Caren Campbell MD

Caren Campbell MD Board certified dermatologist in San Francisco delivering patient-centric, boutique style medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services

Most people think aging is about wrinkles.It’s actually collagen loss. Starting in our 30s, we lose about 1% of collagen...
03/14/2026

Most people think aging is about wrinkles.
It’s actually collagen loss. Starting in our 30s, we lose about 1% of collagen per year, which can lead to softer jawlines, thinner skin, and less facial support. This is where Sculptra can help.

Unlike traditional fillers that add immediate volume, Sculptra works by stimulating your own collagen production over time, gradually improving skin structure and firmness.

Patients often notice:
• better jawline definition
• smoother skin texture
• thicker, healthier-looking skin
• subtle volume restoration
The goal isn’t to look “filled.” It’s to rebuild the foundation of the skin. This before and after shows the kind of natural structural improvement we aim for.

Would you choose slow collagen stimulation or instant filler results?

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist | San Francisco
Virtual visits available in CA, NY, TX, AZ
carencampbellmd.com

Something that looks like a skin tag or wart isn’t always harmless.Dermatologists regularly see patients who ignored a s...
03/11/2026

Something that looks like a skin tag or wart isn’t always harmless.

Dermatologists regularly see patients who ignored a small bump for years only to discover it was skin cancer.

Some cancers, like basal cell carcinoma, can look shiny and skin-colored.
Rare tumors like DFSP may appear as a slow-growing bump.

This doesn’t mean every bump is dangerous, but if something grows, bleeds, or doesn’t heal, it’s worth getting checked.

Friendly reminder to schedule your regular full-body skin exam. Early detection matters. 🤍

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist | San Francisco
Virtual visits available in CA, NY, TX, AZ
carencampbellmd.com

Your future skin is watching what you do today 🤍These photos span a decade, and no, the goal was never to look frozen in...
03/06/2026

Your future skin is watching what you do today 🤍
These photos span a decade, and no, the goal was never to look frozen in time. It was to keep my skin healthy, strong, and glowing at every stage.

SPF every single day.
A good retinoid.
Treatments when needed.
And a lot of patience.
Aging is normal.
Taking care of your skin is powerful. Start where you are. Be consistent. You absolutely can do this, but know I’m here to help 😉

— Dr. Caren Campbell, MD🤍

Fraxel creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger collagen repair. You may see improvement after one treatment, but ...
03/05/2026

Fraxel creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger collagen repair. You may see improvement after one treatment, but optimal outcomes typically require a series.
Fraxel is a play on the word “fraction,” as it is a fractionated laser. Fractionated lasers only damage a percentage of the skin with each treatment. This means less downtime, risk for infection, scarring or pigment issues.

Healthy skin is built gradually, not aggressively.

For additional details on treatment indications and expectations, please refer to carencampbellmd.com

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist | San Francisco
Virtual visits available in CA, NY, TX, AZ

03/05/2026

Flakes aren’t always “just dandruff.”
Scalp scaling can be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or other inflammatory conditions and the treatment depends on the diagnosis.

In this video, I break down:
• How to tell the difference based on how the scale looks
• When it’s likely seb derm vs. psoriasis
• Which over-the-counter shampoos can actually help (zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole)
• When it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist
Not all flakes are created equal. Treat the cause not just the symptom.

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist | San Francisco
Virtual visits available in CA, NY, TX, AZ
carencampbellmd.com

03/01/2026

A patient recently came in after noticing a spot changing in size, shape, and color. After examining it, we performed a simple shave removal so our dermatopathologist could evaluate it under the microscope, where early changes that aren’t visible to the naked eye can be detected.

If you notice a lesion evolving in any way, have it checked. When a biopsy is recommended, it’s typically a quick, straightforward procedure with results available in about a week. If any cells are concerning, we may remove a small additional margin to ensure everything atypical is fully cleared.

If you’re unsure if skin lesions our changing, come for a full-body skin exam. We carefully check areas you can’t easily see, including the scalp, back, backs of the legs, and between the toes, and we document moles to monitor over time. If something looks atypical, we biopsy it so we have clear answers.

Early detection isn’t about fear. It’s about being thorough.
If you’ve noticed a changing spot or it’s been a while since your last exam, schedule your full-body skin check.

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist | San Francisco
Virtual visits available in CA, NY, TX, AZ
carencampbellmd.com

If you’ve been told “nothing can be done” for your scars, flushing, or skin texture you may have more options than you t...
02/27/2026

If you’ve been told “nothing can be done” for your scars, flushing, or skin texture you may have more options than you think.

⚠️ Important to Know:
These uses are considered off-label, and treatment plans are customized. Dosing, technique, and timing all matter for optimal results.

📍Book a consultation to see if neuromodulator treatment is right for you.

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist | San Francisco
Virtual visits available in CA, NY, TX, AZ
carencampbellmd.com

Hormonal acne often shows up along the chin and jawline during adolescence, adulthood and perimenopause. This pattern is...
02/20/2026

Hormonal acne often shows up along the chin and jawline during adolescence, adulthood and perimenopause. This pattern is extremely common in adult women and usually requires more than just a “spot treatment” or topicals alone.

A comprehensive approach may include:
• prescription topicals
• oral medications (when appropriate)
• sulfur-based cleansers
• nutrition + lifestyle support
• in-office lasers like Vbeam
Clearer skin isn’t about perfection it’s about consistency, balance, and the right plan for your skin. If you’re struggling with persistent jawline breakouts, a board-certified dermatologist can help.

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist | San Francisco
Virtual visits available in CA • NY • TX • AZ
🌐 carencampbellmd.com

# SanFranciscodermatologist

Ever heard of “sugar sag”? 🍬😳 It’s not just a phrase it’s what happens when glycation accelerates visible aging in the ...
02/19/2026

Ever heard of “sugar sag”? 🍬😳 It’s not just a phrase it’s what happens when glycation accelerates visible aging in the skin.

✨ Skin glycation is when sugar binds to proteins like collagen + elastin, creating AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-products) compounds that can make skin look:
⚡ dull & yellow-toned
⚡ less firm
⚡ more wrinkled
⚡ looser over time

And here’s the thing… AGEs don’t just change the surface they can stiffen collagen fibers and contribute to inflammation + oxidative stress, which speeds up the aging process.

🧴 How to fight it (the glow-friendly way):

✅ Limit high-sugar + refined carbs
✅ Reduce fried/baked/grilled “crispy” foods (they’re AGE-heavy!)
✅ Prioritize antioxidant-rich fruits + veggies 🫐
✅ Wear sunscreen daily ☀️
✅ Avoid smoking + excess alcohol
✅ Support skin with topicals, whole foods + vitamins that defend against oxidative stress (Could give examples of CEF and other skincare products like enriched cream and tinted Elta AOX and CCMD sunscreen)

02/14/2026

Abscesses don’t “pop and heal” on their own.
An abscess is a pocket of infection trapped under the skin and once pus is walled off, antibiotics alone often can’t fully reach it.

That’s why emergency treatment may require an incision and drainage (I&D) procedure to release the bacteria and relieve pressure.

In this video, I explain:
• Why abscesses usually need drainage
• When antibiotics like doxycycline are used
• What MRSA is (and why cultures matter)
• Why early care prevents bigger complications

If you notice a painful, swollen, worsening lump especially with fever or spreading redness don’t wait it out. Seek medical evaluation.

Have you ever wondered why some infections require drainage instead of just antibiotics?👇

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a well-studied option we use to support hair growth in patients with hair thinning.These b...
02/13/2026

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a well-studied option we use to support hair growth in patients with hair thinning.

These before and after photos were taken 2 months apart by Dr. Campbell’s patient, showing early improvement in crown (vertex) density after platelet-rich plasma therapy.
PRP is created from your own blood and contains concentrated growth factors that can help support:
• thicker hair shafts
• improved follicle function
• reduced shedding over time
Most patients need a series of treatments (typically 3–4 sessions, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart), with continued improvement often seen at 6–12 months.
Hair restoration is a process and consistency matters.

If you’re noticing early thinning, a personalized treatment plan makes all the difference.

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist | San Francisco
Virtual visits available in CA, NY, TX, AZ
carencampbellmd.com

02/10/2026

Dermatologist-created skincare. Bay Area patient-approved.
Years of clinical experience, science-backed ingredients, and formulas free from common allergens and irritants because results should be visible and skin-safe.
This is CCMD skincare. Proven where it matters: on real skin.

San Francisco dermatologist Dr. Caren Campbell MD, believes skincare should be actionable, transparent, and empowering not complicated or misleading.

No hype. No confusion.
Just dermatology, simplified by a dermatologist who knows what works.

Explore the collection through the link in bio.

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist | San Francisco
Virtual visits available in CA • NY • TX • AZ
🌐 carencampbellmd.com

Address

San Fransisco, CA

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+14158398118

Website

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