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This Is the First Thing Derms Notice About Your Skin

Top dermatologists reveal what they notice the moment you walk into their office
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If anything seems out of balance
Recently had a procedure like Botox or another injectable? Don't try and trick your dermatologist into giving you new injections before it's time. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael Swann explains, skin care experts are trained to detect any sort of plastic surgery — for better or often times, worse. "The first thing I often notice is if anything seems out of balance, and the most obvious thing is when patients have cosmetic work done that is not natural or pretty," he says.

While this is a negative first impression, it's one Swann says is preventable if you do your due diligence to source a dermatologist you can trust. "I would much rather have a patient who has a problem with scarring, irregular pigmentation, wrinkles or sun damage, but looks natural: those are targets that we can improve," he says. "Even the most beautiful person immediately looks like they are trying too hard when they have an unnatural or overdone filler procedure or an overly tight facelift."

Image via Imaxtree

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How your face moves
Ever watch a candid Instagram video your friend took of you and wonder, "Do I really look like that?" Most of our frequently used facial expressions are practiced without thinking: scrunching our eyebrow when we're working or focusing, raising our eyes when we get excited or clenching our jaw when we're in a stressful encounter. Though you might not be able to detect these intrinsic and intuitive movements, if you visit a derm like Sarkar, you'll find her taking notes on how your face moves.

"It gives me a clue as to what treatment might be best for them if they bring up treating wrinkles or fine lines," she says. "I never bring that up at a visit myself but I like to be prepared in case the patient wants treatment because every patient has different needs and the underlying muscle and fat pads are usually what determine the best treatment for them." So if your derm is carefully watching you? Don't be alarmed — he or she is doing his or her job.

Image via Imaxtree

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If you're unhappy with your skin
It isn't just your exterior that dermatologists pick up on — but what's going on in your mind, too. If you've ever battled hormonal acne, consistent eczema or psoriasis, you know how debilitating skin issues can be. Not only do they impact how much powder your load on your face, but Black says many people struggle with self-confidence when they're having a breakout. As she puts it, not everyone is comfortable in their own skin — and it really shows.

"It is remarkable how much skin issues can affect our day to day lives. It is important to remember to get help with a board-certified dermatologist for skin problems as many things making patients uncomfortable can be addressed or prevented," she says. "Patients often say that they wish they had come in sooner as they have wasted time and money dealing with their skin problems prior to coming in."

Image via Imaxtree

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If your skin is sagging
As we grow older — and wiser and sassier — unfortunately, our skin doesn't always stay up to par. Swann says that's why sagging skin is one of the first things he notices. "As we age, we lose facial plump, especially in people who remain thin as they age. Our face leaves arguably the strongest impression when we meet people," he says. "Sagging and wrinkled skin can change people's opinions about us and since these things are easy targets for improvement, I tend to take notice quickly when I meet someone." This opens the opportunity for Swann to recommend products or treatments to improve the quality of skin, revealing the radiance underneath the top layer.

Image via Imaxtree

BY LINDSAY TIGAR | AUG 20, 2018 | SHARES
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