Most people in their 20s and 30s want flawless skin they can be proud of. In addition to looking good, beautiful skin and hair are the most visible indicators of overall health and wellness. But beginning at age 25, collagen production in the skin starts to slow, begins to lose resilience, and skin damage done in adolescence and early adulthood starts to become visible. Hormonal imbalances, as well as environmental aggressors like ultraviolet rays and air pollution, can all contribute to dull-looking skin. As a result, many people in their 20s and early 30s wonder what they can do to remedy fine lines, reduced skin clarity and elasticity, and many other age-related issues.
Meeting with a dermatologist at least annually can protect skin, treat existing damage, and even dramatically slow the aging process. Here are six reasons to visit a dermatologist by age 30.
- Build a smart skincare routine
A dermatologist will review each patient’s skincare routine to ensure that it meets his or her age-related needs. Medical grade skincare products are the first step for many young adults because of their anti-aging properties, texture and tone improvement capabilities, and ingredients that promote healthy skin function. Simply adding a dermal repair cream and an antioxidant-rich serum to a nightly skincare routine can prevent moisture loss, smooth the skin’s appearance, and fight stress-induced dullness. Medical grade skincare products recommended by a dermatologist in Sterling Heights are also essential to enhance the effectiveness of any anti-aging procedures a patient may choose later.
- Clear up skin and stop breakouts
Inflammation causes redness in the skin and can come from sources such as heat, injury, emotion, allergies, spicy food, exercise, or an overactive immune system. Many skin conditions are a direct result of inflammation, including the following:
- Adult acne – pimples that may be moderate to severe
- Rosacea – facial redness that looks like a sunburn that doesn’t heal
- Acne rosacea – diffused redness with small red pimples clustered at the center of the face
- Psoriasis – areas of flaky skin with underlying redness on knees, elbows, or scalp
- Eczema – chronic raised red skin that itches, blisters, and bleeds
- Contact dermatitis – occurs when skin is in contact with an allergen
- Sun allergy – sun exposure causes a red bumpy rash
Inflammation-related skin conditions can not only be embarrassing but can also cause excessive scratching that can lead to scarring or even infection. Adult acne can plague women long after the teenage years, and many women in their 20s and 30s continue to needlessly suffer through breakouts, even though effective treatment is available. Some women use the same beauty products in early adulthood that they did in their teenage years, but inflammatory conditions tend to affect aging skin differently.
A dermatologist in Sterling Heights may recommend retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or antibiotics to treat adult acne or other inflammatory skin conditions, and may also recommend specific moisturizers or acne washes. Some products can be purchased over the counter, but most topical solutions will need to be prescribed by the dermatologist.
Chronic or severe acne, which can be the result of anything from genetics to severe stress or frequent travel, can cause discomfort and unwarranted embarrassment and may call for a more intensive treatment plan. Omnilux, an alternating blue and red light therapy, may be added to the treatment plan to clear up more severe acne, and certain lasers can help with skin smoothness and even treat acne scarring.
- Define an anti-aging game plan
In the late 20s and early 30s, the first fine lines or age-related spots begin to appear. While these can be mild, it’s a good idea to care for them early on. A dermatologist in Sterling Heights can create a tailored long-term game plan to fight age-related skin damage that may include collagen-boosting treatments, such as chemical skin peels, as well as retinoids and microdermabrasion for long-term care. Patients in Sterling Heights may wish to discuss more intensive anti-aging procedures as well; many people in their 20s and 30s consider injectables such as BOTOX® Cosmetic when fine lines and wrinkles become bothersome or very noticeable, and a dermatologist can help determine whether these options should be part of each patient’s long-term anti-aging plan.
- Address thinning hair
A dermatologist can be a valuable resource for addressing thinning hair issues; the general thinning that tends to occur with age can be rooted in scalp issues or hormonal shifts. Instead of a patient stressing endlessly over a widening hair part, a dermatologist can closely examine the scalp, diagnose the problem, and prescribe medication, a course of supplements like omega fatty acids, or targeted laser, bringing hair back to a healthier, more youthful state.
- Check moles and personalize sunscreen strategy
Everyone is susceptible to a variety of skin growths like mole and warts. While younger adults may want to ignore these common skin conditions, hoping they’ll go away or treating them with an over-the-counter remedy, skin growths are potentially dangerous and should be evaluated by a physician for a proper diagnosis, and if necessary, removal. While most skin growths are benign, a dermatologist can properly diagnose them and can help address related cosmetic issues if a patient chooses.
During a regular skin checkup, a dermatologist can scan for any existing sun damage as well as recommend a good daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and broad-spectrum protection. Doctors recommend getting skin checked once a year, especially in regions with high sun exposure, which can increase the chance of melanoma and carcinoma.
- Minimize stretch marks
Some women suffer from stretch marks in their 20s and 30s because of pregnancy, obesity, or short-term weight gain from bodybuilding and other physical activities. Stretch marks occur when the dermis, the middle layer of skin, is stretched more than it can tolerate. The connective fibers in the skin eventually break, disrupting collagen production and causing scarring. A variety of non-surgical options such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and blue light therapy can improve the appearance of stretch marks, and a dermatologist can recommend the right therapy for each patient.
Skin is the single largest organ in the human body and is also one of the most vulnerable. Prioritizing skin and hair care in a patient’s 20s and 30s leads to a more youthful appearance in their 40s and beyond, and a dermatologist in Sterling Heights can help each patient determine the skincare routine and treatment that’s right for them.