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In my incessant search to find new articles to bring to the fantastic readers of clear.ca, I came across this article about 10 questions to ask your dermatologist, and thought it would be a great Christmas  present  for anyone that has (or is considering) a dermatologist.

A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in the largest organ in the human body – the skin.  Most people think the dermatologist is only for acne, but you might also seek a professional opinion for psoriasis, eczema, hair, and/or nail problems. If it has anything to do with the outer layer of your body, the dermatologist is probably the right person for you.

After you’ve found a dermatologist (we’d recommend that you find one through referral instead of just searching for one – you want to make sure that you get someone that will be able to help you with your condition, and the best way to do this is by using a doctor that your friends/associates have already tried)

To make your visit to the dermatologist as productive as possible, consider asking him/her some or all of these questions:

1. How much is enough sunscreen and what active ingredient should I look for?
2. What are the signs of skin cancer and how often should I have my moles checked?
3. How is my makeup affecting my skin?
4. What can you tell me about the latest anti-aging products?
5. What is the best way to treat visible sun damage?
6. How will hormone replacement therapy or birth control affect my skin?
7. How should I take care of my nails?
8. Are self-tanners really safe and do you recommend them?
9. What is the best facial cleansing routine for me?
10. How should I take care of my hair if I perm or color-treat it?

You should schedule a visit with your dermatologist once a year, and discuss any changes or concerns that you might have about your skin.

Choosing the right professional is an essential part of maintaining your healthy skin.  If you don’t have a dermatologist, talk to your friends that already have great skin to see if they can recommend someone for you today.

-Jason

What is your secret to dealing with your blemishes?

Do you cover them up or take steps to eliminate them in the first place?  Do you have a fool-proof way of getting rid of acne, fast?

For me, the secret I’ve found is the need to shave daily.  If I shave regularly, with a disposable blade, I can virtually guarantee my skin to be blemish free.  The problem comes from the weekend, the two days that I generally don’t shave due to my undiagnosed case of extreme lazyness. So, if I’m not careful, Monday can see a fresh outbreak of whiteheads.  Not quite what you want to see on a nearing-40 professional.

So, to make the rest of the week manageable, this is my normal routine:

-          Shower, gently scrub face using Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser

-          After showering, I shave using a sensitive skin targeted shaving cream

-          After shaving, I wash my face again using the Cetaphil

This top secret blend helps me keep the blemishes to a minimum, but I’d love to know what works for you.  Let me know in the comments, and I will share it in future posts.

-Jason