Dermatologist tips for managing common skin concerns

When at-home management of your skin conditions are not giving you the results you want, it may be time to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists can help you treat or manage several common skin conditions, including acne, eczema, uneven skin texture and even hair loss. We asked Lauren McKeever Demino, NP, one of our board-certified skin experts, to explain how dermatologists can help patients manage different types of skin conditions.

“With dermatology, we focus on skin from the bottom up,” said Lauren. “Our in-office procedures focus on targeting root skin issues, not just what you see on the surface.”

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that is caused by skin pores becoming clogged and inflamed. It can be caused by many factors, like hormones, diet or bacteria.¹ The American Academy of Dermatology recommends several DIY methods for treating acne at home. These methods to reduce acne include:^2,3

• Don’t touch your acne: Picking, poking and popping your acne may make you feel like you are addressing your acne, but it only increases risk of infection or more acne flare-ups.
• Wash your face twice a day (and after sweating): While it is important to keep your face clean to prevent dirt or bacteria build up in pores, washing your face too often can irritate the skin and prevent it from healing.⁴
• Use products with active ingredients to fight acne: Adapalene, azelaic acid, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are four different types of active ingredients that can be used to treat acne. It is important to only try one ingredient at a time, and to start in small doses for more powerful ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.
• Be patient: It may take 4-8 weeks to start seeing fewer breakouts and up to 16 weeks to start seeing clear skin.

If you are not seeing the results you want from home treatments, a consultation with a dermatologist can help identify your specific type of acne and, if needed, prescribe medications, like topical retinoids, to treat it.⁵

Eczema

Eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.⁶ When eczema symptoms worsen it is called a ‘flare-up’.⁷There are several methods to avoid worsening symptoms, including:

• Moisturize regularly: Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Apply it right after bathing to lock in moisture.⁸
• Avoid irritants: Stay away from harsh soaps, detergents, and other products that could irritate your skin, like nickel.⁹
• Consult a dermatologist: If your eczema is severe or doesn’t improve with home care, see a dermatologist. They can prescribe medications and provide other treatments to help manage your symptoms.¹⁰

Uneven skin texture

There are many reasons for a person to have uneven skin texture. Acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines, lifestyle habits or scars can make someone feel self-conscious about the condition of their skin.

Dermatologists can treat uneven skin tone through several office-based procedures. At Optum, there are several methods to treating uneven skin texture, including:

• Fractional laser: Fractional lasers use targeted light energy to stimulate new collagen growth. This laser therapy creates coagulated skin tissue, which can encourage healthy skin production and reduces fine lines.¹¹
• Microneedling: Dermatologists use a needle device to make tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate new collagen. Microneedling can improve skin elasticity and reduce acne scars, fine lines and uneven skin texture.¹²
• Chemical peels: A chemical peel exfoliates the top layer of skin over several days to reduce fine lines, freckles, skin discoloration and scars. Dermatologists can offer chemical peels at different intensities depending on the results you are looking for. ¹³

Hair  loss  and  hair  restoration  with  PRP (platelet-rich plasma)

Hair loss can be caused by hormonal issues, improper hair care, stress, genetics, a symptom of a medical condition or as a side effect to medication.xiv Hair loss can be a distressing issue, but there are effective treatments available. Optum dermatologists can offer bloodwork testing which may help identify an underlying cause of your hair loss and provide a range of treatment options.

“Regardless of the treatment you choose, it’s better to start earlier in the hair loss process,” said Lauren. “We can help target hair loss through supplements, oral medications, red light therapy or even Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to stimulate hair growth.”

PRP therapy uses a  concentration of platelets from your own blood.  Platelets contain growth factors that can promote healing and tissue regeneration. In hair restoration there is ongoing research for the effectiveness of PRP to promote hair growth. ⁸

How  does PRP work?

• Blood draw: A small amount of your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components.
• Injection: The concentrated PRP is then injected into the scalp in the areas where hair loss is occurring.
• Stimulation: The growth factors in the PRP help to stimulate dormant hair follicles, promoting new hair growth and improving the health of existing hair.

Other  tips  for  healthy  skin

Regardless of your skin concern, you don’t have to wait for a dermatologist appointment to start making changes to improve your overall skin health. Some lifestyle changes Lauren recommends includes:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Healthy diet: Research shows a link between skin health and your diet. Eat a balance diet rich in fruits, vegtables and lean protiens. These foods provide essential nutrients that support skin health.¹⁰
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage your skin and make it look older. If you smoke, talk with your health care provider on steps for quitting.
• Talk to your dermatologist about your health: At Optum, dermatologists have access to over 70 other specialists, including primary care, cardiology and oncology. They can work with your Optum provider to create a dermatology plan that works with your total health, not just your skin.

“Tell us your skin concerns, we will listen,” said Lauren. “What is different about Optum is that we have these provider resources for you. We can reach out directly to your oncologist, cardiologist or other specialty doctor. We want to ensure all patients can get dermatology treatments, and that means collaborating effectively for a total health approach.”

Visit Optum Dermatology

If you have any skin concerns or want to learn more about keeping your skin healthy, visit Optum Dermatology. Our team of experts can provide personalized advice and treatments to help you achieve your skin goals. From daily skincare routines to managing common skin conditions and hair restoration with PRP, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Lauren McKeever Demino, NP, is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in Dermatology. She is currently accepting patients in Lake Success, NY.

Sources:

1. American Academy of Dermatology. What Causes Acne? Accessed May 7, 2025.  
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Treating Acne: Tips for Managing Acne Accessed May 7, 2025.  
3. American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema Accessed May 7, 2025.  
4. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Aging Skin Accessed May 7, 2025.  
5. American Academy of Dermatology. Microneedling: A Treatment for Scars and Stretch Marks Last updated June 17, 2023. Accessed May 7, 2025.  
6. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Chemical Peels: A Guide Accessed May 7, 2025.  
7. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Hair Loss Accessed May 7, 2025.  
8. American Academy of Dermatology. Platelet-rich Plasma: A Secret to Younger-Looking Skin? Accessed May 7, 2025.  
9. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Dietary Patterns and Skin Health Last updated March 24, 2020. Accessed May 7, 2025.  
10. United States Department of Agriculture. Myplate.gov Accessed May 7, 2025.