Skin Care

Ugh -- you have an inflamed, itchy, red rash that burns. It could be contact dermatitis caused. But what's caused it and how can you make it go away?

By Sarah Siddons

When the nail technician rubs cuticle cream on your nails during a manicure, she's not just giving you a free massage -- she's improving your nail health. How do these creams help fight infection?

By Miranda Marcade

For such small pieces of skin, cuticles can have a big impact on your nail health. How do they help to fight against infection?

By Carla Jamy

Although we usually think of it as a difficult high school problem, oily skin can affect people of all ages. If you take the right steps, however, it's possible to cleanse excess oil and maintain a glowing tone.

By John Barrymore

Although your scalp naturally sheds dead skin cells, when noticeable flakes begin appearing in your hair and on your shoulders, you probably have dandruff. But what causes dandruff, and how can you prevent it?

By Sarah Jourdain

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

If you're like most people, you want smooth, healthy skin, but maybe you don't want to wade through hundreds of chemically laden products to get it. That's where antioxidants can help.

By Sarah Rutland

Moisturizers are known for preventing dryness, but that's not all they can do for your skin. Which marketing claims should you trust, and which ones might need investigating?

By Sarah Siddons

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

Looking for an exfoliation alternative? The controversial use of doctor fish, banned in at least 14 states, is supposed to help to get rid of dead skin cells that haven't sloughed off naturally.

By Elizabeth Whitmore

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

Bathing is great for scrubbing away dirt and grime that keep you from looking your best. But washing off too much or with the wrong products can also be harmful to your skin.

By Shannon Cicero

Although we don't think too often of skin cleansers going bad, a preservative called BHT keeps them from decomposing in our cabinets. How does BHT work, and is it safe to use?

By Alexander Page

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

Coconut tastes great in cakes and pies, but have you ever thought of the many things coconut oil can do? You'll often find it in skin cleansers and soaps -- what's it doing there?

By Elizabeth Forester

Curcumin, the key component of the herb turmeric, has been used for centuries as a food color and dye and as a natural treatment for certain skin problems. But does any scientific evidence back up such uses?

By Mary Salisbury

Many of us choose a cleanser to keep our skin healthy and feeling good, but scent can be a big part of the decision, too. What kinds of fragrances go into skin cleansers, and are they there to help or irritate?

By Sarah Siddons

Research has shown that lavender, when inhaled, may have a calming effect on people. But when it's used in cleansers, how does that effect translate to better skin?

By Aida Duncan

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

As your body's largest organ, your skin has a tough job of protecting your internal organs from harm. But it does much more than that to keep itself and the rest of your body healthy.

By Sarah Rutland

Pregnancy is a time of joy for many mothers, but sometimes it's accompanied by various skin problems. Are they anything to worry about? And will they go away after the baby is born?

By Sarah Jourdain

Sesame oil is known for adding flavor to many kinds of exotic dishes, but a similar version of it might also add some spice to your skin care routine. What can this oil do for your skin?

By Jamie Palamon

Your skin can use all kinds of vitamins to stay healthy, but one -- vitamin D -- is so important that your skin actually produces it. If you aren’t getting enough vitamin D, though, it can lead to problems.

By Matteson Cade