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Help for Common Skin Problems
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Skin cancer is curable when caught early. Learn how to perform skin self-exams and when to get checkups.

Living with Psoriasis
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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 female (58) who was raised at a high altitude and has a fair complexion. I have sunburned many times. My family has a history of melanoma. The skin on my face has darkened in blotches and I'm worried.
Although it does not sound like you have an immediate concern, anyone with a strong family history of melanoma should be checked by a dermatologist for a full body skin examination at least yearly. It is import... continue reading about I'm female (58) who was raised at a high altitude and has a fair complexion. I have sunburned many times. My family has a history of melanoma. The skin on my face has darkened in blotches and I'm worried.
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Division
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.
Karen Horton, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I'm a 40-year-old woman considering modest-sized breast implants. Will they interfere with the ability to detect breast cancer?
Breast augmentation using implants will not interfere with breast cancer detection. Implants of all shapes and sizes have a shell made from silicone, which is an inert solid and is used in many implantable devi... continue reading about I'm a 40-year-old woman considering modest-sized breast implants. Will they interfere with the ability to detect breast cancer?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the best acne treatments for women over 35?
Acne is caused by heredity, hormones and stress. Years ago diet and cosmetics were blamed for acne, but current thinking downplays these factors. Often women who escaped teenage acne get adult acne, and it''s o... continue reading about What are the best acne treatments for women over 35?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What causes dark hyperpigmentation in the skin on the knees? And what can be done for this?
Dark brown coloring of the knees is often also associated with some thickening of the skin. In most patients, it would be due to a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to friction from cloth... continue reading about What causes dark hyperpigmentation in the skin on the knees? And what can be done for this?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I was told by a dermatologist that I was born with ectodermal dysplasia. I've never had a lot of hair but it's getting even thinner as I get older. Is there a diet or supplement that I can take to promote better hair growth, and help me keep what I have?
Hair loss (alopecia) is a common problem and will be different from individual to individual. You have not given me much information to work with but I am happy to get you started in the right direction.Nutriti... continue reading about I was told by a dermatologist that I was born with ectodermal dysplasia. I've never had a lot of hair but it's getting even thinner as I get older. Is there a diet or supplement that I can take to promote better hair growth, and help me keep what I have?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Since pregnancy and having kids, I've been getting stubborn-looking whiteheads on my face. They don't go away with exfoliation or being picked. They are clustered under my eyes and mouth. How can I eliminate the ones I have, and prevent new ones?
Anyone can be susceptible to getting the annoying facial bumps often called whiteheads. These small painless lesions are referred to medically as closed comedones. The presence of these whiteheads is one presen... continue reading about Since pregnancy and having kids, I've been getting stubborn-looking whiteheads on my face. They don't go away with exfoliation or being picked. They are clustered under my eyes and mouth. How can I eliminate the ones I have, and prevent new ones?
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