When it comes to skincare, everyone is different. There are videos, blog posts, and magazine articles about taking good care of your skin, but the best advice is personalized for you and comes from a trusted and knowledgable source. Your dermatologist can help clear up your skin and get it healthy, bright, and youthful. For best results and to prevent life-threatening skin issues, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist every year.
Here are 10 questions to ask on your next visit to the dermatologist:
1. What is the best diet for my skin?
Depending on your other health and lifestyle choices, there could be certain foods you need to avoid to help your skin look and feel its best. Your doctor can provide personalized feedback on the right diet. Your dermatologist will likely want to know how much water you drink and what you eat in a typical week, so come prepared with information that can help create the best possible diet. Tracking the food you eat could point out certain ingredients, like gluten or hidden sugars, that are upsetting your skin.
2. How often should I exfoliate?
Exfoliating removes old, dead skin and wakes up the fresh skin underneath, but depending on the type of skin you have, you may need to exfoliate differently, such as not doing it as often or using special products for sensitive or oily skin. Your dermatologist can provide recommendations and make sure you are exfoliating in a way that helps, not hurts, your skin.
3. Are my moles changing?
One of the biggest signs of skin cancer is moles that grow or change shape or color over time. No one is immune to skin cancer, no matter how much sunscreen you use, so keeping tabs on moles is important. Your dermatologist can see if your moles or birthmarks have changed since your last visit and provide tips of how to monitor them yourself. Moles that are dark, oddly shaped, or itchy should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist right away.
4. What is triggering my acne?
A number of things can cause breakouts, including stress, hormones, age, or environment. Figuring out what triggers your acne can lead to finding a better way to treat it by getting to the root of the problem.
5. How can I fight the effects of aging?
As you age, your skin naturally breaks down and loses elasticity. Your dermatologist can recommend products and treatments to fight that natural aging and discuss factors that are impacting your skin.
6. Are there any problem areas on my skin?
You might have troublesome areas on your skin, such as a rash or the early signs of a skin condition, and not even realize it. Your dermatologist can look at things with fresh eyes and point out areas that you need to watch. Preventative action can stop red flags from turning into much more dangerous conditions.
7. How can I get rid of or lighten my facial scars?
Scars from acne and other skin issues can be a major concern for many people. Depending on how deeply the scar is rooted in your skin, your dermatologist may be able to help remove it with special treatments or recommend products that can lighten the scar. Each scar is different, so don’t assume a one-size-fits-all approach will work for your entire face, and it may take time to see results.
8. What are the best products for my skin?
Your doctor can provide recommendations on the types of products you should be using. Ideally, a doctor would consider your skin type and recommend an entire skincare regime from cleanser to moisturizer to address your skin’s issues.
9. Do I need any prescriptions?
Dermatologists can write prescriptions for extra-strength facial products, including soap, cleanser, and cream, as well as medicines taken internally. These products often have side effects, so be sure to go over all the details with your doctor so you are aware of how it can affect other parts of your life.
10. Are spa and facial treatments safe for my skin?
There are a number of facial treatments on the market, including botox injections, chemical peels, fillers, and laser treatments. These treatments can provide results for many people, but they aren’t safe for every person’s skin. Your dermatologist can tell you what treatments would be safest and most effective for your skin type and possibly refer you to safe, qualified places to get the work done.