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For the first time in 25 years, the FDA has approved a brand-new sunscreen active ingredient for use in the United States. Its name is bemotrizinol, and you may also see it listed as BEMT, Tinosorb S, or PARSOL Shield. If you follow skin health news, this is a big deal. If you don't, here is why it still matters for you and your family. On June 9, 2026, the FDA cleared bemotrizinol as an over-the-counter sunscreen filter. Manufacturers can begin adding it to formulas starting

If you have ever taken doxycycline for acne, rosacea, or a stubborn skin infection, you might be surprised to learn that this familiar antibiotic has become a topic of interest in Alzheimer's disease research. Over the past few years, headlines have hinted that doxycycline could one day help protect the brain. It is an exciting idea, and one worth understanding clearly. So let's separate the promise from the proof. Here is what researchers have found, what they have not, and

When most people think about melanoma, they picture a suspicious mole on a shoulder, a back, or some other spot that has spent years soaking up the sun. And that mental image is not wrong. Sun exposure is a major driver of skin cancer. But here is the part that catches a lot of people off guard: melanoma does not only show up where the sun shines. It can appear in places you would never think to check, including a few that never see daylight at all. That gap in awareness matt

When we talk about sun protection at our practice, the conversation almost always starts with sunscreen. And it should. But there is one part of your face that even the most dedicated sunscreen users tend to skip: the eyes, and the thin, delicate skin around them. That is where a good pair of sunglasses becomes one of the most underrated tools in your skin care routine. Here is something that surprises a lot of our patients. The eyelids and the skin around your eyes are among

If you have noticed patches of brown or grayish discoloration creeping across your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, you are not alone, and you are not imagining it. Melasma is one of the most common pigmentation concerns we see, and while it is completely harmless to your health, it can be frustrating to live with. The good news is that melasma is well understood and very treatable. Here is what you need to know. What exactly is melasma? Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation,

If you've been dealing with a stubborn skin condition that hasn't responded to creams or ointments, you may have heard your dermatologist mention UVB phototherapy. It sounds technical, but the concept is actually pretty simple, and it's one of the most reliable, well studied treatments in dermatology today. Let's break down what it is, who it can help, and how to get started. What Is UVB Phototherapy? UVB stands for Ultraviolet B, one of the types of ultraviolet light natural

If you have ever had a scar grow bigger, thicker, or itchier than it should, you may be dealing with a keloid. Keloids are common, they can be frustrating, and the good news is that they are very treatable, especially when caught early and managed with the right combination of therapies. Here is what you need to know about keloids and how our practice uses Superficial Radiation Therapy, or SRT, to keep them from coming back. What Is a Keloid? A keloid is a type of raised scar

If you have spent any time researching skin rejuvenation lately, chances are you have come across the word "exosomes." They are one of the biggest buzzwords in the skin care world right now, and for good reason. When paired with microneedling, exosomes are helping people get more out of their treatments than ever before. But what actually are they, and why are so many providers recommending them? Let's break it down. Exosomes 101 Exosomes are tiny, naturally occurring particl

The long weekend is almost here, and if you're like most of our patients, your plans probably involve a pool, a lake, a boat, or at least a few hours in the backyard with friends and family. Before you grab that bottle of sunscreen you've had sitting in the garage or the beach bag since last summer, take thirty seconds to actually check it. Sunscreen expires, and using an old bottle can leave your skin far less protected than you think. Yes, Sunscreen Really Does Expire Sunsc

This year, we're celebrating a big milestone: Alyssa Anderson, NP-C, is marking her 5 year anniversary with our dermatology practice. Five years of expert care, thousands of patients helped, and countless skin health journeys guided from start to finish. We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the person behind the care, and to say thank you for everything she brings to our team and our patients. From the ER to Dermatology Alyssa's path to dermatology wasn't a straight

If you've ever noticed a bump under your skin that seems to just... stay there, you may have wondered whether it's something to worry about. For many people, that lump turns out to be a cyst. Cysts are incredibly common, and while they're usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable, unsightly, or prone to infection. Understanding what they are and what your options look like can help you make an informed decision about your skin health. What Exactly Is a Cyst? A cyst is a clo

Summer is here, and if you are anything like most of us, a beach trip is either already on the calendar or being actively planned. The sound of the waves, the feel of the sand, the chance to finally unplug, it is hard to beat. But while you are packing your sunscreen and beach towels, it is worth taking a few minutes to think about how to protect your skin while you are out there soaking it all in. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin damage, premature aging, and skin ca

If you've ever avoided a backless dress, skipped the pool, or felt self-conscious at the gym because of breakouts on your back, you're far from alone. Back acne, commonly called "bacne," affects a huge portion of the population, and yet it's one of those things people rarely talk about. The good news? It's very treatable, and understanding what's causing it is the first step toward clearer skin. What Causes Bacne? Back acne forms the same way facial acne does: oil, dead skin

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The good news? It's also one of the most treatable when caught early. The challenge is knowing what to look for, especially since many early warning signs can be easy to dismiss as a "harmless spot" or "just a mole." Here are the top 10 signs of skin cancer that deserve a closer look. These are the 10 signs of skin cancer to look for: 1. A Mole That Changes Over Time Stable moles are generally nothing to worry about.

Walk down any beauty aisle, or scroll through your social media feed for about five minutes, and you'll find no shortage of skincare products making bold promises. Plump, glowing, youthful skin, all for $29.99. So what's the difference between those products and the ones you'd find in a dermatologist's office? The answer comes down to science, formulation, and what's actually getting into your skin. It Starts with the Ingredients The biggest difference between medical-grade a

June is Acne Awareness Month, and what better time to talk about something that affects millions of people every single day? If your skin tends to flare up when the temperature rises, you're not imagining it. Summer and acne have a complicated relationship, and understanding why can make a real difference in how you manage your skin all season long. First Things First: Acne Is Normal Before we dive into summer skin tips, let's just say it plainly: acne is incredibly common, a

If you've been diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, your dermatologist may have mentioned superficial radiation therapy, or SRT. It's a treatment that's been around for decades but has seen a real resurgence in recent years, and for good reason. For the right patients, SRT offers a highly effective way to treat skin cancer with minimal disruption to daily life and a side effect profile that's genuinely hard to beat. Here'

At Specialists in Dermatology, we're proud to have a team of providers who bring exceptional experience, global perspective, and genuine passion to patient care. This week, we're shining a spotlight on one of our own: Don Valmores, Family Nurse Practitioner. A Journey That Spans Continents Don's path into healthcare began early. He started his nursing career at just 20 years old in the Philippines, a testament to his drive and dedication from the very beginning. In 1999, he m

If you've been dealing with sun spots, redness, or uneven skin tone and wondering if there's something beyond your skincare routine that can actually make a difference, IPL laser might be exactly what you're looking for. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) has become one of the most popular non-invasive treatments in medical aesthetics, and for good reason. It addresses a wide range of skin concerns in relatively little time, with minimal downtime. But like any cosmetic treatment, it'

When you walk into Specialists in Dermatology in Tucson AZ, you're not just seeing a provider, you're benefiting from a career that spans four countries, nearly four decades, and more specialties than most clinicians ever touch. Xiangping Fang, NP-C, DCNP brings a depth of experience and a warmth of perspective that is genuinely rare in any healthcare setting. A Career Built on Curiosity and Commitment Xiangping Fang began her journey in healthcare over 37 years ago as a Regi