What’s that bump on your cheek? Is that a mole on your forehead? Is that red mark a pimple, or something else? There are everyday skin conditions, the kind that resolve themselves without too much trouble. But there are also other skin issues that may be more problematic and may require special attention. That’s when a visit to the dermatologist can come in handy.
Dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating myriad skin problems so your natural glow can shine through. DERMA E is proud to be associated with some top-notch dermatologists who recognize the importance of using Proven Clean Beauty® products when it comes to skin care. While a strong skin care regimen helps keep your skin looking beautiful on a regular basis, a dermatologist is crucial for those times when skin issues arise that you can’t solve on your own. If you’re trying to figure out when to see a dermatologist, here are five instances when you should call for an appointment.
1. A new mole pops up, or an existing one changes
This is probably one of the most urgent reasons for seeing a dermatologist, as moles can be a sign of skin cancer. If it’s a new mole, you should have your dermatologist take a look at it and even get some baseline photos so you both can keep an eye on it for the future. It’s crucial to track any changes to a mole because that can be a marker for potential skin cancer. A good rule to keep in mind is ABCDE—a mole should be seen by a dermatologist if you notice asymmetry, borders that are irregularly shaped, colors that are different, a diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser or an evolving shape or size. If you have a family history of skin cancer, your dermatologist should conduct skin checks on a regular basis, and you should always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (the latter is good advice for everyone.)
2. You have chronic, severe acne
It’s one thing to have the occasional pimple that can be treated with DERMA E’s Anti-Acne collection. But chronic, persistent breakouts that hurt and cause drastic skin inflammation are something else altogether. This type of acne, called cystic acne, can be triggered by internal factors such as stress or a hormonal imbalance.A dermatologist can evaluate the acne and see if a prescription-strength treatment is required. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez says “Consistent use of products with Salicylic Acid or Retinol can improve the appearance of blackheads."
3. Large patches of skin are discolored
As you age, you may start to see small brown spots pop up on your skin. These can be caused by prolonged periods of sun exposure (which is another good reason to wear sunscreen!) You can brighten the appearance of these types of spots with Vitamin C, which is ideal for improving the look of your skin’s tone. “Vitamin C is a potent yet well tolerated antioxidant great for helping to ensure glowing skin and smooth texture,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gervaise Gerstner. But if the dark patches grow bigger, especially on the cheeks and forehead, this kind of hyperpigmentation may be caused by hormonal shifts and would benefit from a dermatologist’s attention.
4. Your skin is habitually itchy or red
It’s not a bug bite or garden-variety rash, but your skin is always red and tends to feel itchy. Or maybe the itchiness results in scaly skin that feels thick to the touch. It could be that you have eczema or psoriasis. You can use a non-prescription cream, such as DERMA E’s Psorzema Cream, to help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of these skin conditions. However, psoriasis is caused by an autoimmune system dysfunction, and there’s no one factor that triggers eczema—that means a doctor may have to prescribe specific treatments stronger than an over-the-counter cream to get to the root of the issues. Your dermatologist may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as taking lukewarm showers or avoiding certain fabrics, that may exacerbate the problem.
5. Your scalp can’t stop shedding
You may not think of dandruff as something to talk about with your dermatologist, but the scalp is skin, after all. You can solve mild cases of dandruff on your own with a special shampoo and conditioner set, but if the dandruff is more intense, it may take a dermatologist’s expertise to improve the condition of your scalp. That’s because chronic dandruff may be caused by a host of factors, ranging from too much stress to an excessively oily scalp. In those cases, a prescription-strength shampoo may be in order.
Obviously, there are times when you need to see a dermatologist to treat specific skin issues. The type of dermatologist you choose is also important. Our Derms for DERMA E Brand Ambassadors recommend our products to their patients because DERMA E skin care is effective, plus our products are 100% vegan and cruelty free and made with the best clean beauty ingredients. Your skin is supported with high-quality vitamins, minerals and botanicals and your complexion gets a glowing, radiant boost. As one of our ambassadors, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, says of DERMA E, “DERMA E is the only natural brand I know to be backed by proven clinical results that show real efficacy.”
For beautiful-looking skin, use DERMA E every day, and make sure you have a trusted dermatologist on call who can come to the rescue for difficult skin problems.