MORE STORIES

• SKIN DEEP

  Recognizing skin cancers

  Q: How can I tell the difference between a cancerous skin mark and a harmless mole? A: In my last column, I discussed the most common warning signs of melanoma, cancer of the cells that produce skin's pigment. But there is another type of skin cancer called carcinoma, or cancer of skin cells themselves.

• SKIN DEEP

  Skin cancer: Looking for warning signs

  Q: How can I tell the difference between a cancerous skin mark and a harmless mole? A: First, you don't have to assess your moles alone. Dermatologists are trained to notice even the subtlest warning signs. I recommend yearly skin checks to everyone -- and twice-yearly exams to anyone at an increased risk for skin cancer (due to a family history, for example, or very fair skin).

• SKIN DEEP

  Pack plenty of moisturizer

  Q: My vacation's coming up, and I'm dreading the number that air travel does on my skin. Any tips? A: I travel frequently and have gotten my air-travel routine down to a science. Try some of my favorite skin-saving measures:

• SKIN DEEP

  Only fools would use gold

  Q: I recently read about a facial that involves massaging gold leaf into the skin. Is the pampering worth the price? A: Absolutely, unequivocally not! Not only are there no proven benefits to gold, it can actually harm your skin.

• SKIN DEEP

  Just scratching the surface

  Q: I'm confused about hyaluronic acid. I know it can be injected with dermal fillers like Restylane, but I've also seen it in moisturizers. Can I skip needles and just splurge on a cream?

• SKIN DEEP

  What about wrinkle prevention?

  Q: So many skin care articles seem to be about repairing damage -- what about preventing wrinkles and spots? A: The skin care world has developed many innovative products and treatments to improve the signs of aging -- but the best investments you can make are simple, accessible and inexpensive:

• SKIN DEEP

  Help for acne scars

  Q: The acne I experienced as an adolescent is finally gone, but the scars it left behind seem to be permanent. Are there any treatments that can significantly improve acne scars?

• SKIN DEEP

  Natural with a little help

  Q: Can you recommend any natural or organic skincare products? A: Absolutely -- I've tried quite a few! But first, a word of caution: Even when you see words like ''organic,'' read the label. Organic items are required to contain 95 percent organic ingredients only when you see the official USDA seal; furthermore, terms like ''natural'' have no official meaning. You may find these descriptions on excellent products, but they can also be a marketing tactic. That being said, these are some of my favorites...

• SKIN DEEP

  Beverage can't replace vitamins

  Q: You've mentioned the importance of dietary supplements for healthy skin. Do vitamin-fortified beverages count? A: We've all seen lots of ''enhanced waters'' pop up in grocery stores. If you're looking for an occasional treat, go for it -- it's better to get a few extra vitamins than none at all! But no, they are not a substitute for a good multivitamin. Furthermore, these products often contain high amounts of sugar, which is damaging to skin -- from the wrinkling caused by glycation to breakouts...

• SKIN DEEP

  Pregnancy do's and don'ts

  Q: I recently learned that I'm pregnant, and now I'm afraid to use any skin care products! Can you give me a quick rundown of the do's and don'ts?