Psoriasis and Sun Tanning: How Much Sun Is Safe?

Sunburned back with sunscreen drawn as a white sun.

Is Sun Tanning Safe if You Have Psoriasis? For many people with psoriasis, the relationship with the sun is confusing. You may have heard that “sunlight helps psoriasis,” but you’ve also heard about skin cancer and sun damage—and maybe even wondered whether indoor tanning beds are a shortcut to clearer skin. The truth is more […]

Acne Treatment for Men: Options That Actually Work

Man with facial acne touching his nose in a bright room

Acne Treatment for Men Breakouts aren’t just a teenage problem. A lot of guys in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond quietly deal with stubborn acne on the face, back, chest, or scalp—and most of them are frustrated that “teen acne” tips don’t work anymore. The good news: there are targeted acne treatments for men […]

Can Freckles Be Black, or Is That a Warning Sign?

Close-up of freckled woman with closed eyes and glossy lips.

Can Freckles Be Black? If you’ve spotted a very dark or almost black “freckle,” it’s normal to wonder if that’s still a harmless spot or something more serious. Most classic freckles are light to medium brown and fade or darken with sun, but not every small dark spot on the skin is actually a freckle—some […]

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Hair Loss: When It Helps

Woman touching her scalp with both hands, looking downward thoughtfully.

Thinning hair around perimenopause and menopause can feel especially unfair—you’re dealing with hot flashes, sleep changes, mood swings, and more hair in the shower drain. Many women in Bellevue ask whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can reverse that hair loss or at least stop it from getting worse. The honest answer: hormones absolutely influence hair […]

Face Lift Without Surgery: Non-Surgical Tightening Options Explained

Woman with facial lifting arrows drawn on cheek and jawline.

Face Lift Without Surgery: Your Options If you’re starting to notice sagging, jowls, or deeper folds but don’t feel ready for surgery, you’re not alone. Many of my Bellevue patients ask whether a “face lift without surgery” is realistic—or just marketing language. The good news: today’s non-surgical options can lift, contour, and refresh the face, […]

Triamcinolone Acetonide Substitutes: What to Use if Your Cream Isn’t Available

Pink tablets scattered on a pink surface, close-up view.

If you rely on triamcinolone acetonide for eczema or rash, running out or finding it back-ordered can be stressful. The good news: there are several safe, dermatologist-approved substitutes that can often control itching and inflammation just as well—sometimes even better—when chosen correctly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what triamcinolone actually does, how it […]

Do Facials Really Work for Acne? What to Expect From Treatment

Close-up of person applying acne cream to blemish on chin.

If you’re dealing with stubborn breakouts, it’s natural to wonder whether a professional facial can finally clear your skin. The short answer: facials can help acne—but they work best as part of a medical-grade skincare plan, not as a stand-alone cure. The right treatment can calm inflammation, unclog pores, and support the regimen you build […]

Understanding the Myths Skin Cancer Screening for People with Darker Skin Tones

Close-up of a brown eye and eyebrow on smooth, glowing skin

People with darker skin tones can develop skin cancer, despite the common myth that melanin offers full protection. While melanin reduces UV damage, it doesn’t eliminate risk. In fact, African American skin cancer cases are often diagnosed later, which leads to poorer outcomes. Regular skin cancer screening for darker skin tones is essential for early […]

Eyelash Eyebrow Restoration Latisse Microblading and Transplants – Which Option Is Right for You

Close-up of blue eyes with long eyelashes and groomed eyebrows.

Before exploring the different restoration options, it helps to understand why someone might seek eyelash or eyebrow enhancement in the first place. Genetics, aging, over-plucking, medical conditions, and even stress can contribute to thinning lashes and brows. When these features lose volume, it can noticeably affect facial balance and expression. Restoration treatments help bring that […]