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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Face steaming is a common treatment for cleaning pores and helping skin products penetrate better. You can do it at home, but knowing the proper way can help you avoid harming your skin.

By Susan Sentry

Manufacturers claim facial mist sprays can do wonders for your skin, whether you're moisturizing in the middle of the day or setting your makeup. But are these watery mists really worth the money?

By Susan Sentry

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

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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

If you're a parent, you might have noticed that your child's fingernails always need clipping, whereas your broken nail is taking weeks to grow back. Why do some nails grow quicker than others, and how fast do nails really grow?

By Susan Sentry

Often confused with other rash-inducing illnesses, a relatively mild form of fifth disease passes through many kids' lives unnoticed. But what happens when it affects adults?

By John Barrymore

Filiform warts form on the delicate tissue of the face, neck, eyelids and lips. And given how much time we spend gazing into one another's eyes, these cosmetic blemishes can be a real drag to live with.

By Sarah Siddons

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Maybe you only think about them once a week when selecting a shade of OPI enamel, or perhaps you think about them daily because you're trying to quit biting them. No matter how often you think about them, what do you really know about your nails?

By Elizabeth Forester

Flat warts are benign growths and don't cause you any pain. But even if they're just a cosmetic problem, you probably want them to go away. Can you shake them for good?

By Sarah Siddons

When hair follicles become damaged or clogged they can cause an irritating red rash known as folliculitis. Unfortunately, a common culprit of the condition is a tempting treat -- relaxing in a hot tub. What else can bring on a case of folliculitis?

By Sarah Rutland

Many people, especially those with red hair or light skin, have freckles. For some, they're a source of pride and character. Others, however, might want to hide them. What causes freckles, and is there a way to make them disappear?

By Sarah Siddons

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Friction blisters are a common skin problem. How are they treated?

By Sarah Siddons

Glycolic acid is often used in chemical peels to rejuvenate your skin, but some over-the-counter lotions include it in small concentrations for everyday use. But will they get you the same kind of results?

By Mary Salisbury

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

Many people don't realize there are certain techniques for hand washing that will best keep bacteria at bay. Learn why washing them hot water might not do as much good as you think.

By John Barrymore

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Though hangnails may seem rather insignificant in the grand scheme of health problems, they can become infected and lead to a handful of other issues. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid hangnail hazards.

By Sarah Siddons

Head lice are small, wingless parasites that have one main function -- to live on top of your scalp and feed on your blood. As scary as that sounds, the condition is actually easy to treat. How do head lice pass from one person to the next?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

Most people love being outside when the weather is hot -- having barbecues, going to the beach, riding bikes and taking long walks. But all this outdoor activity can put you at a greater risk for developing heat rash.

By Sarah Siddons

If you see a small, red growth developing on your newborn's skin, it's most likely a common type of birthmark known as a hemangioma. What is this growth, and can it be treated?

By Alexander Page

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Having hives can make you feel like you've been the all-you-can-eat buffet for a group of really hungry mosquitoes. And, as if having really itchy welts isn't bad enough, hives can burn and sting. Just what makes these nasty bumps appear?

By Sarah Siddons

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria that normally live on your skin without causing harm. So what causes these bacteria to suddenly cause the itchy rash of impetigo?

By Sarah Siddons

Using a moisturizer on a regular basis can keep your skin looking and feeling better, but what happens if you start skipping that step in your daily routine?

By Sarah Jourdain

Dante Rosario, tight end for the Carolina Panthers, was once hospitalized for an infection caused by an ingrown hair. While such infections are rare, ingrown hairs can be unsightly and painful, so how can you prevent them?

By John Barrymore

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Soap's not the only option out there for cleansing your skin -- you can also use non-soap products. But if they're not soap, what are they made of, and can they actually get you clean?

By Sarah Siddons

Like the skin anywhere else on your body, cuticles can get dry. How are cuticle creams specifically formulated to heal these areas?

By Elizabeth Whitmore