More often than not, the best way to tackle a persistent skin, scalp or nail concern is by booking an appointment with a consultant dermatologist. These experts are trained in more than 2,000 conditions, consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto tells us, which "encompasses a wide range of issues, including acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, infections and allergic reactions, as well as cosmetic concerns".
But unlike our friends across the pond in North America, dermatologists in the UK are not always easy to find. Naturally, London plays host to many of the best in the country, but if you're not based in the city, don't fret: many now offer virtual consultations, so you can book in some face-time from anywhere.
Regardless of how you access one, it pays to know the difference between a doctor who may have interest in treating the skin, and one who has completed further training in order to become what is known as a consultant dermatologist. "This is the term you need to look for when booking in with professionals to deal with your skin," Dr Mahto explains.
"'Consultant dermatologist' is a protected title, unlike 'dermatologist' or 'skin doctor' which anyone can use regardless of what training they've done," she reveals. "You can find out if someone is a consultant dermatologist by checking if they're registered on the General Medical Council's specialist register (the regulatory body for all doctors in the UK)." In addition, you might want to look for a dermatologist who has completed a recognised training program in dermatology, typically accredited by the Royal College of Physicians, and one that has a membership in professional organisations such as the RSM (Royal Society of Medicine), BAD (British Associations of Dermatologist) or RCP (Royal Collage of Physicians). "This indicates ongoing commitment to professional development and adherence to high standards of practice," Mahto adds.
Additionally, consider the dermatologist's experience in treating specific skin conditions relevant to your needs, such as acne, eczema, or skin cancer. "Specialised expertise in cosmetic dermatology may also be relevant if you're seeking cosmetic procedures," she advises.
Here, Bazaar spotlights 15 of the best consultant dermatologists practising in London, as well as an impressive virtual service which can match you to your perfect dermatologist wherever you are in the world.
Get Harley: for virtual appointments, wherever you are
Get Harley is one of the most impressive beauty business ventures to come out of the pandemic. Existing entirely online, the service pairs you with a renowned aesthetician or dermatologist – including Dr Alia Ahmed, aka 'the psychodermatologist' (pictured) specialising in the psychological effects of chronic skin conditions, and Dr Amélie Seghers, who has a special interest in paediatric dermatology, skin cancer and hormonal imbalances – who will see you virtually for a comprehensive consultation. Your treatment plan may include in-clinic services and prescription products, and your complete recommended routine can be packed and shipped straight to your home, so you don't even need to write a shopping list.
Appointments from £40, visit getharley.com
Dr Emma Craythorne, for skin cancers, skin scarring and cosmetic dermatology
You're in the very best of hands with Dr Emma Craythorne, a consultant dermatologist working at St John’s Institute of Dermatology and One Welbeck. You might recognise the Belfast native from TV show The Bad Skin Clinic (known as Save My Skin in the US), who for the series treats patients who have extreme skin conditions, which she also does day-to-day without the cameras. Her specialties include complex surgery and scar management, lasers, confocal imaging and cosmetic procedures – all of which she treats with the kindest manner. For those unable to access Dr Craythorne in-clinic, you can also access her expertise via Klira, where she and her dermatology team can prescribe custom formulas via virtual consultations. It's the next best thing to having her on speed dial if you want to level up your skincare routine.
Appointments at One Welbeck, W1G 0AR
Dr Alexis Granite: for skin conditions and advanced aesthetics
It's Dr Alexis Granite's warm, approachable manner that will first put you at ease – but her formidable understanding of skin health that will ensure you become a lasting client. A consultant on the Specialist Registrar in Dermatology, Granite is a go-to for skin allergies and conditions related to hormones: think acne, pregnancy skin changes and even hair loss.
In the aesthetic realm, Granite is known for her regenerative treatments, including discreet yet transformative injectables.
Skin consultations from from £250 at Sarah Chapman Skinesis, 259 Pavillion Road, SW1X 0BP
Dr Susan Mayou: for mole monitoring (and more)
With over 30 years experience, consultant dermatologist Dr Susan Mayou knows everything about skin. Specialising in mole monitoring, skin cancer, acne and eczema, plus cosmetic dermatology, she can cover all bases – whatever your concern. She is co-founder of the luxury Cadogan Clinic in the heart of Chelsea, where she practices.
Appointments from £250 at the Cadogan Clinic, 120 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BW
Dr Anjali Mahto: for acne and scarring
Based on Harley Street, Dr Anjali Mahto is a highly regarded consultant dermatologist, and author of The Skincare Bible, a no-nonsense guide to great skin. Her areas of specialist interest include rosacea, moles and scarring, but it's her approach to acne that has gained her a loyal client base in recent years. Mahto approaches the subject with a particular sensitivity, offering common-sense advice with a positive and personal – never judgemental – attitude. She also offers anti-ageing therapies including injectable and laser treatments (though you will never feel under pressure to go down that route).
Appointments from £375 at Self London, W1G 9PQ
Dr Ophelia Veraitch: for skin and hair loss help
Dr Ophelia Veraitch works from Skin 55 clinic on Harley Street, and is wealth of knowledge on topics ranging from skin conditions and skin cancers to hair loss and the reality behind aesthetic treatments. Outside of the clinic she represents the UK on the L'Oreal Paris International Board of Dermatologists, and you may recognise her from TV's Embarrassing Bodies. She's also behind the Dr. Ophelia range of skin serums and hair growth vitamins and elixirs. Whether you're after medical dermatology or hair and scalp health treatment, her expertise is sure to help.
Appointments from £375 at 55 Harley Street, W1G 8QR
Dr Firas Al-Niami: for vascular laser
For vascular laser treatment, Professor of Dermatology Dr Firas Al-Niaimi is the industry leader. Available for appointments at Dr. Wassim Taktouk's chic and discreet Knightsbridge clinic, Dr Al-Niaimi is a prolific researcher and educator, having given over 500 academic lectures during his career so far.
Working with the most advanced laser machines, Dr Al-Niaimi treats the most acute vascular issues, including rhinomhyma, port wine stains, and the aesthetic redness associated with rosacea.
Appointments at Taktouk Clinic, 56 Knightsbridge Court, SW1X 9LJ
Dr Ariel Haus: for all things skin and laser specialism
Passionate about all things skin, Dr Ariel Haus qualified as a medical doctor and trained as a dermatologist in his home city of Rio de Janeiro. He has since obtained post-graduate qualifications in Dermatology, Aesthetic Medicine and Anti-Ageing Medicine, and founded Dr Haus Dermatology in 2010. The prestigious Harley Street clinic is lauded as one of the best London destinations for both medical and cosmetic dermatology, and for those looking for a laser specialist it's the place. Dr Haus is a strong advocate for the use of non-surgical laser treatments and has incorporated a wide range of laser technologies into his clinic treatments. Also working at Dr Haus Dermatology are dermatologists Dr Wanda Robles, Dr Tatiana Welsch and Dr Atessa Assim.
Appointment prices available upon enquiry. 75 Harley Street, W1G 8QL
Dr Stefanie Williams: for non-surgical aesthetic specialisms
The founder and medical director of multi-award winning clinic Eudelo, Dr Stefanie Williams practices cosmetic dermatology in addition to treating the entire spectrum of skin diseases and common concerns. The medical doctor's special interest lies in non-surgical aesthetic procedures to rejuvenate the face, hands and chest.
Appointments from £515 at Eudelo, 10 Harley Street, W1G 9PF and 63 Bondway, SW8 1SJ
Dr Justine Kluk: for acne (and a sympathetic ear)
Having experienced acne herself, Dr. Justine Kluk truly understands the psychological toll of tackling a visible skin condition – and so her approach is especially sympathetic. She's also acutely aware of all the 'miracle' cures flooding the industry, and aims to tackle misinformation with her proven approach and prescriptive treatment plans. If you're feeling frustrated or despondent about your skin, trust Kluk to change the way you view and treat it.
Appointments with Dr Justine Kluk from £350, 25 Harley Street, W1G 9QW
Dr. Thivi Maruthappu: for the skin and gut-health connection
Dr. Thivi Maruthappu is the UK's only dual-qualified dermatologist and nutritionist, meaning she's uniquely placed to advise on treating your skin from the inside-out. Her specialisms mean she's especially sought-after for advice on handling inflammatory skin conditions (including severe psoriasis and eczema) where diet and gut health can often play a key role.
Appointments with Dr Thivi Maruthappu,£300, available at The Cleveland Clinic, SW1X 7HY.
Dr Harryono Judodihardjo: for aesthetic dermatology
Based at Belgravia Dermatology, previously alongside fellow derm Dr Sajjad Rajpar (who you can now find at Midland Skin as well as on Get Harley), Dr Harryono Judodihardjo is among the earliest UK physicians to provide injectable aesthetic treatments, and has since personally carried out more than 20,000 botulinum toxin and filler treatments. Dr Judodihardjo also boasts expertise in laser therapies, making him the perfect person to see for skin rejuvenation and acne scarring.
Appointments at Belgravia Dermatology cost £250 (up to 30 minutes). The fee is reduced to £200 for initial video consultations and £175 for follow-up video consultations.
Dr Hiva Fassihi: for comprehensive skin health checks
A leader in skin-health research, Dr Hiva Fassihi is one to trust when it comes to mole checks, skin abnormalities and chronic conditions, such as rosacea. She's a clinical lead at St John’s Institute of Dermatology, and is available for appointments at Dr Stefanie Williams' Eudelo Clinic, as well as One Welbeck. Dr Fassihi is also a trusted paediatric dermatologist.
Appointments at One Welbeck, W1G 0AR, and Eudelo, SW8 1SJ
Dr Surbhi Virmani: for anti-ageing tweakments
Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Surbhi Virmani graduated in medicine in 1996, following which she was awarded an M.D in Anaesthesia, PG Dip in Clinical Dermatology and Bachelor of Laws (LLB). She is the founder of Cosderm UK, which is based at the Hale Clinic on Harley Street, where she specialises in anti-ageing skin treatments including injectables. Dr Virmani works with a group of plastic surgeons and fellow dermatologists to provide her patients with the best possible solutions and appropriate referrals.
Cosderm at the Hale Clinic, 4 Harley Street, W1G 9PB
Dr Derrick Phillips: for mole checks, skin and hair conditions
A long list of accolades and awards – as well as 12 years' experience in the NHS – has cemented Dr Derrick Phillips as one of London's leading dermatologists. Psoriasis and acne are two of his specialisms, but really his expertise extends to every corner of the industry. Medical offerings include inflammatory skin conditions, lesions and hair-loss consultations, while wrinkle-relaxing injections and filler sit at the aesthetic end of the spectrum.
Appointments with Dr Derrick Phillips from £325, available at One Welbeck, W1G 0AR.
