Private dermatologist recommendations in London

[Svn78]

Hi,
Does anyone have any recommendations for private dermatologists or NHS dermatologists in London? I have suffered for years with cystic acne and have decided enough is enough! There are lots of dermatologists via Google, but I’m worried about being given the hard sell for skincare products, cosmetic treatments etc too. I’d prefer someone who is no-nonsense and just takes a straightforward medical approach. Any suggestions very welcome!

Hi. No recommendations I'm afraid, but I was just about to start exactly the same thread! I'm wondering if it's worth going to a dermatologist or just trying going to the doctor to see if Meds work first?
Here in the U.K. it seems to be a luxury to have a dermatologist while I've noticed that all American articles about skin, seem to suggest that everyone has a dermatologist.
Hoping that someone will be able to recommend a decent one. Like you, I don't want someone peddling products.
My skin often breaks out more when I've been for a facial with a therapist affiliated with a certain brand, so I want someone totally independent.

You can see a GP with a dermatology specialisation at my practice. Maybe you can at other practices too? I saw her recently for my rosacea. She's not my usual GP but she was great. The practice website says what each GP's specialisation is to help you decide who to see (if it's not an emergency).

Thanks Prettygreen, I don't think my practice has that, but I've made an appointment to see someone anyway.

Good luck Tiger! I hope you get some helpful advice.

I would really suggest watching the Dr Sam Bunting vlogs on YouTube on treating acne - her suggestions for a very simple stripped-back skin routine totally cleared up my skin. Of course you may need prescription skincare but her videos are a good place to start.

Have a look on your GP website and see if one of the has done the Dip Derm as starters which means they have done extra training in dermatology and make an appointment with them.

Otherwise, if you want to avoid a skincare hardsell, get your GP to refer you to a private consultant. Or just look up your local private hospital - usually Spire or BMI and check out the consultant dermatologists and see who has put acne as a special interest. All of these will be qualified consultants who also work in the NHS rather than primarily cosmetic doctors wanting to sell a load of product.

I would say though, that although Dr Sam Bunting isn't a consultant and is much on the cosmetic end, her youtube videos explaining acne are amazing and just following those steps made a massive difference to my skin. She is my skin hero.

Thank you everyone! I think I will get a GP referral to an NHS dermatologist, or look up private dermatologists working in the NHS. I’ll also check out the Sam Bunting videos :-)

There’s a Fb group and a new website called Latte Lounge for over 40s (I think). Lots of recommendations are on there.