Skin and Beauty

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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Many facial creams come with claims of providing a "face-lift in a jar." Can they really tighten skin and wipe away wrinkles as well as surgery can?

By John Barrymore

For those wanting a quick fix to hide scars or cellulite, some health experts recommend carboxytherapy as a more affordable and less invasive alternative to surgery.

By Sarah Siddons

Collagen injections are a popular procedure for ridding yourself of wrinkles, creating a flawless face or attaining Angelina Jolie's perfect pout. But are collagen injections right for you?

By John Barrymore

Looking for a way to hide wrinkles, scars and sun damage? Chemical peels just might help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. See what treatment options are available and what it could cost you.

By John Barrymore

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Do you simply look more beautiful when you're wearing certain colors? It's because your skin tone is complimented by particular hues. How do you know which ones?

By John Barrymore

When flashbulbs start popping, do you cringe instead of saying cheese? We've got the inside scoop on how to get your skin tone ready for its close-up.

By Sarah Siddons