5 Tell-Tale Signs Your Skincare Routine Needs a Dermatologist's Touch

Do you feel like you're doing everything right with your skincare, but your skin still isn't cooperating? It's easy to get overwhelmed by the endless options of creams, serums, and cleansers on the shelves today.

At Leading Edge Dermatology®, our team of experienced dermatology professionals provides personalized care to help you find what works best for your unique skin. Our providers, including double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elyse Julian, DO, FAAD, along with Dr. Benjamin Kahn, M.D., Dr. Paloma Reiter, DO, Alana Willis, PA-C, and Natalia Prieto, PA-C, offer expert guidance and advanced treatment options at our offices in Plantation and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

When to seek professional help

Let's look at the signs that your daily routine needs a professional upgrade. While basic care is important, certain issues require medical expertise.

5 signs your skincare routine needs a dermatologist's touch 

The five signs that your skin needs professional care include stubborn acne, chronic dry or itchy patches, changing moles, products that cause irritation, and a lack of anti-aging results.

1. Stubborn acne that won't clear: Over-the-counter washes often fail to clear deep breakouts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (2025), acne is the most common skin condition in the US, affecting up to 50 million people each year. We offer advanced medical treatments for adult dermatology needs to target breakouts at their source.
2. Chronic dry, red, or itchy patches: Persistent dryness or itching can be a sign of eczema or atopic dermatitis. Research from the National Institutes of Health (2025) shows that atopic dermatitis affects about seven percent of adults in the US. Our team can prescribe targeted therapies to soothe your skin barrier.
3. New or changing spots on your skin: Any mole that changes shape, size, or color requires immediate professional evaluation. Early detection is key to successfully treating skin cancer, and we specialize in advanced skin cancer surgery to keep you safe.
4. Your products cause burning or irritation: If your face burns or turns red after applying your products, your skin barrier may be damaged. A dermatologist can help you rebuild your barrier and select gentle, medical-grade alternatives.
5. You aren't seeing the cosmetic results you want: If you want to address fine lines, dark spots, or uneven texture, retail products can only do so much. We offer customized cosmetic dermatology treatments to safely and effectively rejuvenate your skin.

Building a routine that actually works

A dermatologist-backed routine focuses on proven ingredients and sun protection. For example, the Mayo Clinic (2024) recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every two hours to prevent premature aging and skin damage.

We'll help you streamline your routine so you aren't wasting money on products that don't deliver. Whether you need medical treatment or cosmetic enhancement, we're here to guide you.

You don't have to guess your way to healthier skin. If you're ready to build a routine that truly works for you, contact our team to schedule an appointment at our Plantation or Fort Lauderdale office today.

Leading Edge Dermatology

Leading Edge Dermatology® provides comprehensive medical, surgical, pediatric, cosmetic, and skin cancer dermatology services in Plantation and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Our team provides individualized dermatologic care for patients of all ages, with services including skin cancer detection and treatment, acne treatment, hair loss treatment, pediatric dermatologist, cosmetic treatment, treatment for eczema or psoriasis, and general dermatology care.