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

 OK, so this might not be the most appetizing post, but it is one that anyone with skin can benefit from reading.

You’ve got a pretty good idea about what a pimple looks like, what it feels like, and why you want to get rid of it – but do you know what a pimple actually is?

The fine folks at Clearogen have given us an excellent primer on these minor skin complications that everyone has, and no one wants.

 How is a pimple formed?

You already know that your skin is made up of tiny pores, the tiny openings in your skin that allow oil and sweat are excreted from the glands below the skin.

When a pore gets plugged, either with dirt, dead skin, or makeup, the sebum (the oil that your sebaceous glands produce to keep your skin young looking and supple) gets trapped, and this prevents your hair follicles from growing.  This causes your skin to break out in pimples.  Your body is always fighting for you, so when a pore gets clogged, usually one of two things will happen.  Either pus forms to help push out the bacteria from the dirt, dead skin cells, or makeup, and this results in a whitehead pimple, or if the bacteria isn’t present a blackhead will form.

How do you get rid of pimples?

The best solution for dealing with whiteheads or blackheads, zits or blemishes, is to actively keep your skin clean.  Regular washing with an antimicrobial face wash is the key to having a good healthy skin.  Make sure you use the right wash for your skin type.  If you’re skin is too oily, and you use a treatment that is designed to help dry skin, you are probably going to make your pimple problem worse.  And try not to use any cleaners that are alcohol based.  They will dry out your skin, which might give you temporary relief from a pimple, but they can result in damaging the skin, which could lead to more pimples in the future.

Wash your skin twice a day, once when you get up, and once when you go to bed.  Doing it more than twice a day can cause your skin to dry out, which might trigger your skin to produce more oil, which will result in more pimples if your pores are easily blocked.

How old are you when you stop getting pimples?

Depending on who you are, you might not like this answer very much.  Some people might have pimples for most of their life.  Typically, you are more prone to pimples when you are a teenager, with hormones playing havoc on your body.  Menstruating women might also suffer more frequent pimple problems for the same reason.  Men with facial hair can be more susceptible to pimple production, but the facial hair can often camouflage the symptoms.  Many people will grow out of the conditions that result in pimples, but by developing good skin habits early on, you can live a virtually blemish free life.

So, there you have it.  A bit of background info on what causes pimples.  In future posts, we are going to explore some of the ways that you can minimize acne, we’ll debunk a few myths about pimples and acne, and we will look at some of the ways that you can treat the scars that acne can cause.

If you have any questions or suggestions for us here at clear.ca, feel free to leave a comment.

 -J