Skin Care

Skin care is a broad term that refers to everything from hygiene to anti-aging regimens. Learn more about skin care at HowStuffWorks.

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If you have any prominent moles, you've probably put up with a lot of unsolicited questions and comments about whether you've been to a dermatologist. Where do moles come from, anyway?

By Sarah Siddons

Skin color may be superficial, but the effects of pigment on our overall health can run deep. In what ways can understanding skin pigmentation help keep your body safe?

By Sarah Siddons

For every hair on your body, there is a corresponding skin pore. We tend not to notice our pores unless they're extra-big or blocked with gunk. What are they for, and how can we keep them looking, well, unnoticeable?

By Tom Scheve

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Skin tags might be embarrassing or even scary when they appear out of the blue on your body. But are these tiny outgrowths of skin truly as ominous as they may seem?

By John Barrymore

Everyone will get skin wrinkles eventually, but many people keep constant watch in the mirror for the slightest sign of crow's feet or laugh lines. Although they're a fact of life, there are a few ways to slow the appearance of wrinkles.

By Sarah Siddons

If you want that summer glow without the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, try a sunless tanning product. Self-tanners can give you quick color, but skin-darkening moisturizers may give you a more natural-looking tan.

By Aida Duncan

Many who have some form of hyperpigmentation -- areas of darker skin -- turn to skin-lightening moisturizers to solve the problem. How can these topical treatments permanently change the color of skin?

By Jackie Weaver

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If soap leaves your skin dry and irritated, you may need a soapless skin cleanser. Soapless cleansers are gentler on skin and just as effective at removing dirt and oil -- but how do they work?

By Christina Pander

Solar urticaria is a rare allergic reaction that causes people to break out in hives after exposure to the sun. What causes it, and how can it be treated?

By Sarah Siddons

If you're over 50 and have high blood pressure or poor circulation, you're at risk of developing stasis dermatitis, a disorder that causes swollen legs and ulcers. But how can you avoid it?

By Sarah Siddons

Whether it's from pregnancy or puberty, stretch marks brought on by rapid changes in our bodies aren't always welcome. What causes stretch marks, and is there any way to get rid of them?

By Sarah Siddons

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If you've had sun blisters from a severe sunburn, you know it isn't a pleasant experience. But if you're armed with sunscreen and some common sense, sun blisters are easy to prevent.

By John Barrymore

Sun exposure is good for you in small doses, but too much can lead to dangerous conditions, such as sun poisoning. How is sun poisoning different from sunburn, and what should you do if you get it?

By Jane McGrath

You may be familiar with pollen, pet and food allergies, but did you know that many people have sun allergies? Sun rash is an allergic reaction to the sun, but what causes it and how can you prevent it?

By Sarah Siddons

What we know as "age spots" or "liver spots" are actually a result of sun exposure, and they're quite common. But once you have a sun spot, are you stuck with it for good?

By John Barrymore

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How do you fake a sun-kissed look without tanning beds and sunless-tanning lotion? Tanning pills are one alternative. Find out how they work -- and if they're safe.

By John Barrymore

Your skin has three layers that each serves an important purpose. Though you cannot see it, the innermost layer is composed of subcutaneous tissue, an all-important insulator that regulates your body’s temperature and protects your insides.

By Sarah Siddons

If you're looking for an easy way to zap zits, the Zeno acne treatment device may be just what you need. But how does it work, and is it right for you?

By Jason Nestor

Used and endorsed by celebrities, Thermage has earned some clout as a treatment for sagging skin. But some evidence suggests that this anti-aging tool may not be for everyone.

By Sarah Siddons

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Your complexion says a lot about your health and mood -- a bright one means health, happiness and good rest, whereas a dull one tells people that you're tired and worn out. But a little research can reveal a few tricks to combat a dull complexion.

By Sarah Siddons

The paradox of a suntan -- it makes you look healthier, but it's actually unhealthy for you. Get that sun-kissed glow from a bronzer, instead. A good bronzer can make you look like you've spent time in the sun even when you haven't.

By Sarah Siddons

If you travel a lot or want to speed up your shaving routine, an electric razor might be the right choice. There are a many different types on the market, however, and it's important to know how a particular razor will affect your skin.

By John Barrymore

Nicks, cuts, uneven stubble -- many of us run into the same shaving problems over and over. How can choosing the right kind of razor blade make things smoother?

By Sarah Siddons

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Understanding your skin type is the first step toward a regimen that will result in a glowing complexion. What signs will tell you if you're oily, dry or a combination of both?

By Sarah Siddons

If you have underarm odor that won't go away no matter how much your scrub, it could mean you have bromhidrosis. What causes this condition, and what can you do to treat it?

By Elizabeth Forester