Skin and Beauty

Skin and beauty are very closely related. Learn more about skin and beauty at HowStuffWorks.

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Both lip stain and lipstick add color to enhance your pout -- but in different ways. What are the main differences between these lip products, and is one better than the other?

By Laurie L. Dove

We've known for a while that a suntan is not exactly a healthy glow. And now we're learning that tanning beds -- once touted as a safer alternative to the sun -- are more dangerous than we thought.

By Sarah Siddons

Several dermal fillers can improve the condition of damaged or aging skin. Choose the right one for you by understanding the differences between their active ingredients.

By John Barrymore

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For those who want hair-free legs without the upkeep shaving requires, waxing may be the perfect solution. What do you need to know to have a relatively painless waxing experience?

By Sarah Siddons

Alcohol can be a social icebreaker, or it can complement a delicious meal made at home. Experts have also linked moderate alcohol consumption to good heart health. But can a drink (or two or three) affect your skin?

By Sarah Siddons

If swimming pools leave you with dry, itchy skin, chlorine may be the culprit -- and the water in your shower may not be much better. Learn how chlorine affects your skin and how you can protect it.

By Sarah Siddons

No matter whether you live in a climate that's cold and dry or hot and humid, the elements can take a toll on your skin. Find out what you can do to protect yourself.

By Sarah Siddons

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Most of the time, makeup doesn't have any major negative effects -- other than maybe the early-morning frustration of applying it. However, it could cause a few skin reactions.

By Sarah Siddons

Most people are aware of the major negative health issues associated with smoking, including lung cancer and heart problems. But the visible effects of smoking don't always get the most attention. What can 10 cigarettes a day do to your skin?

By John Barrymore

It's common knowledge that sun exposure can cause sunburns and even skin cancer. But does the sun affect dark-skinned people the same way it affects people with lighter complexions?

By John Barrymore

There are numerous ways to get rid of unsightly scars, but did you know that sun exposure can actually make healing scars more noticeable?

By Sarah Siddons

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Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal option available today. Despite its appeal, however, the procedure isn't right for everyone. What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with electrolysis?

By Sarah Siddons

Many people are turning to facials to deeply cleanse and smooth out their skin. What kinds of facials are out there, and could one be right for you?

By Sarah Siddons

Nobody likes getting sunburned -- peeling skin and red, itchy patches can ruin a weekend before you know it. And if it's happened without sunscreen, you may be in for even more pain. How long does it take for unprotected skin to burn?

By Sarah Siddons

Do you have areas of unwanted hair but can't afford costly medical procedures? Many people find an inexpensive alternative in hair removal creams. How do they remove hair in one easy swipe?

By Sarah Siddons

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Want to hide signs of aging? Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that burns certain layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of age marks and foster growth of tighter, younger-looking skin.

By John Barrymore

Luscious lips are a big business -- just take a look at Angelina Jolie. For the rest of womankind's mere mortals, cosmetics are a popular way to achieve a plumper pout.

By Sarah Siddons

If you're tired of cracked foundation, creased eye shadow and fading lipstick, adding a primer to your makeup routine may be all you need to create the flawless look you're after.

By Sarah Siddons

Before you even place hair removal cream on your skin, the smell is unpleasant. And once it starts working, the sulfur-like smell gets even worse. What makes hair removal cream smell so bad?

By Sarah Siddons

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For many men, it seems less hair is more. Thirteen percent of men shave their chest hair, according to research by Philips Electronics, but can shaving chest hair damage the skin?

By John Barrymore

Laser hair removal is a popular and effective way to get rid of unwanted body hair. That said, how much should you pay for it? How much does price matter -- if at all?

By John Barrymore

The simplistic look of nude makeup is a classic that rarely goes out of style. Learn tips and tricks for letting your natural beauty shine.

By Sarah Siddons

Over-the-counter sunscreens offer some of the best protection available against harmful UV rays. But how long can that protection actually last?

By Sarah Siddons

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Before you leave for work, you probably spend some time in front of the mirror so that you leave looking fresh and flawless. But by lunchtime, a glance in the mirror reveals the staying power of your makeup leaves something to be desired.

By Sarah Siddons

Stubble can begin appearing on your face just a few hours after shaving. You may have a five o'clock shadow -- or a 12 o'clock shadow -- but how often should you shave your beard?

By John Barrymore