How to Get Better Skin

Flawless skin is no longer reserved for supermodels and Hollywood starlets. In fact, getting fresh, clear, more youthful-looking skin can be as easy as making an appointment with a licensed dermatologist.

That’s because the secret to healthy skin isn’t sitting on any drugstore shelf. It is being formulated in medical laboratories across the globe, and only qualified dermatologists are licensed to prescribe these miracle skin treatments.

Still not sure the best way of clearing up your face and getting better skin? Read on.

Start With the Basics

Men and women spend billions of dollars every year on cosmetic products used to achieve healthier looking skin. And yet, most dermatologists report that they give out two pieces of advice more than any other. According to a report on ABC News, most dermatologists tell their teenage patients to wash their faces at night and wear sunscreen during the day. It really is that simple.

Before moving on to costly products and medical procedures, every patient should first consider whether they are truly heeding this most basic skin advice.

If you haven’t been washing your face with regularity or wearing protective sunscreen on a daily basis, it is worth trying these options for a number of weeks before going any further—or spending unnecessary resources—on the quest for better skin. Dermatologists say that for the majority of patients, taking just these two simple steps each day does wonders to improve the overall clarity and texture of skin.

Schedule a Consultation

If soap and sunscreen aren’t enough, then it may be time to book an appointment with a licensed dermatologist. Great dermatologists work in nearly every town in America, which is why finding one should be easy. Family and friends are often great resources in this hunt. In addition, patients suffering from acne or other skin condition should check in with their health insurance provider, since many providers cover visits to certain dermatologists. If all else fails, put a call in to the American Academy of Dermatology, which may be able to put you in contact with a licensed dermatologist in your area who is currently taking new patients.

Honesty Helps

It pays to be open and honest about your concerns up front, since a dermatologist can’t help fix the problems that she doesn’t know you have. Because the look and texture of skin varies from person to person, dermatologists cannot tell upon first meeting whether your skin has changed in recent months or years, which can often happen for those suffering from severe sun damage. Thus, patients who wish to have the best experience while visiting a dermatologist should be completely upfront about every cosmetic issue they want fixed.

No problem is too small to discuss, although a dermatologist may be able to point you in the right direction if you have any cosmetic issues that are too minor or major for her to handle.

Ask About Alternate Options

There is more than one way to treat many cosmetic problems, which is why it pays to ask for further advice or clarifications after a dermatologist has recommended a certain course of treatment. Doing research prior to your dermatology consultation is one way of knowing which options are available—and which treatments your favorite celebrities are using.

Not all fillers—or acne creams, for that matter—are created equal, and the American Academy of Dermatology warns that some may work better on certain skin types than others for different patients. If you have an interest in trying out a certain product, it is worth mentioning that to your dermatologist at the time of the appointment. At the very least, you’ll be able to find out the specific reasons why that product will or will not work for you.

Don’t Leave Without Samples

It is one of the best perks of visiting a dermatologist: Samples! Dermatologists are mailed thousands of trial-sized skin products every day, which is why it is at least worth asking if you can take a couple home before leaving the office. And who knows, there’s a good chance you find the miracle cure to treat your ailment right in the little basket of free goodies.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.