Why You Should Visit Your Dermatologist

Why You Should Visit Your Dermatologist

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It protects you from germs and other harmful substances, but it’s also very sensitive. If you ignore small issues with your skin, they can quickly become large issues that are much more difficult to fix. The best way to keep your skin healthy is by visiting a dermatologist at least once every few months for a checkup. A dermatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all things related to the skin. They know what signs indicate there might be something more sinister going on underneath the surface, and they know how to address it as early as possible to prevent long-term problems from arising. Here are several reasons why you should make an appointment with your local dermatologist if you don’t have one already:

Check for Skin Cancer

The number one reason to visit your dermatologist is to check for skin cancer. Annually, more than 3 million people worldwide are diagnosed with skin cancer, and the numbers are rising. While many people believe that they can easily spot skin cancer, the truth is that most people don’t know what to look for. Your dermatologist is trained to look for signs of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, as well as other forms of cancerous growths that can appear on the skin. It’s critical to get regular skin examinations from your dermatologist to catch any potential problems as early as possible. Early detection is critical to successful treatment and will greatly increase your survival rate if you’re diagnosed with skin cancer. If your dermatologist finds something suspicious, she will likely take a sample of your skin and send it to a lab to be analyzed. These types of tests are the most reliable way to determine whether the skin abnormality is cancerous. If the results come back positive, your dermatologist will create a treatment plan to remove the growth and prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body.

Exfoliation and Cleansing

Your skin naturally sheds old cells and replaces them with new cells. However, as you get older, your skin rejuvenation process slows down. With fewer new cells being created, your skin gets thinner and loses some of its firmness. This process is called aging, and it doesn’t affect every part of your skin equally. Your face, hands, and the soles of your feet are the first areas to show signs of aging. Visit your dermatologist every few months for an exfoliation and cleansing treatment to help remove dead cells and restore some of your skin’s original appearance. Exfoliation removes the top layer of your skin and exposes the newer cells below. This process is critical for moisturizer and sunscreen absorption and can prevent accelerated signs of aging. Cleansing removes excess oils, bacteria, and other substances that can clog pores. When pores become clogged, they can lead to acne, blackheads, and other types of infection.

UV Light Exposure and SPF

UV light is a serious threat to your skin’s health. It can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and many other skin disorders. The best way to stay protected when you’re outdoors is by using sunscreen. Many dermatologists will recommend a specific brand and SPF level based on your skin type. If you’re not using sunscreen, you’re not just risking the health of your skin — you’re risking the health of your internal organs too. When your skin is exposed to too much UV light, it produces free radicals and forms toxic compounds that can be absorbed into your bloodstream. This process can lead to serious long-term damage, including increased risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Warning Signs of a More Serious Problem

Your dermatologist can help you identify early warning signs that indicate a more serious problem may be developing. For example, if you have dry, flaky skin that’s itchy and painful, it may be a sign of eczema. This condition causes thick, red, and scaly patches of skin. Your dermatologist can recommend treatments to relieve the symptoms and help clear up the rash. If you have red bumps on your skin that are filled with puss, you may be dealing with an infection. This type of skin problem can quickly evolve into an even more serious condition if left untreated. If you notice anything abnormal on your skin, visit your dermatologist and let them know what you’ve noticed. They may be able to help clear up the problem with a course of antibiotics or other medications.


Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It protects you from germs and other harmful substances and keeps the inside of your body safe from the outside world. But it’s also very sensitive. If you ignore small issues with your skin, they can quickly become large issues that are much more difficult to fix. The best way to keep your skin healthy is by visiting a dermatologist at least once every few months for a checkup. A dermatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all things related to the skin. They know what signs indicate there might be something more sinister going on underneath the surface, and they know how to address it as early as possible to prevent long-term problems from arising.