Dr Anna Chacon Skincare Without Borders The Rise of Teledermatology

For years, the pursuit of great skin has been tied to glossy clinics, expensive treatments and long waiting lists. Dr Anna Chacon has made it her mission to dismantle that notion. A board-certified dermatologist practising across all fifty states, she has turned teledermatology into more than just a convenience – she has made it a lifeline. What began with answering calls from patients in remote communities has evolved into a global vision for skincare without borders. Dr Chacon is not simply rethinking how we access dermatology, she is reshaping the very idea of what modern medicine can be.

In conversation with Hinton Magazine, Dr Chacon speaks with candour about trust, technology and the very human connection that still sits at the heart of virtual care. From Alaska to Miami, her practice reaches patients across climates, lifestyles and cultures, proving that the digital shift in healthcare is not only practical but profoundly personal. This feature also marks the beginning of a four part interview series spotlighting leading voices who are transforming the way we think about health and wellbeing today.

You’ve built a career around breaking down geographical barriers in skincare. Do you remember the very first moment you realised teledermatology could change everything?

Yes; I’ll never forget when I first started receiving messages from patients in remote areas who didn’t have access to a local dermatologist. For them, waiting months for an appointment or traveling hours wasn’t feasible. The moment I was able to provide real-time care virtually and see the immediate relief it brought them, I knew teledermatology wasn’t just a convenience, it was a lifeline. That was when it clicked for me: this could transform how dermatology is practiced and accessed worldwide.

For many, the thought of seeing a doctor through a screen still feels a little futuristic. How do you make those digital interactions feel as personal as an in-clinic appointment?

I approach every virtual appointment the same way I would in person: with empathy, attentiveness, and a genuine desire to connect. I make sure patients feel heard by asking thorough questions, taking time to understand their lifestyle, and explaining treatment options clearly. Small touches like addressing them by name, following up after visits, and making eye contact on screen help create a personal connection that goes beyond the technology.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered about your patients since offering care online across all 50 states?

I’ve been amazed at how universal skin concerns are, but also how uniquely they present depending on lifestyle, climate, and even cultural practices. From patients in Alaska battling dryness and eczema from extreme cold to patients in Florida struggling with sun damage, the diversity of cases has expanded my understanding as a dermatologist. What surprised me most, though, is the resilience of patients how resourceful and proactive they can be when given the tools to access care.

Some people still believe great skincare means expensive treatments or exclusive clinics. How does teledermatology rewrite that narrative?

Teledermatology proves that quality care doesn’t have to be tied to luxury or exclusivity. It democratizes skincare by making board-certified dermatologists accessible at a fraction of the cost of traveling to a clinic. I focus on evidence-based treatments that are effective, affordable, and practical for patients’ everyday lives. It’s not about luxury products it’s about creating sustainable solutions that actually work for each individual.

In your eyes, what role does trust play in a digital doctor–patient relationship, and how do you build it instantly?

Trust is everything. Without it, patients won’t feel comfortable sharing their concerns or following through with treatment. I build trust by being transparent, consistent, and approachable. I explain diagnoses in plain language, provide realistic expectations, and follow up to ensure patients feel supported. Even though we’re not in the same room, the reassurance of knowing I’m here for them whether via message or video creates a strong foundation of trust.

Have you noticed differences in skin concerns across regions — say, a patient in Alaska compared to one in Miami?

Absolutely. Geography plays a huge role in skin health. In Alaska, patients often deal with extreme dryness, eczema, and issues related to limited sunlight, like vitamin D deficiency. In Miami, sun exposure and humidity dominate things like hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne, and skin cancers are much more common. Practicing teledermatology across all 50 states has given me a unique lens into how the environment directly shapes skin concerns.

As someone leading this shift, do you feel you’re shaping the future of medicine beyond dermatology itself?

Yes, teledermatology is part of a larger movement redefining what healthcare looks like. Dermatology was one of the first specialties to adapt well to virtual care, but what we’ve learned is influencing other fields too. The idea that a patient can access specialized care anytime, anywhere, is reshaping medicine as a whole. I believe the principles of accessibility, convenience, and patient empowerment will continue to ripple out into other specialties.

Looking ahead, where do you see the next big leap for telemedicine and skin health?

The next leap will come from integrating technology even further, AI-powered diagnostic tools, digital imaging, and personalized skincare based on genetic and lifestyle data. I also see teledermatology expanding globally, reaching underserved communities where dermatologists are scarce. Ultimately, I think the future lies in a hybrid model where telemedicine and in-person care complement each other, creating a seamless healthcare experience that’s both personal and universally accessible.

As the opening voice in this series, Dr Anna Chacon sets the stage for a wider exploration into innovation and accessibility. Through teledermatology, she has removed geography as a barrier to treatment, showing that expert care does not need to be exclusive or unattainable. Her approach balances advanced technology with empathy, delivering results that resonate as much with the human experience as with science. Whether tackling the realities of sun damage in Florida or the challenges of severe dryness in Alaska, she demonstrates that virtual medicine is more than a stopgap – it is the future. Looking ahead to AI-driven diagnostics and a global reach, Dr Chacon stands as a pioneer proving that true progress in healthcare is measured not in luxury but in access.