Here’s What Your Dermatologist Can Tell Immediately About Your Skin

It’s easy to hide blemishes and eye circles with a little bit of makeup, but no matter what kind of products you use on your face, your dermatologist can tell what’s really going on with your skin. As you walk through the door, your dermatologist will probably be able to identify the faint red rash on your forehead without even needing to ask. Here’s are some easy diagnosis signs:

Stress. A quick look at a patient’s skin and hair is a strong indicator of their stress levels and diet. Oily skin, acne, thinning hair, and eczema are common symptoms of anxiety. If a patient isn’t eating well, and avoiding food with protein and healthy fats, then their hair will lack luster and nails will crack easily.

Fine lines. Fine lines are more superficial versions of wrinkles, and are usually caused by lifestyle and environmental factors, aging, dehydration, and impaired barrier function. Fine lines are most commonly found on areas with the most muscle movements — the corners of eyes, forehead, and the sides of the mouth. People with very expressive faces are are more likely to develop fine lines when they’re younger.

Color. We’ve grown so used to seeing our reflection that we might not notice subtle color changes in our skin. Yellow skin might be a symptom of liver disease or pancreatic cancer; gray skin can indicate kidney disease; and blue-ish skin might be a sign of heart disease.