What Age Should I Start Regularly Seeing a Dermatologist?

What to Know About Age and Going to the Dermatologist

Am I Too Young to Start Seeing a Dermatologist?

If you’re wondering if you’re at the age to be seeing a dermatologist regularly, most likely there’s a reason you’re thinking about it. You may have started noticing wrinkles, you want to get rid of acne scars, or you’re wondering if you should have your moles checked out. There’s a reason at almost any age to start having your own skin looked at by a professional, but parents should bring their children in for their first dermatology appointment when they’re preteens.

Children 12 and under who have healthy skin don’t necessarily need to see a dermatologist unless recommended by their pediatrician. Those who need extra support for skin conditions will be referred to a skin specialist.

Skincare for Teens

When puberty begins to hit, our hormonal changes can throw our skin into fits. Oil, acne, and growth spurts all affect our skin, and if not properly managed, might set the stage for longer-term problems like stretch marks, scarring, or adult acne, in addition to the short-term stresses of embarrassment. The childhood and teenage years are important for skincare since this is when preventative practices like wearing sunscreen, washing your face regularly, and using moisturizer help your skin stay resilient into adulthood. Meeting with a dermatologist regularly to make sure your adolescent is taking good care of their skin is the best way to set up good habits early.

Mole examinations for abnormalities are important throughout life, especially when we’re young and spending a lot of time in the sun. Melanoma is the second most common type of cancer diagnosed in 15-19-year-olds and the most common form of cancer affecting young adults between the ages of 25 and 29. Watching for irregular moles is something we should do regularly, since skin cancer can show at any age.

Skincare for Adults

In our 20s and 30s, some superficial skin issues might start showing, even if we’re taking good care of ourselves. Hair loss and wrinkles can be slowed down and even reversed when caught early enough, so dermatology in our early adult years is mostly preventative treatments with some light correction as needed. This might be achieved with treatments like laser therapy to remove scars or tattoos or a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to tone and reduce wrinkles.

In our 40s and 50s, visits will be about regular checkups for maintenance, monitoring spots and issues, and corrective treatments. Dermal fillers can help give support to skin that is losing firmness, and routine exfoliation procedures will help keep wrinkles, age spots, and other potential skin problems under control.

Skincare Is a Lifelong Activity

At both young and mature ages, there will be general and unique stressors to your skin, needing different kinds of care and support. When we’re young, we want to help our body do its own thing, but as we get older, we need to help it along with protective practices, professional treatments, a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals, and potentially medication as needed. Regularly checking in with your dermatologist is the best strategy to manage all of life’s wear at any age. Make an appointment with one of our skincare experts today!