By Levi Leo
For most of my adult life, I struggled with stubborn, painful skin flare-ups. It started in my early twenties with dry, itchy patches that would come and go, usually across my cheeks and forehead. But as I got older, the symptoms got worse. There were mornings I’d wake up to find my skin inflamed, red, and irritated for no apparent reason. Dermatologists in other cities had offered vague diagnoses—eczema, adult acne, maybe an allergy—but nothing consistent, and nothing that stuck.
I’d tried everything. Drugstore creams, high-end serums, elimination diets, even weekly facials. Some things helped for a bit, but nothing offered lasting relief. Eventually, I started planning my social life around my flare-ups. I wore heavy makeup to hide the damage, and avoided direct sunlight, spicy foods, and just about anything that could cause a reaction. It wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was affecting my confidence, my energy, and my ability to enjoy everyday life.
When I relocated to Northern Colorado for work, a colleague in our Fort Collins office noticed my hesitation when it came to client meetings. She gently asked if I’d ever seen a medical dermatologist in Fort Collins. I told her my history—how I’d seen half a dozen specialists over the years with little success—and she insisted that I give one particular practice a try. “They actually listen,” she said. “And they get results.”
That recommendation changed everything. I scheduled an appointment, more out of politeness than hope. But from the moment I walked in, it felt different. The staff was welcoming but not performative. The paperwork was thorough but efficient. And most importantly, the dermatologist didn’t rush. She examined my skin closely, asked detailed questions, and even took the time to review the photos I’d brought from previous flare-ups. She told me something no one else had: ‘I think you’re dealing with seborrheic dermatitis—but also contact irritation from the products you’ve been using to treat it.’
It was the first time anyone had given me a dual-diagnosis explanation. She laid out a plan—not a guess, but a plan. It included a prescription-strength antifungal cream, a gentle cleanser, and strict instructions to stop using exfoliants, essential oils, or any multi-acid peels. The goal was to reset my skin barrier and allow it to heal without constant interference. We also discussed stress, diet, and sleep—factors I’d heard about online but never truly explored in a medical setting.
The change wasn’t overnight. In fact, the first two weeks were rough. My skin purged, as she predicted, and I felt self-conscious leaving the house. But by week three, I saw a shift. My face looked calmer. The redness that had become my default tone began to fade. The itching stopped. By the six-week follow-up, I barely recognized myself in the mirror. My skin was smooth, neutral-toned, and—for the first time in years—pain-free.
We’ve since adapted the treatment plan slightly to account for Colorado’s dry climate. I now use a customized moisturizer they formulated in-office, and we added a zinc-based sunscreen that doesn’t trigger flare-ups. I check in every quarter, and each visit feels collaborative. They treat me like someone with intelligence and agency, not a passive patient waiting for miracles.
Finding this clinic changed more than my skin—it gave me back part of my life. I don’t hide in photos anymore. I don’t plan meetings around my face. I wake up without dreading the mirror. And when I see someone struggling with their skin in public, I wish I could hand them a card and say, “Please, go here. It’s worth it.”
I’ve recommended this dermatology clinic in Fort Collins to everyone I know. My husband saw them for a mole check. My sister-in-law booked a consultation for psoriasis. Every person I’ve sent has had a positive experience. They take their time, explain things clearly, and they don’t push unnecessary procedures or pricey products. It’s science-backed care with a personal touch.
Looking back, I realize how much of my self-worth had been tied up in a problem I thought I’d never solve. The toll it took—on my mood, my social life, even my marriage—was more than skin-deep. It’s easy to downplay dermatological issues as superficial, but the impact is real. Chronic skin conditions affect how we present ourselves, how we feel about ourselves, and how we engage with others. Getting real treatment from a compassionate team didn’t just fix my skin. It fixed the way I moved through the world.
Now, I’m the one making gentle recommendations. When someone opens up about their skin, I tell them what my coworker once told me: You don’t have to keep guessing. There’s help here in Fort Collins. And if you’re tired of being dismissed or given one-size-fits-all answers, you’re not alone. There are people in this city who are doing dermatology right—and they changed my life.
