Taking care of your skin should be a priority throughout your entire life. The skin is your body's largest organ, making it most susceptible to damage and abuse as you age. It is important to visit your dermatologist at least once a year for a complete and thorough skin cancer screening and skin care evaluation, notes the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Significance
Getting regular checkups through your dermatologist will help assure that any problems skin-related can be treated effectively. One of the biggest concerns is the early detection of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell cancers. Evaluation of all of your skin moles, changes in your skin texture or color and lumps or ridges on the skin surface can also be evaluated and sent to the laboratory for microscopic testing. Early detection of skin cancers allow for a higher cure rate, explains the National Cancer Institute -- which is why a good skin care evaluation is important.
Considerations
A dermatologist may look at other things going on with your skin other than just moles or pre-cancerous lesions. He may examine your skin and check for wrinkles, fine lines and furrows that may be developing. Skin Care Physicians explains that there are some cosmetic treatments that he may recommend to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plasma skin resurfacing, chemical peels, botox, laser surgery, fillers and microderm abrasions may be options based on your needs. Non-prescription creams and serums containing salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid and retinol may also be recommended.
Treatment
If you have a nonlife threatening skin problem such as acne, a skin care evaluation may benefit you in getting proper treatment. Acne Net explains that teens and adults that suffer from persistent to severe acne can suffer from long-term emotional distress. Your dermatologist will help distinguish what type of acne you have such as cystic acne, blackheads, whiteheads or pimples. Drying up acne prone areas and treating future breakouts can help improve your skin and resist scaring.
Warning
If you have any type of issue with your skin including a new growth, change in texture or sudden wrinkles or discoloration, it is important to get immediate treatment. Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. If a mole or blemish turns out to be skin cancer of any type, it needs to be treated to prevent it from metastasizing to the surrounding skin tissue.
Prevention
Taking good care of your skin and attending regular visits to your dermatologist per her recommendation are essential at preventing disease. Avoiding direct exposure to sun and wearing sun screen when outdoors can help prevent some forms of skin cancer and also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and deep furrows in the skin.
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