When you make the decision to see a doctor for your acne, you are one big step closer to getting clear skin. Acne can be embarrassing and even physically painful, and taking control of it by seeing a dermatologist is your best chance at getting your complexion back to being smooth and blemish-free.
Once you have your dermatology appointment set, it is best to make the most out of your time with the doctor. The last thing you want is to forget to ask the dermatologist about something that is particularly concerning because it is easy to get caught up in the moment and lose focus at the physician’s office.
Let’s talk about how to prepare for your dermatology appointment, and where you can go in South Florida for outstanding skin care that will eliminate your acne once and for all.
Make a List of Questions and Concerns for Your Dermatologist
Before your dermatology appointment, create a list of concerns and issues, such as:
- All of the particular spots and skin issues you have
- Questions about foods and whether they affect acne
- Whether you’re using the proper skin products for your skin type
- How and how often you should wash your skin
- Whether stress is exacerbating your acne
- How hormone imbalances can prompt acne from developing
Take Photos of Your Acne
Acne tends to change, and it may look different by the time you actually get to see the dermatologist. Therefore, take pictures of all of the blemishes and bumps for your doctor’s evaluation so they can have a broader picture of how your skin has been behaving.
An added benefit of taking photos is that you can later compare the results of treatment and see how much your skin has improved. This will also reinforce whatever new habits you may be implementing in order to achieve healthy skin.
Bring Your Skincare Products
What you put on your face and on your skin everywhere on your body – everything from shaving cream to body lotion to acne pads – may be aggravating your acne. Beauty oils have become so popular that most makeup products today have some type of oil in them, but oil could be detrimental to acne.
Your dermatologist can check the ingredients of each skin-care product you use and determine whether it could be contributing to your acne. Also, bring any cosmetic products you have been using to show them to the skin doctor.
Bring the List of Medications and Supplements You Take
Before your dermatology appointment, make a list of all of your prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you have been taking. Be sure to include the herbs and the foods you consume on a frequent basis, because you may have a food sensitivity.
Don’t Wear Makeup
Go makeup-free on the day when you are visiting your dermatologist so that any skin issues can be clearly viewed and are not covered up. If you must wear makeup, then see the doctor early in the morning so you can apply your makeup right afterward and be ready for the rest of your day.
Trusted Dermatology Clinic in Coral Gables
If you want to achieve clear, healthy skin, our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ana Duarte will give you an all-over skin assessment and recommend treatments that will work for your skin type. Our dermatology team at Children’s Skin Center can treat skin issues in people of all ages, so we are here for your whole family.
At Children’s Skin Center, we treat everything from acne to skin cancer to eczema and beyond. To schedule an appointment, call or text our clinic today at (305)-669-6555. We have many locations across South Florida from Miami to Palm Beach Gardens, and we look forward to seeing you!