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
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?
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
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?
Michael G. Cedars, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
Can you give me some information about dermal fillers? How long do they typically last, and are there side effects? Of all the dermal fillers currently on the market, which one do you think is the best?
Depending on the filler, they typically last six to 12 months, and most require only a single treatment to create their effect. They vary also in terms of stiffness, so the best one for, say, the lips would be ... continue reading about Can you give me some information about dermal fillers? How long do they typically last, and are there side effects? Of all the dermal fillers currently on the market, which one do you think is the best?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I get these little white bumps around my eyes/eyelids that come and go. I know these are common, but I heard they could actually be a sign of high cholesterol?
Milia are pin-head sized white bumps on the face, often around the eyes. They are tiny cysts caused by "clogged oil glands" and are distantly related to the tendency for acne. Using greasy creams can create mil... continue reading about I get these little white bumps around my eyes/eyelids that come and go. I know these are common, but I heard they could actually be a sign of high cholesterol?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I recently read about the new "gummy bear" breast implants. I understand that it's a more cohesive gel, but does this make it a better choice than the regular saline or silicone types? Are there any side effects and how long do these last?
Today's breast implants are made from a variety of state-of-the-art materials including saline, silicone gel, and highly cohesive silicone gel. All of the breast implants currently approved by the FDA are consi... continue reading about I recently read about the new "gummy bear" breast implants. I understand that it's a more cohesive gel, but does this make it a better choice than the regular saline or silicone types? Are there any side effects and how long do these last?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
After I gave birth to my child, skin tags started to appear on my neck. At first they were on the back and the sides. Now they're spreading to the front and other places on my body. They get painfully snagged, are unsightly, and it's affecting my life.
The tendency to develop skin tags is a genetic one. Family members will often recall that their parents or grandparents were bothered by tags as well. It is possible that the high levels of estrogen that occur ... continue reading about After I gave birth to my child, skin tags started to appear on my neck. At first they were on the back and the sides. Now they're spreading to the front and other places on my body. They get painfully snagged, are unsightly, and it's affecting my life.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Can children get rosacea? I just read your article about it and think my 13-year-old might have it. Please let me know if that is possible. She has fair skin and red cheeks almost all the time. Sometimes her cheeks burn and they feel warm to the touch.
Rosacea is very uncommon in children. It is much more common for children to have facial redness due to being born with very fair skin that is easily damaged by the sun. The classical child with concerns about ... continue reading about Can children get rosacea? I just read your article about it and think my 13-year-old might have it. Please let me know if that is possible. She has fair skin and red cheeks almost all the time. Sometimes her cheeks burn and they feel warm to the touch.
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?
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