9 Questions I Should Ask My Skincare Specialist During a Consultation

Key Questions for Your Dermatology Provider

1) What should I be doing to guard against skin cancer?

Believe it or not, skin cancer is the single most common type of cancer in the United States. And while some forms of skin cancer can be easily treated, others can be insidious and deadly. There may be certain steps you can take to ensure your risk of skin cancer is minimized. Our dermatology physician assistants have a combined 34 years of experience and can provide practical suggestions.

2) Am I in a high-risk group for skin cancer?

Along the same lines, it might be helpful to ask your skincare provider whether you have any risk factors that might make you more likely to get skin cancer. For instance, a family history of skin cancer can be a revealing indicator of your own risk level. You can also talk with your provider about your exposure to the sun, especially if you have a job or a hobby that involves the outdoors. If you are in a higher risk category, your skincare specialist may recommend that you get skin cancer screenings more regularly.

3) How should I be caring for my skin?

Everyone wants to know how they can keep their skin looking smooth and youthful. Do a quick Google search for “skin care tips” or “skin care regimens,” and you will find page upon page of guidelines, many of them contradictory. The reason for that is that different people have different skincare needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your skincare specialist can provide you with individualized guidance based on their assessment of your skin and its current condition.

4) What about my moles?

If you have prominent moles on your body, our skincare specialists will spend a few minutes studying them and discuss potential treatments, if necessary. In addition, make sure you ask what you can do to monitor your moles on your own. Ask what red flags or warning signs to watch for and how you know when you need to come back to our practice for a follow-up. 

5) What is a skin tag?

Most people have something unusual on their bodies, whether it is a skin tag, ingrown hair, or something else. A skin tag can become visibly inflamed and infected. It may also cause you discomfort or simply be visually unappealing. Regardless, you should never hesitate to ask your skincare specialist about those strange blemishes or pain points.

6) What causes me to have these acne breakouts?

Do you regularly find your skin breaking out with blemishes? There are a number of possible causes of acne, ranging from hormonal issues to a suboptimal skincare regimen. Often, the underlying issue is something you can address through simple lifestyle changes. Your dermatology provider can help you understand your skin better and potentially take the first steps toward clearing it up.

7) Am I aging as well as I could be?

As we get older, our body loses some of its elasticity. In addition, frequent exposure to the sun can cause some damage. The bottom line: Eventually, your skin is going to start showing some signs of age. However, there may be some treatments available to you to reverse some of the visible effects of the aging process. Our skincare specialists will be happy to make some recommendations.

8) What kind of sunscreen should I be using?

Do not hesitate to ask your dermatology provider for recommendations regarding any kind of skincare product but be especially intentional in seeking a sunscreen recommendation. Not all sunscreens are created equal, and your provider can point you toward one that is well-suited for your skin and able to offer you the necessary level of protection against cancer.

9) When should I come back?

You should plan on annual skin examinations, but if there are any issues or worry signs, our dermatology physician assistants may advise you to come back sooner than that. Make sure you know how often you should be getting your skin checked out.

Take Care of Your Skin

Regular appointments with your dermatology provider can ensure that you have clear, healthy skin. These visits will also ensure that you receive early intervention for things like skin cancer and that you are doing everything you should in order to maintain a youthful appearance. The team at WIPS is ready to help achieve beautiful, radiant skin. Contact us to learn more.