As the largest organ, our skin protects our body from the elements. Skin is actually far more complex than it appears on the surface, or epidermal layer: below the epidermis is the dermis which contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, and blood vessels necessary to our body. Specialized skin doctors, or dermatologists, specialize in treating cosmetic and medical issues associated with the skin: here are three ways that dermatologists help patients receive the best skin care possible.

Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the world, roughly 40-50 million Americans are affected by acne at any given moment. Acne affects most people when they hit puberty, although there are cases where some develop severe acne as late as age 50. By their mid-teens, it is estimated that over 40% of teens have acne scarring. In order to avoid scaring, patients should not pop or pick at their acne. If nothing seems to help clear your skin, a dermatologist may be able to offer medical treatment options to eliminate acne so people start seeing the real you.

Hair Treatment

Most people have the odd hair here-and-there, but some people experience embarrassing hair growth in unsightly places. On the other side of the coin, hair loss can result in just as much embarrassment. A man has a 50-50 chance of experiencing hair loss by age fifty; although less common there are about 30 million American women who suffer from hereditary hair loss as well. Dermatologists may be able to help patients with unwanted hair loss or growth. Many dermatologists specialize in permanent laser hair removal options to remove unwanted hair. Other dermatologists can help patients regrow lost hair through steroid treatments and other options.

Dermatology Treatment for Skin Cancer

While the previous conditions are serious in their own way, neither inspires quite as much fear as skin cancer. One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma, which sometimes manifests as a black skin growth; in face, those with more than 50 moles are at a substantially increased risk for developing melanoma. As treatment for skin cancer continues to develop, dermatologists are on the front line of the fight to make sure cancer ends for good.