
Professional Skin Analysis in Ottawa
See What Your Mirror Can’t Show You
If you’ve ever wondered why your skincare routine isn’t delivering results or why treatments that worked for others haven’t worked for you, the answer often lies beneath the surface of your skin.
At Dermis Advanced Skin Care, we use the OBSERV® 520x, a state-of-the-art skin analysis system, to reveal conditions that are invisible to the naked eye.
Why Your Skin Concerns May Go Deeper Than You Think
Most people focus on treating what is visible, redness, dark spots, or fine lines. In reality, these surface concerns are often signs of damage that began developing years earlier, beneath the epidermis, beyond the reach of a mirror.
Consider this:
- Up to 80% of sun damage is invisible until it surfaces as pigmentation or wrinkles
- Melasma often has multiple triggers that surface treatments miss entirely
- Vascular conditions like rosacea have deeper patterns that determine which treatments will actually work
A professional skin analysis isn’t a luxury—it’s the difference between treating symptoms and solving the problem.
How OBSERV 520x Reveals Your Complete Skin Story
The OBSERV 520x isn’t a magnifying mirror or a generic skin scanner. It’s a clinical-grade diagnostic system that uses multiple specialized light modes to photograph your skin at the surface and beneath it—revealing conditions you can’t see but absolutely need to address.
What We Analyze
| Light Mode | What It Reveals |
|---|---|
| Surface Texture Mode | Fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, scarring, and early signs of aging |
| Cross-Polarized Mode | Deeper epidermal and dermal conditions hidden beneath surface reflection |
| UV Fluorescence Mode | Hidden sun damage, developing pigmentation, bacterial presence, and melasma patterns |
| Vascular Mode | Rosacea patterns, broken capillaries, vascular lesions, and areas of inflammation |
| Skin Firmness Mode | Loss of structural integrity, volume loss, and areas of skin laxity |
Skin Care Treatments
What to Expect During Your Skin Analysis
Your consultation takes approximately 30-45 minutes and includes:
1. Image Capture
2. Comprehensive Analysis
Your clinician will review each imaging mode with you, providing clear explanations of the findings beneath the skin’s surface. This detailed assessment often brings clarity to underlying concerns and helps explain why certain products or treatments may not have delivered the expected results.
3. Customized Treatment Plan
Why Professional Skin Analysis Changes Everything
- Avoid spending on products that do not target your actual skin concerns.
- Gain insight into why previous treatments may have been ineffective and learn which approaches are likely to deliver results.
- Identify early skin changes, such as sun damage and pigmentation, before they become visible.
- Receive a treatment plan specifically designed for your skin
- Track progress over time with standardized before-and-after imaging.
- Make informed decisions based on objective visual evidence

The Dermis Difference
Any clinic can purchase a skin analyzer. What sets Dermis apart is who interprets the results.
Our clinical team brings over 80 years of combined experience in medical aesthetics. While the OBSERV® 520x provides advanced imaging, our Medical Aestheticians apply their extensive expertise—gained from analyzing thousands of cases across all skin types, tones, and conditions—to interpret the results and guide your treatment plan.

What this means for you:
- Pattern recognition that comes only from years of clinical practice
- Expertise in all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI)
- Direct access to advanced treatment technology if we identify conditions that need professional intervention
- Honest, transparent recommendations —we’ll tell you if you don’t need treatment
Skin Analysis for All Skin Types and Tones
Our team has specialized expertise in treating melanin-rich skin and understands the unique considerations involved, including how hyperpigmentation can present differently, why certain laser technologies may pose risks without proper assessment, and which treatment options are safe and effective across a range of skin tones.
— Laxy S.
“I had first gone in asking for a specific treatment assuming that would help with my hyper-pigmentation. The staff assessed me and redirected me towards other treatments that ended up being less costly than what I had asked for and has changed my skin completely! As someone with dark skin, it’s hard to find places that understand what works for my skin.”
— Khadija G.
“Jenny helped me choose the right treatment and explained my skin type! She made me feel comfortable and answered all my questions about my current routine and what I should be doing. I appreciated her product recommendations.”
Conditions We Assess
- Sun damage (visible and hidden)
- Hyperpigmentation & dark spots
- Melasma patterns
- Rosacea & redness
- Broken capillaries
- Vascular lesions
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Loss of skin firmness
- Enlarged pores
- Acne & congestion
- Dehydration
- Texture irregularities
| Service | Starting At |
|---|---|
OBSERV 520x Comprehensive Skin AnalysisIncludes full diagnostic imaging, clinician analysis, customized treatment plan | $100(Introductory Price) |
Note: Skin analysis fee is often credited toward treatment packages. Ask about our consultation credit policy when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OBSERV® 520x?
The OBSERV® 520x is an advanced skin analysis and imaging system that uses multiple lighting modes to reveal skin conditions not visible to the naked eye. It allows our clinicians to assess surface and subsurface skin concerns, helping guide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
What does the OBSERV® 520x show that a regular consultation cannot?
While a visual assessment provides valuable information, the OBSERV® 520x goes deeper by highlighting underlying concerns such as pigmentation irregularities, vascular activity, sun damage, dehydration, texture issues, and early signs of aging that may not yet be visible on the surface.
Why is skin analysis important before starting treatment?
A detailed skin analysis ensures treatments are chosen safely and effectively. Certain conditions—such as underlying pigmentation or inflammation—can impact which lasers, peels, or energy-based treatments are appropriate. The OBSERV® 520x helps reduce risk and improve outcomes by guiding informed treatment decisions.
Is the OBSERV® 520x analysis safe?
Yes. The OBSERV uses only specialized lighting—no radiation, no contact with your skin, and no discomfort. It’s completely non-invasive and safe for all skin types.
Is the OBSERV® 520x safe for all skin tones?
Yes. The OBSERV® 520x is a non-invasive imaging system that does not deliver energy to the skin. It is safe for all skin tones and is especially valuable for identifying pigmentation patterns and risks that require a cautious, tailored approach.
Is there any downtime or preparation required?
No downtime is required. We recommend arriving with clean skin and minimal or no makeup to ensure the most accurate results.
Can the OBSERV® 520x be used to track progress?
Yes. One of the key benefits of the OBSERV® 520x is its ability to document changes over time. Follow-up images allow us to objectively measure improvement and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
What if the analysis shows I don't need treatment?
Then we’ll tell you. Our reputation is built on honest recommendations, not unnecessary services. If your skin is healthy or your concerns are easily managed with home care alone, we’ll provide guidance and send you on your way.
Is the OBSERV® 520x a diagnostic medical tool?
The OBSERV® 520x is an advanced clinical assessment device, not a medical diagnostic tool. It supports professional evaluation and treatment planning but does not replace medical diagnosis.
Ready to See Your Skin’s True Story?
Book your OBSERV skin analysis today and finally understand what your skin needs.
1 Block from the LRT • Wheelchair Accessible • Free Consultation Parking at World Exchange Plaza Proudly Serving Ottawa Since 2006 • 200,000+ Treatments Performed • 4.8★ Google Rating

