Skin Care

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

Since it's derived from natural substances, sodium cocoate is unlikely to be a health hazard. But, when added to cleansers, what can actually do to improve your skin?

By Sarah Siddons

Sodium isethionate is a mild soap derived from coconut oil found in many products. Find out why it can handle hard-to-remove dirt and oil on your skin.

By Elizabeth Forester

A staple in many cleansers, sodium stearate is strong enough to remove dirt and oil from your body's surface. But how much will it irritate your skin in the process?

By John Barrymore

This chemical compound has reportedly been used in cleaning products for thousands of years. How are animal by-products used in this cleaning agent that has stood the test of time?

By John Barrymore

Stearic acid is commonly used in products such as candles, makeup and medicine, but it's also a key ingredient in skin cleansers. How exactly does it help soap to get you even cleaner?

By Elizabeth Forester

This chemical compound is often used as a kind of helper in cleansers. How does it help soap do a better job of getting your skin clean?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

Even if you do your best to protect your skin, you probably still encounter environmental factors that could do you harm. What are they, and how can you prepare yourself to prevent their damaging effects?

By Jackie Weaver

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

Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in many cleansing products, but it doesn't help to wash your skin. So why does it make it into the mix?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

It's common knowledge that vitamin C strengthens your immune system, but did you know it can also prevent wrinkles and reduce sun damage to your skin?

By Susan Sentry

Vitamin E can help protect your skin from sun damage and harmful free radicals, but you don't need a dietary supplement to get your daily dose of this valuable nutrient.

By Alexander Page

Ylang-ylang oil is a sweet, spicy fragrance from South Asia that's popular in cosmetics, cleansers and aromatherapy products. Some product makers claim it might even have another special property.

By Gina Fisher

Vitamins get a lot of press, but they’re not the only nutrients that should be on your health radar. To stay healthy, your body also needs certain minerals. One of those crucial minerals, zinc, acts like a 24-hour, on-call skin mechanic.

By Matteson Cade

Dry skin can be itchy, uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but you can make it a thing of the past by understanding what causes it and how to prevent it.

By Elizabeth Whitmore

You haven't been near poison ivy in weeks, you aren't allergic to latex and you don't have allergies that give you hives -- at least, you don't think you do. So what's that red patch of itchy dry skin? It could be a type of eczema.

By John Barrymore

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes the skin to be overly stretchy or joints to overextend. What causes this syndrome and how can you tell whether you have it?

By John Barrymore

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

For generations, people have been taking Epsom salt baths to cure their ills. What is it about this naturally occurring compound that makes it so trusted?

By Christina Pander

You've probably heard the phrase, "Don't sweat it." But the truth is that everyone does. In fact, sweating is something your body needs to do -- you need to perspire so that you don't overheat.

By Elizabeth Forester

If rough, scaly patches of skin make you feel like a desert lizard, it might be time to introduce exfoliating soap into your skin care arsenal.

By Sarah Siddons

Your body is constantly shedding thousands of dead skin cells to reveal the smooth, bright skin underneath. And you can help put your best face forward by using the proper exfoliating tools.

By John Barrymore

Face cleansing wipes can come in handy when you need a quick midday refresher or you're too tired to wash your face. But can they protect your skin from breakouts?

By Aida Duncan

Still using that bar of body soap to wash your face? You might actually be harming your skin by getting it too clean.

By Aida Duncan