5 Signs It’s Time to See Your Dermatologist
It’s important to check in with your dermatologist at least annually, just as you would your regular doctor. In some cases, though, your skin may be in need of additional help. If you’re having trouble with any of these common skin problems, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
1. Persistent Acne
Although acne is common among teens and adults alike, it is difficult to manage without the help of a professional. This is because acne treatments dry out your skin and must be combined with the right cleansers and moisturizers for your Baumann Skin Type®. Dry skin types with acne are the hardest to treat and require prescription acne medications. Your dermatologist will be able to closely evaluate your skin and determine what could be contributing to your persistent acne and how to best treat it. There are many good prescription options for acne ranging from blue light treatments to oral isotretinoin.
2. Facial Redness and Flushing
If your skin tends to flush red in certain situations or remain pink or red all of the time, you may have a progressive condition known as rosacea. Although rosacea is fairly common, many people who have this condition don’t realize it. The problem is that rosacea is progressive and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse.
When rosacea is diagnosed early, it is easily managed. Not only can your dermatologist recommend the most effective prescription treatment, but you can begin to learn what tends to trigger your flare-ups and adjust your lifestyle in order to avoid flushing and facial redness (National Rosacea Society).
3. Sun Damage
The sun accounts for at least 80 percent of the visible signs of aging on our skin, which include lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and sagging skin (Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology). On top of these unwanted cosmetic effects, UV damage can also cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. In either case, checking in with your dermatologist can help you to stay on top of your skin’s health and restore a smoother, brighter, and younger-looking complexion using a variety of professional treatment methods. Skin cancer is curable when it is caught early. Don’t wait until you have a changing mole to schedule an annual skin exam.
4. Adverse Product Reactions
When your skin suddenly breaks out or you experience flaking, stinging, rashes and other signs of irritation, your skin care products may be to blame. If you’re not using the right products for your Baumann Skin Type®, you could be doing more harm to your skin than good.
Talk with your dermatologist about diagnosing your Baumann Skin Type. Once you know which of the 16 skin types you are, a Skin Type Solutions physician can prescribe the proper skin care regimen for your skin type.
5. You Notice Changes in Your Skin
Any time you notice significant changes in your skin’s appearance or condition, it’s a good idea to see your dermatologist. Whether this means a change in the size, shape, or color of a particular mole, sudden acne breakouts, or scaled pink plaques on the body, these changes could be an indication of an underlying problem.
When it comes to your skin’s long term health and beauty, avoid the temptation to self-diagnose and self treat. Dermatologists go to school for 12+ years to be able to accurately diagnose and treat skin issues. (Dermatologists have 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 1 year internship and 3 years of dermatology. Some go on to do more subspecialty training such as MOHS surgery and cosmetic dermatology.)
The Bottom Line
Maintain an open line of communication with your dermatologist and contact him or her as your go-to resource for any skin concerns than may develop, no matter how minor they might seem. In many cases, seemingly small symptoms can point to a more significant underlying condition or cause. Properly diagnosing this is a key step in improving your skin’s overall appearance and maintaining good health.
Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. and her team at Baumann Cosmetic Dermatology believe in proof, not promises. World-recognized for both cosmetic and general dermatology, our treatment strategies rely exclusively on evidence-based, scientifically verified products and procedures that promote skin health and a natural appearance. We combine effective medical procedures with individualized instruction on proper skincare, nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle in order to maximize the health of the skin and body as a whole while minimizing the effects of aging. For more, visit Dr. Baumann’s blog for daily updates Monday through Friday, or inquire about an appointment through Derm.net.
