You’ve tried everything you can on your own to clear up your skin, but nothing has worked. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Sometimes, treating acne can’t be done without medical help. You really don’t have to do it alone. Finding the best acne dermatologist in Falls Church, Virginia is the solution. Here are insider tips to help you find the help you need!
Choose a Board-Certified Acne Dermatologist
When looking at credentials, you need to make sure a dermatologist is actually board certified and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Ask Your Health Insurance Company for a Referral
Many patients choose to ask their insurance provider for a list of in-network dermatologists. This is a good way to save on out-of-pocket expenses. You should also ask about copays, treatments that are and are not covered, and what prescription costs may be.
You Can Also Get Referrals From Other Trusted Sources
Ask people you trust. Talk to friends, family, and even co-workers to learn about their experiences with skincare specialists and who they recommend. You should also speak to your primary care provider or other healthcare professionals to see who they frequently recommend to their patients who need a specialist.
Once You’ve Gathered a Short List of Dermatologists, Do Some Research
Researching a dermatologist should involve verifying their credentials and learning about their background. Most doctors post a bio on their website.
Your research might also include reading reviews and patient testimonials, as well as taking a look at social media pages. Pay attention to the comments and photos.
Schedule a Dermatological Consultation
This is really the only way to get to know the best acne dermatologist in Falls Church, Virginia. It allows you the opportunity to ask questions, share your skin concerns, and get a feel for how you interact with one another.
Communication is crucial in a patient-doctor relationship. Not only do you need to be honest with your dermatologist, but they also need to be honest with you. They should allow you time to ask questions, listen, and then give you clear answers.
Remember, a consultation doesn’t lock you into any type of contractual obligation. If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s okay to keep looking. The dermatologist you choose for long-term care needs to be one you can trust.
Can’t I Just Keep Using Over-the-Counter Products? Won’t They Eventually Work?
Not necessarily. For many, acne is an ongoing struggle, and while over-the-counter (OTC) products might work at some point for a period of time, they may not give you the long-lasting results you’re hoping for.
That’s when a dermatologist is necessary.
Acne has several causes. Excess oil production, clogged hair follicles, bacteria, inflammation, fluctuating hormones, diet, certain medications, and stress, all contribute significantly to breakouts. It takes a qualified dermatologist to properly diagnose the cause in order to receive treatment that works.
What Are My Acne Treatment Options?
Your dermatologist will recommend treatment based on your specific skincare needs. You might benefit from topical treatments such as retinoids / retinoid-like drugs, dapsone, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid.
They may also prescribe oral medications such as antibiotics, contraceptives, isotretinoin, or anti-androgen agents (only for females).
There are certain therapies that have proven quite successful at treating acne as well. Light therapy, steroid injections, and chemical peels, as well as draining and extraction, can benefit acne-prone skin.
How Long Will It Take to See Acne Treatment Results?
Because acne treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, it might take a bit of trial and error to find what really works for you. Be patient! It’s possible that you’ll benefit from a combination of therapies too, which can take time to figure out.
Once you’ve established a course of action, it can take several weeks or months to see a significant improvement in the health of your skin. Stick with it. You’ll be happy you did.
Can My Acne Dermatologist Help Me With My Skincare Routine?
Absolutely, so ask if you need advice! You can even take the product you are currently using with you to your appointment. You might be making common mistakes that are more easily recognizable by your specialist, who can make suggestions to replace them if so.
People often think washing their face several times a day is the right way to keep their skin clean, but twice a day is typically enough. Be sure not to over-exfoliate either. Your skin cells need time to replenish themselves and exfoliating too much doesn’t allow them to go through their natural process.
You should evaluate your habits on your own too. Do you store your skincare products correctly? Have you checked the expiration dates? Is hyaluronic acid part of your routine?
Another common mistake people make is becoming complacent with their routine once results are noticeable. Just because you see a product working doesn’t mean you can stop. You need to continue with treatments that work to maintain your results.
Your Search for the Best Acne Dermatologist in Falls Church, Virginia Ends With THIS Phone Call!
When you choose Dr. Marjan Yousefi, you are choosing a highly-qualified board-certified dermatologist with years of experience successfully treating acne. She can help with other skin concerns too!
Dr. Yousefi understands the struggle of dealing with acne. Rest assured you’ll be met with compassion and respect. Contact us at 703-255-5070 to learn more about how you can benefit from our top-notch acne treatments. It’s time you reclaim your skin and your self-confidence!
