If you have never visited a dermatologist before then you might be unsure of the most important questions to ask them. We’ve put together a selection of our most asked questions so that you’ll have an idea of what to speak to your dermatologist about.
Below are 10 key questions to ask on your first visit:
1. How often should I exfoliate?
With so many products on the market, it can be very tricky to know which you should use for exfoliating and how often. A good dermatologist will be able to suggest the perfect exfoliator for your skin and also let you know how often to use it for the best results.
Some exfoliators can be extremely harsh on the skin leading to them causing more damage than good. This can either be because they contain too many chemicals that aren’t delicate enough for the skin or because the exfoliator is too coarse. However, with so many exfoliates available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you so it is better to ask your dermatologist for advice.
2. Are there any treatments you’d recommend for my skin type?
There are countless skincare products used to provide a range of benefits – from hydrating your skin to getting rid of blemishes.
Your dermatologist should be able to look at your skin and determine any issues that you are having with it. Whether you have acne, or your skin is dry and sensitive, a qualified and experienced dermatologist should be able to advise you on the best products for your skin type and how to use it.
3. What is the best sunscreen to use?
This is an extremely important question to ask. UVA rays from the sun are one of the primary culprits of melanoma. Melanoma is usually, but not always, cancer of the skin. If left untreated, it can spread to organs and other areas of the skin. Due to it being visible, it is easier to detect than most other cancers however, if it is given the time to progress, it can prove very difficult to treat. Therefore, you want to know which type of sunscreen you should use in order to get the best protection for your skin.
4. Would you recommend injectable treatments?
If you have lines or wrinkles you want to get rid of; or you want to add extra volume to certain areas of your face, then it’s always a good idea to consult with your dermatologist about this. Collagen boosters, dermal fillers and Botox are just a few of the injectable treatments currently available in dermatology. They can all be used to make skin feel and appear more youthful without the need for any invasive surgery. If injectable treatments are something you’ve been considering, your dermatologist will be able to discuss the benefits and risks with you and offer their advice on which injectable treatment would be most suited to you.
5. Are there any treatments I should avoid?
There might be certain ingredients that cause your skin to flare up that you may not be aware of. It all depends on the type of skin you have. Your dermatologist will be able to test your skin and see which types of treatments you respond well to and which you should avoid.
6. What is the cause of my acne?
Knowing what your acne is caused by is the first step to finding an effective solution. Diet, environment and hormonal changes can all trigger acne so you should certainly ask your dermatologist to help you narrow down the cause. There are several different reasons that could be the cause of your acne such as diet, hormonal changes and environment. Speaking to your dermatologist about what your acne will help you narrow down its possible causes. Once you know why it’s caused, you can make the necessary changes or have specific treatments that can clear the acne up.
7. What foods should I eat more of?
There are certain types of food that are known to be great for your skin. Nutrient rich foods that are low in saturated fat can provide your skin with the vitamins it needs to thrive. Having a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water will help to keep skin healthy and blemish free. Ask your dermatologist for a list of these foods and you can then incorporate them into your diet.
8. What foods should I avoid?
Processed foods are bad for your health all round and are certainly not good for your skin. This includes foods that have very little nutritional value. If you’re unsure about which foods you should avoid, ask your dermatologist. This will help you eat a more balanced diet, prevent breakouts and give your skin a healthier glow.
9. Can I use home treatments with those you provide?
There may be certain treatments that clash with each other so you should inform your dermatologist of any products you’re currently using and find out if they’re OK to use with the ones that they provide you with. Having treatments that clash can prevent the issues with your skin from being resolved and could, in turn, make your skin worse in the long run. Consult your dermatologist before having any new treatments to check that they will work with your current ones and be beneficial.
10. What is the best moisturizer to use?
Keeping your skin hydrated will make it less prone to wrinkles so you certainly want to use a moisturizer regularly. Which moisturizer you use will depend on your skin type because different moisturizers tackle different problems. It’s usually recommended to moisturize after exfoliating or bathing but this will depend on the type of skin you have and any ongoing skin problems. If your skin has a tendency to be dry, it’s likely that you’ll need to moisturize more than someone with oilier skin. Your dermatologist will be able to tell you what type of moisturizer to use and how often to apply it.
