There are so few products you can buy at your local drugstore that could help save your life — why not wear it?


D.L. Tell us a little about your interviews with American magazines and sites like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair. What are the most common questions you get from them?

Dr. Yadav: In addition to commenting on current trends in skincare like “slugging” with Vaseline and popular ingredients, I speak to common medical issues like eczema, best practices in buying and applying sunscreen, how to prevent and treat body acne, and more! I love answering these “burning questions” that readers have for dermatologists and am honored to be able to help people and share my knowledge on such a wide scale.


D.L. Are you able to treat conditions like adult acne and rosacea in your clinic?

Dr. Yadav: Yes, certainly. While I do practice aesthetic dermatology, my practice is rooted in a clinical approach. General and medical dermatology are my original specialties and I pride myself on providing my patients with personalized and efficacious care. 

Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto
Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto


D.L. What message would you like to give Canadians thinking of visiting a dermatologist but are a little nervous?

Dr. Yadav: Don’t be nervous! My fellow dermatologists and I are eager to help you. Your skin is your largest organ and shouldn’t be neglected. Whether you’re seeking out a skin cancer screening or a treatment to help you look more refreshed and rested, we’re here to help guide you along your journey and provide the utmost in patient care.

Dr. Geeta Yadav is a Board-Certified Dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology

(www.facetdermatology.com) She’s located at 2533 Danforth Avenue in Toronto. 416-698-5521

75 Comments

  • Reply
    bn100
    February 1, 2023 at 10:04 pm

    nice interview

  • Reply
    Paula S.
    February 1, 2023 at 8:57 pm

    Thank you for a very informative article!

  • Reply
    Susie Wilkinson
    February 1, 2023 at 8:16 pm

    @SusieWilkinson
    In the UK, we’re quite fortunate, as, if we do need to see a dermatologist, we will be referred on the NHS. They were great when I developed rosacea.

  • Reply
    Donna Maslen
    February 1, 2023 at 4:52 pm

    Such an informative article. Thanks!
    @iCruiseify

  • Reply
    Daniela Sborlini
    February 1, 2023 at 3:39 pm

    Great info Dave, you asked really good questions. Ive visited a dermatologist a couple of times to do biopsy on beauty marks and a couple of other skin issues. Thanks for sharing @daniela27

  • Reply
    Denise
    February 1, 2023 at 2:08 pm

    Wonderful interview with great information.

  • Reply
    Coline T.
    February 1, 2023 at 12:32 pm

    I had consulted a dermatologist for acne, it was very effective, I recommend! 🙂

  • Reply
    Kristen Visser
    February 1, 2023 at 11:43 am

    Fabulous interview and article ! Such an important topic to address

    • Reply
      Catherine Badenhorst
      February 1, 2023 at 2:43 pm

      Very interesting article. When I was in my early twenties I went to a dermatologist for treatment of severe acne… yes it was very intimidating and a little embarrassing but the best decision I made.

  • Reply
    Maria Yeung
    February 1, 2023 at 11:08 am

    Thanks for the info! Very interesting! I’m religious on applying sunscreen!

  • Reply
    Kadean
    January 31, 2023 at 9:38 am

    As a trainee family doctor it is really nice to see this information out there. Although it may seem common what a dermatologist does and how they can help isn’t known about enough from the public. Thanks for this article!

  • Reply
    Debbie Miller
    January 29, 2023 at 12:52 pm

    The only time I saw a Dermatologist was because of my psiorasis which thankfully has been in complete remission for about 5 years.. Thank you for this positive article which I have found very interesting and useful.

  • Reply
    Jennifer L
    January 16, 2023 at 6:48 pm

    I have been seeing one for a long time because I’ve had eczema since birth, they are also helpful in asking with other skin care, or if theres a new trend if its good or bad.

  • Reply
    Susan T.
    January 16, 2023 at 12:47 pm

    This is so helpful. I didn’t realize a dermatologist could be covered under provincial health care!

  • Reply
    Patricia Mohk
    January 10, 2023 at 12:12 am

    I was just thinking about checking one out. Good info and and answered my questions.

  • Reply
    Jamie Johnson
    January 7, 2023 at 2:33 pm

    Love this piece! And she is SO right about, well everything lol! But mostly that your skin is your largest organ, and you’d go see a doctor about anything else you had concerns about, why not for your skin? And I’d say don’t wait. Whatever your concerns are now, they’ll be bigger later. I waited too long to see a dermatologist, and I wish I had gone sooner. But they did help me and also helped refer me to another doctor. Best decision I ever made! Thanks Dave!

    • Reply
      Dawn Renee
      February 1, 2023 at 8:27 am

      Getting into a dermatologist can take time. When you find a great doctor with patience it is worth it and they are definitely help with so many skin issues. Prevention and maintenance.

  • Reply
    Ellie Falls
    January 6, 2023 at 5:14 pm

    Very helpful information!

  • Reply
    Wendy Lam-Vechi
    January 5, 2023 at 7:54 am

    I really need to remember to apply suncream on my face everyday. I keep forgetting yet I’m so concerned about ageing

  • Reply
    Heather Fawcett
    January 3, 2023 at 5:17 pm

    I have seen a Dermatologist in the pass for different skin issues. Great article

  • Reply
    Janet M
    January 3, 2023 at 12:40 pm

    Thanks for the great info. I haven’t seen dermatologists in the past.

  • Reply
    Sima Shirmohammadian
    December 29, 2022 at 10:26 pm

    Very interesting post! I’ll be sure to consider these tips next time I’ve got any skin concerns 😊

  • Reply
    Sana HS
    December 29, 2022 at 5:01 pm

    Great interview!
    The sunscreen tip is the most important one and I’m trying to stick to it as much as I can 🙂

  • Reply
    Cheryl Royston
    December 29, 2022 at 4:09 pm

    I started a new drug for Ulcerative Colitis and I am losing my hair. I am very concerned and upset about this as women love their hair. My doctor who put me on this new drug is sending me to a dermatologist and I am can’t wait to go and I hope there is something she can do to help me!!

  • Reply
    Gail v. Siemko
    November 8, 2022 at 11:50 am

    Thank you for all of this pertinent information, it’s made me Think twice and I will encourage everyone to go! G

    Gail V.Siemko

  • Reply
    Dawn C Purcell-Musgrave
    September 24, 2022 at 12:42 am

    I have gone to a Dermatologist off and on my whole life. I need to go very soon again. Thank you for an article with great information.

  • Reply
    Anna Roszak Robinson
    September 22, 2022 at 7:46 am

    Great information!
    Thank you!

1 2 3

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.