The difference between UVA and UVB rays is the wavelength. UVB rays are shorter than UVA rays, so they don't penetrate the ozone layer as easily. From a health standpoint, the important thing to remember is that too much exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can affect your skin (early aging, cancer) and the lenses of your eyes (cataracts).
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Dr. Anthony S. Youn, MD , Plastic Surgery, answeredThe skin care ingredients that are best for sagging skin are retinol (vitamin A), growth factors and peptides. Watch plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, MD, explain the best ingredients to look for on labels when buying anti-aging skin care products.
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Dr. Howard L. Brooks, MD , Dermatology, answeredIf you have dry skin, the best way to take care of it is to clean and moisturize with products that have ceramides. In this video, dermatologist Howard Brooks, MD, explains the best way to take care of dry skin -- including tips for the shower.
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See All 2 AnswersAn esthetician specializes in skin care with procedures related to cosmetology. He or she is not a doctor or nurse but can perform multiple dermatologic procedures like microdermabrasion, electrotherapy, LED ultrasound and mechanical massage. -
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HealthyWomen answeredSee All 2 AnswersQuestions you should ask your doctor or other healthcare professional about the important issue of skin health include the following:- How should I care for my skin, given my age and skin type?
- What products do you recommend to keep my skin healthy?
- What advertising claims can I believe about skin care products? Which claims are untrue?
- How can I get rid of my acne?
- How can I get rid of my dandruff?
- What treatments may help improve my psoriasis?
- What treatments may improve my eczema?
- Am I at high risk for skin cancer? What can I do to minimize my risk?
- What should I look for when examining my skin, and how often should I examine it?
- What should I do if I find a suspicious spot on my skin?
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Mole removal is usually a minor surgical procedure, often done in an outpatient setting. Moles can be surgically removed, burned away or shaved off.
Besides the relatively minor risk of infection, arguably the biggest downside to mole removal is the remaining scar. During surgical mole removal, a board-certified plastic surgeon will use an extremely fine suturing techniques prevent excess scarring and make the incision line heal as inconspicuously as possible. Burning or shaving off the mole effectively eliminate it, but these methods tend to result in more obvious scarring.
After your mole is removed, it should be examined for signs of skin cancer, which commonly arises from a mole and is found only after a pathologist thoroughly examines the mole.
Bear in mind that insurance may not cover removal of nonpigmented moles. Your surgeon can assist you in applying for approval. -
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See All 2 AnswersMost doctors believe that a sunburn during childhood increases the risk for developing skin cancer later in life. The more severe the sunburn (severe sunburns cause blisters, the less severe ones cause redness), the higher the risk. The higher the frequency of sunburns (the number of times you get sunburned) also increases the risk.
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See All 2 AnswersA congenital nevus is basically a mole or birthmark. They can occur anywhere on the body. The majority of these marks are benign, and do not require treatment other than for cosmesis (beauty-related reasons). But skin cancer — malignant melanoma — can develop in about 5 percent to 10 percent of cases. A change in texture, color or outline of the nevus, and/or the development of new nodules (tissue masses and knots) should be examined by a physician.
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David Pollock , Cosmetology, answeredA smile changes your whole face and makes you look more radiant, distracting from areas that show your age. Along with that smile, maintain a positive attitude -- blocking negative thoughts that cause stress and wrinkles. Also, consider whitening your teeth. Coffee and other foods can stain your teeth over time, creating a dull look to your smile. Make your smile look bright and young by whitening them with an at-home kit or even visit your dentist for treatments that deliver faster results. You can always keep a spare toothbrush in your purse. -
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See All 2 AnswersIf you have moles, it is good to know where they are, how big they are and what they look like. Any concerning-looking moles should be looked at by a doctor. Concerning signs include the following:
- asymmetry (if you draw a line through the middle of a mole the two halves should match; if not, it's asymmetrical)
- uneven borders
- one mole with multiple colors
- large moles
- moles that change over time