(And why expertise matters more than labels)
Searching for “the best dermatologist” usually means one thing: you want the right expert — not guesswork, not conflicting advice, and not another cycle of trial and error.
Whether it’s a mole you’re worried about, acne that won’t respond to treatment, pigmentation that keeps returning, or simply wanting reassurance about your skin health, choosing the right dermatologist matters.
Here’s how to do it properly — and what to look for.
In dermatology, best rarely means one-size-fits-all.
The best dermatologist for you is someone who:
Is medically trained and specialist-qualified
Has deep experience in the condition you’re concerned about
Knows when to treat, monitor, or reassure
Takes a joined-up view of your skin health, not just a single issue
At No. 23 Skin, we believe great dermatology is about clarity and confidence — helping you understand your skin so you can live in it fully.
In the UK, the title Consultant Dermatologist is specific and protected.
A consultant dermatologist has:
Completed medical school
Undertaken years of hospital-based specialist dermatology training
Passed national specialist examinations
Managed complex skin disease, skin cancer and long-term conditions in the NHS
This level of training matters — particularly for concerns like moles, skin cancer, acne, pigmentation, rashes or hair loss, where diagnosis is just as important as treatment.
If your search for the best dermatologist is driven by concern about a mole or sun damage, experience is critical.
You want someone who:
Regularly performs full skin checks
Is confident diagnosing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer
Understands when something needs urgent action, close monitoring, or reassurance
At No. 23 Skin, skin cancer care is led by consultants with extensive NHS experience.
For example, Dr Maria Roest has spent years leading skin cancer services in the NHS and privately and is known for her calm, meticulous approach to mole checks and melanoma surveillance.
Similarly, Dr Ketaki Bhate and Dr Dhariwal run a skin cancer clinic within the NHS alongside their private and academic work.
A good dermatologist won’t rush this conversation — and won’t scare you unnecessarily. They’ll give you a clear plan.
Acne is one of the most misunderstood skin conditions. It’s often treated as cosmetic — when in reality, it’s a chronic inflammatory medical condition.
The best dermatologist for acne:
Treats acne across all life stages, not just teenage skin
Understands when topical care isn’t enough
Can manage acne requiring prescription medication or advanced treatments
Thinks about long-term control, not short-term fixes
At No. 23 Skin, acne care is led by consultants with specialist expertise.
Dr Ketaki Bhate is internationally recognised for her research into acne treatments and long-term antibiotic use, while Dr Cherry Armstrong, our Medical Director, brings over 20 years’ experience managing acne alongside other dermatological conditions — helping patients find solutions that actually fit their lives.
Pigmentation is rarely straightforward.
It can be:
Hormonal
Sun-related
Post-inflammatory
Or a combination
Treating pigmentation without a proper diagnosis often makes it worse.
The best dermatologist will help you understand:
What type of pigmentation you have
What will genuinely improve it
What treatments or habits could aggravate it
This is where medical insight matters just as much as technology.
Yes — but the right reviews matter.
Look for feedback that mentions:
Feeling listened to
Clear explanations
A sense of being looked after, not sold to
Long-term improvement rather than quick wins
Many patients tell us they feel relieved after their first consultation — not because everything needs treatment, but because they finally understand their skin.
Skin doesn’t exist in silos.
A mole check may raise questions about pigmentation.
Acne treatment may need medical input alongside procedural care.
Skin cancer surveillance often sits alongside long-term skin health planning.
That’s why we work as a consultant-led team — including specialists like Dr Nasim Rouhani, whose expertise spans inflammatory skin disease, hair loss and complex medical dermatology — ensuring patients don’t get passed around or lost in the system.
The best dermatologist is the one who:
Is appropriately trained
Has experience in your specific concern
Explains your options honestly
Helps you feel confident in your skin — not anxious about it
If you’re unsure where to start, a dermatology consultation is often the most effective first step. From there, the right pathway becomes clear — whether that’s a skin check, acne management, pigmentation treatment or simply reassurance.
If you’re concerned about a mole, struggling with acne, dealing with pigmentation or simply want expert guidance on your skin health, our consultant-led team is here to help.
Skin is meant to be lived in. We know that. And we have built a team to support you in the best way possible – no judgment, no overselling, just clear advice and guidance for healthy skin.
Helen & Dr Cherry
CoFounders
No. 23 Skin
02039411815
NB: if you have a specific medical concern, please book in with one of our dermatologists, or see your GP.
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