The Five Questions Everyone has For Dermatologists
Dermatologists are there for all your skincare concerns, from acne and rosacea to starting a skincare routine. With everything dermatologists have seen and done, some questions are sure to appear more than others. Here are five of the most common questions dermatologists hear.
1. Can a bad diet cause acne?
Acne almost always comes down to genetics and hormones for most people. With that said, there are some people who are sensitive to dairy or refined sugars. That could cause acne. People shouldn’t be cutting things out of their diet randomly because it could cause eating problems. However, if you notice that your skin typically breaks out when you eat dairy there’s probably some benefit to switching to plant-based alternatives. Try almond milk or unsweetened soy milk. This change can help manage acne, but it’s not effective for the vast majority of people.
2. Is the SPF in moisturizer the same as the one in sunscreen?
The SPF that goes into moisturizer is tested the same as the SPF in sunscreen. A moisturizer with SPF 30 should provide an SPF of 30. The problem is that moisturizers are less likely to be water resistant and aren’t applied as thickly as sunscreen. This is why they might not offer the same degree of protection as regular sunscreen. Another thing to note is that moisturizers don’t offer UVA protection.
3. Do collagen supplements work?
If you check the data there’s no good evidence that collagen supplements really work. This is essentially because collagen is a protein. When you take a supplement, your gut breaks it down into its amino acids and doesn’t know to send it to the skin. If you have the kind of money that lets you invest in expensive collagen supplements, you likely have the money to follow a healthy diet and wear sunscreen, making it difficult to tell what is improving your skin health.
4. Do breakouts ever go away?
It’s possible for breakouts to go away, but the reality is that they can continue deep into your thirties – if not beyond. The good news is that an appropriate skincare routine can help to prevent acne and premature ageing. So taking care of your face to prevent breakouts can help you look younger for longer.
5. What age should I consider injectables like Botox?
Lots of people wonder if they are too young – or even too old – for injection treatments. In general, people who are in their mid-30s or so have figured out if they should have treatments or not. In this situation, it’s often a matter of how your skin ages rather than your actual physical age. The way your skin looks involves several factors including diet, lifestyle, and genetics. There are people in their late 20s who look amazing and people at the same age who have noticeable forehead lines and less volume in their face. The latter might want injections even though they are the same age.
Final Thoughts
Dermatologists have all the answers when it comes to skin health. Don’t be afraid to talk to one if you have questions or concerns about your skin.
I'm a fully qualified Beautician and a practitioner of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures. Having worked in the beauty industry since 2011 I have gained a lot of experience and gone on to become a published expert in a wide range of matters concerning health, beauty and nutrition.