Electronic Health Reporter

If your skin itches, breaks out or has other unusual symptoms, it’s often difficult to discern the cause. If the problem persists, then it may be a chronic skin condition. The best thing to do is to see a dermatologist because there are more than 3,000 possible diagnosis options.

Here are some possible ways a dermatologist could help you:

1. Tell you about your skin type so that you can build a skincare routine.

You need to know your skin type before you can select the right product.  Is it dry? Is it oily? Do you have sensitive skin? Unless you know your skin type, you won’t know how to shop in a cosmetic aisle or may use an online skincare hack that makes your skin worse.

2. Suggest at home-treatments for skin problems that don’t respond to medication.

If you do have a chronic issue that won’t respond to medication, you might benefit from home phototherapy, which can effectively treat a variety of conditions, such as severe eczema, vitiligo, and psoriasis.

3. Give you guidelines on how to take care of your skin.

Here are some general guidelines that dermatologists suggest for all skin types:

1. Wash your face twice every day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
2. Get enough sleep at night. While the average amount of sleep a person needs is about eight hours a day, everyone is slightly different. You will know if you’re not getting enough sleep if you show signs of sleep deprivation.
3. Avoid toxic environments, such as places with heavy tobacco smoke or chemical pollutants.
4. Exercise regularly  —  30 minutes at least three times a week.
5. Follow a skincare regime.
6. Stay hydrated every day.
7. Change your pillowcases. Do it at least once every week, every two days if possible.

4. Give you a basic skincare routine.

A skincare routine consists of cleansing the skin, moisturizing twice a day, using an anti-aging skincare product, and wearing sunscreen when you go outdoors.

1. Cleansing: While it’s important to wash your face every day, don’t overdo it. Twice a day is enough. Also, don’t wash your face until it is squeaky-clean because this will also wash away the natural, protective oils on your skin. Use a mild cleanser, either one for your specific skin type or one that works for all skin types.
2. Moisturizing: After you wash your face, moisturize it. Even oily skin will require moisturizing. Again, choose a moisturizer that’s right for your skin.
3. Anti-aging products: There are many effective serums for reducing signs of aging. They usually contain peptides, growth factors, and vitamins C and E.
4. Sunscreen: Since most skin damage occurs due to sun damage, skincare experts recommend wearing sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Apply it at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors.

If the idea of creating your own skincare routine is overwhelming because you have no idea what products to buy or how to follow a skincare process, consider using a skincare kit. Many brands bundle all the right products and give you clear instructions on how to follow a complete skincare kit.

In conclusion, if you have skin problems, see a dermatologist rather than just making an educated guess. After an examination, they might recommend medications and give you advice on how to create a skincare routine for healthy skin. A dermatologist will also tell you about

your skin type. By knowing your skin type, you can choose effective products. Even if an advertised product is excellent, it may not be the right one for you. In fact, choosing the wrong product for a cleanser, serum, or moisturizer may make your skin worse, causing breakouts or blemishes.