Catch Skin Cancer Early
Use the ABCDE method to do monthly skin checks and detect changes in moles.
Protect Yourself in the Sun
Confused about UVA, UVB and SPF? Learn the best ways to protect your skin and stay healthy in the sun.
The Dark Side of Tanning
Tanning damages your skin. Learn safer ways to achieve a healthy glow.
Featured Articles
Help for Common Skin Problems
Discover preventive strategies and treatments for age spots, broken vessels and skin tags.
How to Catch Skin Cancer Early
Skin cancer is curable when caught early. Learn how to perform skin self-exams and when to get checkups.
Living with Psoriasis
Do you struggle with red, scaly patches or tiny bumps on your body? Here’s what you need to know.
Ask an Expert
Catherine Lenz, PA-C
Sutter Medical Foundation
I'm nearing 40 and noticing frown lines between my eyebrows and was wondering if there was an ideal age to begin Botox. Is there an age at which it is too late?
This is a great question! In fact, people between the ages of 18-65 can be treated with Botox. Those lines that form between the eyebrows are a result of powerful muscle contractions caused from concentration o... continue reading about I'm nearing 40 and noticing frown lines between my eyebrows and was wondering if there was an ideal age to begin Botox. Is there an age at which it is too late?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm 50 and don't spend a lot of time in the sun. I use sunscreen but I've noticed that I'm getting darker skin blotches, not like moles but damaged skin cells. My MD isn't worried, but I don't like the look. How do I get rid of them and protect my skin?
The most common skin blotches that appear after many years of sun exposure are called solar lentigos. These brown spots are smooth and do not have a rough texture. They are caused by years of unprotected sun ex... continue reading about I'm 50 and don't spend a lot of time in the sun. I use sunscreen but I've noticed that I'm getting darker skin blotches, not like moles but damaged skin cells. My MD isn't worried, but I don't like the look. How do I get rid of them and protect my skin?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard about laser skin treatments for collagen rejuvenation. Can you tell me how it works and how many treatments I'll need? Also, does the treatment hurt and what can I expect afterwards?
There are two basic types of cosmetic laser treatments that offer skin rejuvenation. There are classified as ablative and non-ablative. The most effective for wrinkle removal and collagen regeneration is the CO... continue reading about I've heard about laser skin treatments for collagen rejuvenation. Can you tell me how it works and how many treatments I'll need? Also, does the treatment hurt and what can I expect afterwards?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
Melasma is typically caused in women by exposure to estrogens. For this reason, any hormone replacement you are taking that contains estrogen can contribute, so I would refrain from using estrogens. Also, the h... continue reading about I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
Catherine Lenz, PA-C
Sutter Medical Foundation
Is there any way of removing moles other than surgery?
Moles appear just about anywhere on the skin. Sometimes a mole may be in an area on the skin that gets irritated from clothing or a hairbrush, or even shaved with a razor. In some cases one may not like the app... continue reading about Is there any way of removing moles other than surgery?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Is laser treatment effective in removing the telangiectasia associated with rosacea? Also, does the use of Metrogel (or similar products) reduce the incidence of the development of telangiectasias?
One of the most common side effects from long term sun exposure or from the chronic skin condition called rosacea is the development of tiny enlarged facial blood vessels. Although many people call them spider ... continue reading about Is laser treatment effective in removing the telangiectasia associated with rosacea? Also, does the use of Metrogel (or similar products) reduce the incidence of the development of telangiectasias?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What does serum used under a moisturizer do, and is it necessary? What is the best moisturizer?
The primary purpose of a moisturizer is to make your skin feel better by reducing dryness. Moisturizers do not prevent wrinkles or aging. If you do not have dry skin, you do not need a moisturizer. Using the wr... continue reading about What does serum used under a moisturizer do, and is it necessary? What is the best moisturizer?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
What does it mean when a product is labeled “hypoallergenic?”
Here's a direct quote from the FDA about the term "hypoallergenic" as it relates to cosmetics:"Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic... continue reading about What does it mean when a product is labeled “hypoallergenic?”
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have some ugly and large varicose veins on my legs. I've read about laser treatments to remove them, but would like to know how many treatments it takes, does the treatment hurt, and will my insurance cover the procedure?
I assume from your question that you are referring to the large veins that stick out from the skin surface as raised lumps and not small spider veins. Spider veins are a cosmetic problem and treatment for them ... continue reading about I have some ugly and large varicose veins on my legs. I've read about laser treatments to remove them, but would like to know how many treatments it takes, does the treatment hurt, and will my insurance cover the procedure?
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