Cosmetic Dermatology vs Medical Dermatology: What’s the Difference?

Regarding dermatology, it’s easy to feel confused about whether you need cosmetic or medical dermatology. Both fields focus on the skin, hair, and nails, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding the major differences between the two can help you decide which type of dermatologist to visit based on your specific needs. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between Cosmetic Dermatology vs. Medical Dermatology, covering the treatment of various skin issues. Let’s discuss it in detail.

What Is Medical Dermatology?

Medical dermatology focuses on the health and diseases of the skin. This specialty is concerned with diagnosing and managing conditions that affect the skin and can impact a person’s overall health, such as acne and various inflammatory disorders. 

What Types of Conditions Do Medical Dermatologists Treat?

Medical dermatology treatments address various skin conditions, ranging from chronic diseases to acute infections. Here are some of the many skin issues they treat:

Acne 

Acne is one of the most common conditions treated in medical dermatology. It affects nearly 20% of Canadians, totalling around 5.6 million people. The condition arises when hair follicles are blocked by excess oil & dead skin cells, leading to inflammation and developing pimples. 

Eczema 

Eczema, another frequent concern, is a chronic condition that results in dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It affects over 17% of the Canadian population. Eczema is believed to stem from genetic and environmental factors, creating a barrier dysfunction in the skin. 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic disease characterized by the appearance of red or scaly patches on the skin. It affects approximately 1 million Canadians and 125 million people worldwide and needs immediate attention. 

Rosacea

Rosacea is known for causing persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face. It affects more than 3 million Canadians and can worsen due to environmental triggers such as sun exposure, stress, and dietary factors. 

What Are Different Types of Medical Dermatology Treatments?

Medical dermatologists are highly trained professionals who use their skills to identify and treat skin issues using various methods. Here are the different types of medical dermatology treatments they perform:

Phototherapy Treatment

Phototherapy uses Narrowband Ultraviolet B light in short sessions to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and general itch. Controlled light exposure helps reduce symptoms and improve skin health, offering a non-invasive solution for chronic skin issues.

Botox® for Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. Botox® injections effectively treat this by targeting sweat glands in areas like armpits, hands, or feet. The treatment temporarily reduces sweating for 3-6 months, often eliminating the need for strong antiperspirants.

What Is Cosmetic Dermatology?

Cosmetic dermatology uses different treatments and procedures to improve the look of nails, hair, and skin. It addresses aesthetic concerns like wrinkles, pigmentation, scars, and other visible imperfections to promote a more refined and youthful look.

What Types of Conditions Do Cosmetic Dermatologists Treat?

Cosmetic dermatologists treat various skin conditions, whether you are dealing with uneven skin tone, wrinkles or other issues. Let's discuss it.

Uneven Skin Tone

Areas of irregular darkening or lightening of the skin can cause uneven skin tone. Common issues include hyperpigmentation (Melasma), which refers to dark spots or patches caused by excess melanin production from sun exposure, inflammation, or other skin injuries. 

Wrinkles

Wrinkles primarily indicate the natural aging process but can be deepened or prematurely developed due to several factors. Sun damage is a significant contributor, as UV light breaks down the collagen & elastin fibres in the skin that provide elasticity and support. 

Acne and Acne Scars

Acne is caused by pores clogging with oil and dead skin cells, which bacteria can inflame. It's not just a problem for teenagers—many adults also struggle with acne due to hormonal changes, stress, and inappropriate skincare products. 

What Are Different Types of Cosmetic Dermatology Treatments?

There are many types of cosmetic dermatology treatments available to address various skin concerns & enhance overall appearance. Some of them are listed below:

Botox

Botox is a widely recognized cosmetic dermatology treatment that temporarily paralyzes muscles that are responsible for frequent contractions by injecting botulinum toxin into the skin. This process reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and frown lines, caused by repetitive facial movements. Often referred to as an "anti-wrinkle treatment," Botox has gained global acclaim for delivering smoother, more youthful-looking skin with minimal downtime. 

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore volume to areas of the face that have hollowed due to aging or other factors. They help enhance plump lips and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Different types of dermal fillers include collagen-based fillers, hyaluronic acid fillers, autologous fat fillers (made from a person’s own body fat), and synthetic options. 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that improves skin tone & texture by targeting pigmentation irregularities and sun damage. IPL uses broad-spectrum light to heat and break down unwanted pigment cells, such as those causing redness, brown spots, or uneven skin tone. The body then eliminates the damaged tissue, revealing clearer, more radiant skin. 

Microneedling

Microneedling is a type of cosmetic treatment that uses fine needles to create microscopic punctures on your skin's surface. This technique triggers the body's natural production of collagen and elastin, encouraging skin renewal and enhancing texture, tone, and elasticity. It is particularly effective in minimizing the visibility of acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.

Conclusion

When you compare “Cosmetic Dermatology vs Medical Dermatology,” it’s clear that both play essential roles in skincare. Medical dermatology focuses on diagnosing and treating health-related skin conditions, while cosmetic dermatology enhances appearance. 

Our dermatologists at Embrace Skin Clinic provide dermatology services, enabling us to address a broad range of skin concerns under one roof. From Botox to microneedling, we offer various medical and cosmetic procedures tailored to meet your skin needs. Contact Us Today!