This past week I finally built up the courage to pick up my phone and dial the number of my dermatologist's office. As someone who has dealt with autoimmune conditions for the majority of her life, the last thing I want to do is spend more time in sterile offices filled with the buzz of fax machines and crinkling of stiff table paper. Things had built up to the point where I felt I needed to see a doctor, and so here I was waiting for the apathetic secretary to care more about my date of birth than my actual name or reasons for calling.

Unfortunately, I can't say that my appointment changed my opinions on doctors, and in fact, I am now even more hesitant to pick up the phone. I'm, or we're, fortunate enough that there are professionals, besides the degree-certified medical professionals, that can typically take care of our concerns.

Based off of the long-term relationship I've had with medical offices and the shorter friendship I've built with spas, I've compiled a list of why I'd rather see an esthetician than a doctor for my dermatology needs:

While I may have these opinions, I can't forget to add the very important detail that this hasn't held true for every esthetician I've seen. The task of finding the right esthetician for you is no small feat, just like finding the right doctor. But once you do find that person for you, the benefits they provide you will far outweigh those of a doctor. And one final note, if you do need medical attention, do be sure to receive a professional opinion.