We won't let insurance control your care.
Here's why our office remains "self-pay"...
We’ve chosen a different path at Young Skin MD—one that puts you and your family first. We’re a self-pay office, which means we’re not limited by insurance networks or red tape.
This means rushed appointments, limited treatment options, and decisions made by insurance companies—not your doctor.
Your & your child’s skin health is filtered through paperwork and red tape – We don’t believe that’s good enough.
At Young Skin MD, we’ve opted out of this broken model to provide a higher standard of care—one that puts your family first.
Here’s what that means for you:
○ Unrushed, comprehensive visits that actually address your concerns
○ Personalized treatment plans based on you & your child’s unique needs
○ Direct access to a nationally recognized pediatric dermatologist without needing a referral
○ Advanced care options (like lasers and cosmetic treatments) that insurance won’t touch.
We can often offer same-day procedures without the need to schedule another appointment, which means less time missed from work and school so we can focus on what really matters: skin health, a correct diagnosis, clear compassionate communication, top-of-the-line treatment built around quality – not quotas.
We understand that choosing direct pay is a newer concept to most. But we also know that when it comes to your skin & your child’s skin health — and your peace of mind — first-rate care with exceptional outcomes is always worth it!
The Young Skin MD Mission
Our mission at Young Skin™ is to relieve any burdens to the skin that your child is experiencing while providing the best care to their skin health. We aim to heal or significantly improve the skin’s appearance, making sure you feel confident and comfortable in your child’s diagnosis, fully understanding your treatment options.
Meet the Young Skin MD Team
Latanya Benjamin
MD, FAAD, FAAP
Dr. Latanya Benjamin is the founder and owner of Young Skin MD and is a renowned Pediatric Dermatologist and former Professor at Stanford University. Nationally recognized as an expert in pediatric laser and surgery, acne and sun safety with media coverage in the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, LA Times, Parents, Elle, Huffington post, and USA Today.
Dr. Benjamin holds many honorary positions and was awarded the inaugural Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) Volunteer of the Year and currently sits on the WDS Board of Directors. She is a published author of two medical textbooks.
She is also a mother and passionate advocate for women and children. She serves on medical advisory boards and is a consultant for select industry, including an ambassador role with Dove. Dr. Benjamin is a sought after speaker and a respected leader in her field.
Samantha Fridman, PA-C
Samantha completed her bachelor of science degree at Florida State University, in Tallahassee, FL. She then went on to earn her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in West Palm Bach in 2023 and additional fellowship from Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) in 2024
She was awarded the SDPA Emerging Derm PA Scholarship for expertise and dedication in the field which she demonstrates with patients daily. She has completed extensive training in dermatology through her diplomate fellowship and direct study with here mentor, Dr. Latanya Benjamin , exceeding the standard educational requirements for dermatology physician assistants. Samantha has been practicing as a dermatology physician assistant since graduation.
At Young Skin MD, Samantha has collaborated in research on diaper rash, has a passion for eczema, and loves helping patients on Accutane therapy. She is the Lead APP seeing patients in clinic and offering telehealth appointments. Her professional interests include pediatric and cosmetic dermatology, as well as lasers. Samantha is known in the office as "the skincare sommelier" and loves providing patients and families with a supported and VIP experience.
When she’s not at the office, you’ll find her learning cutting-edge treatments at conferences and mentoring future physician assistants. Samantha loves practicing yoga and hiking national parks with her husband, Mark.
Sofia Alkon, MA
Sofia is an aspiring physician who recently graduated from the University of Miami with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Microbiology and Immunology. She is known for her compassion, friendliness, and emphasis on patient-centered care. With her background in leadership and pediatric clinical research, she ensures that both patients and their families feel comfortable and supported while receiving excellent personalized care.
Outside of the office, you can usually find Sofia studying in the library, laughing with friends, or spending time with her 3-year-old cat, Chai.
Patients often say that her welcoming demeanor and positive attitude make them feel comfortable and confident from the moment they walk through the door.
*Young Skin MD has a 24-hour cancellation policy. If a visit is canceled within 24 hours or missed, the full appointment fee will be applied.
If anything has come up, we completely understand so if you need to reschedule, make sure to do it more than 24 hours before your appointment and we will happily accommodate you!