About Us
Our Story
Dr. Amber Reck Atwater founded Distinctive Dermatology in 2024. Our Purpose is to deliver comprehensive dermatology, from routine to specialized care, while ensuring our patients receive the best care for their skin.
We believe in
Comprehensive Skin Care
From acne or psoriasis treatment to skin cancer and dermatitis care, our team delivers top-tier medical care for patients age 12 years and up.
Making Everyone Welcome
We prioritize excellent care of all patients, regardless of background. With expertise in all skin types, we ensure tailored care for everyone.
Advancing Dermatitis Care
Dr. Amber Atwater is at the forefront of dermatitis (eczema) care, employing the latest solutions for resolution of your concerns.
Valuing Your Time
From seamless scheduling to
the shortest possible wait
times, we aim for an
effortless experience.
Addressing Your Concerns
We're dedicated to listening & doing our best to pinpoint the optimal solution for you. We prioritize your ease and comfort during every visit.
Physician-Led Excellence
Amidst a sea of corporate clinics,
our patient-first approach
ensures treatments are aligned
with your best interest.
Meet the Team
Amber Reck Atwater, MD FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Atwater is the Founding Owner and Manager of Distinctive Dermatology. She completed medical school at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Internal Medicine Residency at Duke University Medical Center, and Dermatology Residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she was Chief Resident. Dr. Atwater was on faculty at Duke Dermatology for 13 years before she moved to Northern Virginia in 2021. For the last few years, she worked for a pharmaceutical company, and is ecstatic to return to patient care with the opening of Distinctive Dermatology.
Dr. Atwater is a nationally recognized expert in allergic contact dermatitis and patch testing. She is also an expert in atopic dermatitis (eczema), with extensive clinical experience on the care of patients with this serious skin condition. She is a prolific author and speaker on the subjects of allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, and enjoys caring for and learning from patients with all types of medical, surgical and cosmetic concerns.
She is past President of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, member of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, member of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis, and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is the director of CAMP (Contact Allergen Management Program), which is designed to help patients find allergy-free products, and is Associate Editor of the journal Dermatitis. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Dermatology at Duke Dermatology in Durham, NC and Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Dr. Atwater is originally from Amboy, Illinois and has spent most of her adult life in Northern Virginia and Durham, North Carolina. She enjoys spending time with her husband Dr. Brett Atwater and their three wonderful children. In her free time, she loves to read and travel.