If caught in its infancy, Dr. Ginsberg says most will experience a 99 percent survival rate. That’s why he recommends a candid conversation with your derm to discuss your sun exposure and family history. (Some forms of skin cancer are genetic, and you might warrant a check more than once a year.) Dr. Ginsberg explains that having five bad sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of melanoma, so it’s also worth discussing the best SPF for you, as well any screening practices you can regularly implement at home. Rather than reading the fine print, go straight to the pros and enlist your dermatologist to recommend what’s right for you. “From which cleansers to use, to which vitamin C and sunscreen, to which lasers to consider,” Dr. King says, “your dermatologist is the perfect resource to answer these questions.” RELATED: Winter Is Coming—Here’s How to Transition Your Skincare Routine Dr. Pierre says to be vigilant, and to follow this “ABCDE” test to ensure a mole isn’t worrisome:
Asymmetry: Is one half of the mole different than the other half? Border: Are borders irregular in any way? Color: Is there a change in color or multiple colors? Diameter: Is it increasing in size? Elevation: Is it getting more elevated from the surface of the skin?
While this is a great way to evaluate at home ASAP, it doesn’t preclude speaking with your dermatologist for in-person instructions. “Scars you thought were permanent, including from acne, may be able to be reduced in just a few months. Many growths can be removed in minutes with minimal scarring. That stubborn pimple can be reduced in days with one simple injection,” he says. “If it bothers you, just ask. You never know what is possible these days with medicine and technology.” If you’re truly worried about the delicate skin under your eyes, he suggests speaking with your dermatologist, who can prescribe a pharmaceutical-grade option that uses high-quality ingredients. “Your dermatologist can provide prescription products like Retin-A or others aimed at your specific condition,” he explains. “You’ll get the best results and save both time and money.” RELATED: These 11 Eye Creams Will Actually Make a Difference, According to Dermatologists From clogs in oil glands that lead to inflammation to whiteheads, blackheads, and beyond; it’s important to discuss with your dermatologist what’s happening. They can determine the best solution based on your lifestyle and age. Dr. Pierre reminds acne suffers that clear skin is on the horizon, but you have to be honest with your derm to get there. RELATED: 8 Things That Might Be Causing Your Adult Acne—and How to Deal (Without Making It Worse) That’s why Dr. Ginsberg suggests asking your derm about the latest discoveries, technologies, and treatments. “These include creams, injectables, lasers, and more. You might be able to treat wrinkles, redness, dark spots, and fat with growingly less invasive and less painful options, often with little to no downtime,” he says. According to Dr. Pierre, your diet could be to blame if you keep experiencing breakouts. “Research has shown that high glycemic index foods can trigger acne in susceptible individuals. These foods cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels which can stimulate inflammation leading to acne,” he explains. Common culprits are dairy, gluten, fast food, fried foods, and chocolate, to name a few. “Some patients eat all the foods on this list and have great skin,” Dr. Pierre says, “others avoid all these foods yet still suffer with acne.” A dermatologist can guide you through various elimination diets or tests to adapt your meal plans for better skin. RELATED: The Best Foods for Every Skin Condition—Whether You’re Dull, Dry, or Irritated
