Guide · Choosing skin care
Dermatologist or aesthetic doctor? who to see for what in Singapore
Skin help in Singapore comes from four different places: a GP or polyclinic, a dermatologist, an aesthetic doctor and a non-medical aesthetic centre. Here is what each one does, how referrals and subsidies work, and where to start for common concerns.
Quick answer
- A dermatologist in Singapore is a doctor accredited as a specialist in dermatology and listed on the Singapore Medical Council's Register of Specialists. See one for skin disease: a changing mole, hard-to-control eczema or psoriasis, severe or scarring acne, or unexplained hair loss.
- Aesthetic practice is not a medical specialty in Singapore, so an aesthetic doctor is usually a GP or other doctor who performs procedures such as injectables and medical lasers, and needs the competencies set out in Singapore Medical Council guidelines. Aesthetic doctors focus on appearance rather than diagnosing skin disease.
- For a subsidised appointment at the National Skin Centre, Singapore citizens and permanent residents need a referral from a polyclinic, a CHAS clinic (for CHAS cardholders) or a subsidised public clinic, and cosmetic concerns are not subsidised. You can also see a private dermatologist directly.
- Non-medical aesthetic centres such as SkinRev Lab offer facials, waxing and non-invasive body and face treatments. They do not diagnose skin conditions, inject or use medical lasers, and should point you to a doctor when a concern needs one.
The four options
Four kinds of skin help, and why the difference matters
Most skin concerns fall into one of two groups. Skin disease, such as eczema, psoriasis, infections, skin cancer and severe acne, needs a doctor's diagnosis and often prescription treatment. Appearance concerns, such as fine lines, dull skin, pigmentation or stubborn fat, can be addressed medically or, for milder concerns, non-medically.
Choosing the right place first saves time and money. A dermatologist is the specialist for skin disease. A GP or polyclinic doctor is the usual first stop and can refer you on. An aesthetic doctor performs medical cosmetic procedures. An aesthetic centre offers non-invasive treatments that do not need a doctor.
Side by side
GP, dermatologist, aesthetic doctor and aesthetic centre compared
| GP or polyclinic | Dermatologist | Aesthetic doctor | Aesthetic centre | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who | Registered doctor in general practice | Doctor accredited as a dermatology specialist | Registered doctor, often a GP, doing aesthetic procedures | Trained non-medical aesthetic staff |
| Diagnoses and prescribes | Yes | Yes, including complex skin disease | Yes, as a doctor; focus is appearance | No |
| Typical work | Rashes, mild acne, infections, first look at moles, referrals | Eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer checks, severe acne, hair and nail disease | Injectables, medical lasers, HIFU, thread lifts, cosmetic removal of benign growths | Facials, waxing, brows, non-invasive face and body treatments |
| Public subsidy route | Polyclinic fees are subsidised for residents | Subsidised at the National Skin Centre with an eligible referral | Not subsidised | Not subsidised |
| How to check | Search for registered doctors (Singapore Medical Council) | Specialist registration in dermatology | Search for registered doctors; ask about their training | Ask who performs the treatment and what is non-invasive |
Titles
What makes a doctor a dermatologist in Singapore
In Singapore, a doctor becomes a dermatologist by being accredited by the Specialists Accreditation Board and then registered on the Singapore Medical Council's Register of Specialists. You can look a doctor up on the Council's Search for Registered Doctors and check for specialist registration in dermatology.
Aesthetic practice is not a specialty. The Singapore Medical Council's guidelines on aesthetic practice state that titles such as aesthetic physician or aesthetic dermatologist are not allowed, and that a GP doing aesthetic procedures should use the title GP or family physician. The guidelines also list which procedures non-specialist doctors may perform once they meet set competency requirements, such as a Certificate of Competence.
None of this makes one kind of doctor better than another. It tells you what their training is centred on, so you can match it to your concern.
Public care
Seeing a dermatologist: referrals and subsidies
The National Skin Centre is Singapore's public specialist centre for skin conditions. Subsidised care there is for Singapore citizens and permanent residents referred by a polyclinic, by a CHAS clinic if you hold a CHAS card, or by a subsidised clinic or ward of a public health institution. The referring clinic makes the first appointment for you, and there is usually a waiting time.
Cosmetic or non-medical concerns are not subsidised, even with a referral. Foreigners, self-referrals, people referred by a private doctor and those who ask for a specific consultant are seen as non-subsidised patients.
You can also book a private dermatologist directly, without a referral. It costs more, but waiting times are usually shorter. For many common skin problems, a polyclinic or GP can treat you first and refer you if needed.
Dermatologist first
When to see a dermatologist, or your GP first
- A mole that has changed in size, shape or colour, is itchy or painful, or is bleeding, crusting or inflamed.
- A new mark or sore that has not healed after a few weeks.
- Eczema or psoriasis that is not controlled with the treatment you have.
- Acne that is painful, deep, scarring, or not improving after a few months of good care.
- Hair loss in patches, with a red, scaly or sore scalp, or with shiny, scarred areas.
- Hives, rashes or itching that keep coming back without a clear cause.
- Seek urgent care for a rash that spreads quickly with fever, blistering or peeling skin, or swelling of the lips or face.
Aesthetic doctor
When an aesthetic doctor is the right fit
Once a skin disease has been ruled out or treated, an aesthetic doctor is the usual choice for medical cosmetic procedures: wrinkle-relaxing injections, dermal fillers, injectable skin boosters, lasers for pigmentation or scars, HIFU lifting, thread lifts, laser hair removal and the removal of benign moles, skin tags and other growths for cosmetic reasons.
At IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, beside Orchard MRT, these treatments are performed by Dr Sin Yong (MBBS Singapore, MRCS Edinburgh, MSc Practical Dermatology Cardiff). IN Eternity Clinic is a medical aesthetic clinic, not a dermatology specialist centre. Treatments are priced at consultation by the clinic, after an assessment. WhatsApp +65 8815 3008.
A good aesthetic doctor will tell you when a concern needs a dermatologist instead, for example a mole with worrying features or a rash that needs a diagnosis.
Aesthetic centre
When a non-medical aesthetic centre is enough
Many everyday concerns need no doctor: congested pores, dull or dehydrated skin, maintenance between medical treatments, unwanted hair by waxing, and mild loss of firmness or stubborn fat for people who prefer non-invasive options.
SkinRev Lab is a non-invasive aesthetic centre at CityLink Mall #B1-28, 1 Raffles Link, linked underground to City Hall and Esplanade MRT, open daily 11am to 8pm. Examples, before GST: HydraFacial Syndeo from S$288 to S$438, Rejuran PDRN Facial from S$128 to S$348, SKINLIFT Face S$888, and SKINSHAPE body contouring S$288 per zone. Waxing is S$18 to S$118 per area, GST included.
SkinRev Lab does not diagnose skin conditions, inject or use medical lasers. If our Aesthetic Specialist sees something that needs a doctor, you are told at the first visit and given IN Eternity Clinic's contact, or advised to see your GP or a dermatologist.
Where to start
Concern by concern: where to start
| Concern | Start with | Also consider |
|---|---|---|
| Changing or unusual mole | GP or dermatologist | Cosmetic removal only after a doctor has assessed it |
| Eczema, psoriasis, recurring rashes | GP or polyclinic, then dermatologist | Gentle, fragrance-free skincare |
| Severe, cystic or scarring acne | GP or dermatologist | Facials only as support, once a doctor agrees |
| Blackheads and mild congestion | Aesthetic centre or GP | Doctor if spots become painful or widespread |
| Acne scars | Aesthetic doctor or dermatologist | Surface-texture treatments at an aesthetic centre |
| Melasma and pigmentation | Doctor (aesthetic or dermatologist) | Daily sunscreen; brightening facials as support |
| Fine lines, mild sagging | Aesthetic doctor or aesthetic centre | Depends on whether you want injectables or non-invasive care |
| Hair loss | GP or doctor first to find the cause | Scalp care or micropigmentation for appearance |
| Unwanted hair | Aesthetic centre for waxing | Aesthetic doctor for laser hair removal |
Sources
References & sources
- Singapore Medical Council. Guidelines on Aesthetic Practices for Doctors (2016 edition).
- Singapore Medical Council. Specialist registration.
- Singapore Medical Council. Useful links: Search for registered doctors.
- National Skin Centre (NHG Health). General clinics.
- National Skin Centre (NHG Health). Consultation charges.
- NHS. Moles.
Common questions
Your questions,
answered
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist in Singapore?
Not for a private dermatologist, whom you can book directly. For a subsidised appointment at the National Skin Centre, Singapore citizens and permanent residents need a referral from a polyclinic, a CHAS clinic (for CHAS cardholders) or a subsidised public clinic.
Is an aesthetic doctor a dermatologist?
Not necessarily. Aesthetic practice is not a specialty in Singapore, and many aesthetic doctors are GPs who have trained in specific procedures. A dermatologist is a doctor on the Register of Specialists for dermatology.
How do I check if a doctor is a dermatologist?
Use the Singapore Medical Council's Search for Registered Doctors and look for specialist registration in dermatology. Under Council guidelines, titles such as aesthetic dermatologist or aesthetic physician are not allowed.
Should I see a dermatologist or an aesthetic doctor for acne?
For painful, cystic, widespread or scarring acne, start with a GP or dermatologist, because prescription treatment is usually needed. Once acne is controlled, an aesthetic doctor can treat scars, and facials can help with mild congestion.
Who should check a mole?
A doctor. See a GP or dermatologist if a mole changes in size, shape or colour, itches, bleeds or crusts. Cosmetic removal should only follow a doctor's assessment, and a non-medical centre should never remove moles.
Are cosmetic treatments subsidised at the National Skin Centre?
No. Subsidies cover medical conditions for eligible patients; non-medical or cosmetic concerns are not subsidised, even with a referral letter.
Can an aesthetic centre treat eczema or acne?
No. An aesthetic centre does not diagnose or treat skin disease. It can offer gentle facials for congestion or dryness, but eczema and moderate to severe acne need a doctor.
Is it cheaper to see a GP first?
Usually, yes. Polyclinic and GP consultations cost less than a specialist visit, many common skin problems can be treated there, and a polyclinic or CHAS clinic referral is the route to subsidised dermatology care.