We Are All Becoming Skincare Experts
The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the skincare industry and the way we seek professional assistance. Instead of being able to walk into our usual esthetician or doctor's office, we have found ourselves embracing virtual consultations and trying at-home treatments recommended online. The lines between healthcare and self-care are blurring.
Although dermatologists and estheticians may not be classified as essential workers by the CDC, they still play a vital role in the day-to-day lives as we speaking to them on Zoom, Skype or Facetime. This entire process is making us all feel empowered. Instead of quickly scheduling appointments with our pros, First, we are now doing our research and trying to find online solutions, which is saving us time and money.
Virtual Appointments
Perhaps the most direct forms of telemedicine are virtual consultations and visits. When non-essential offices were forced to close in March of 2020, this left many of us worried about how we would still receive proper care. Dermatologists and estheticians have since shifted their practices online in order to best provide for their patients, which has proved to be incredibly efficient. Now we are able to receive diagnoses and treatment recommendations for issues such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and more all from their normal dermatologists or estheticians in the comfort of our own home, using video chat tools.
Health Apps
We are seeing great success with dermatology telemedicine using healthcare apps. This form of digital skincare connects us to dermatologists based on our concerns in a time-sensitive manner. For example, we can download a dermatology app, take pictures of and explain a rash that recently appeared on our arm, and then shortly be connected to a professional who will recommend specific treatments and medications. Some of the best teledermatology services include FirstDerm, Spruce, Direct Dermatology, and SkinVision, which has even detected over 27,000 cases of skin cancer globally. Although these apps usually don’t include our regular doctor, they use both smart algorithms and real-life dermatologists for advice almost instantly. This has definitely proven to be a great option for those of us seeking quick recommendations.
Social Media
When quarantine began, we found ourselves spending more time on social media than ever before. With this increased use, it has proven itself to be a vital channel in regards to telemedicine for skincare. Certain skincare professionals such as Skincare by Hyram on YouTube and Amy Chang on Tik Tok have given hundreds of thousands of users product advice and inform them of the best ingredients. Instagram Lives are another great source in seeking skincare tips. Using social media, the Ellen Lange team has been able to educate viewers on the benefits of our Retexturizing Peel as well as how to apply it. This allows our users to stay safe, save time and money, and have amazingly healthy skin.
Ultimately, telemedicine provides individuals with lower prices and more convenient scheduling, making it more accessible for all of us. It’s safe to say this new wave of skincare is here to stay.