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.
20 Amazingly Practical Uses for Petroleum Jelly
What Is Micellar Water and Should You Try It?
Morning vs. Evening Showers: Discuss
How Often Should You Replace Your Hairbrush?
Is beer really good for your hair?
Use Vegetable Oil to Condition Your Hair
The Best Face Cleansers for Your Skin Type
Are at-home microdermabrasion products good for your skin?
Oil Cleansing: Does Castor and Olive Oil Face Wash Really Work?
What Causes Ashy Skin?
5 Important Ingredients in Face Moisturizers for Women
Is Shea Butter Food For Your Face?
The Meaning Behind Semicolon Tattoos: A Symbol of Resilience and Solidarity
The Fascinating Meaning Behind Medusa Tattoos
You're Probably Not Putting on Enough Sunscreen
Should You Pop Your Blisters?
Why Do We Love to Pop Zits?
5 Things to Know About Plantar Warts
Why Do Bruises Change Colors as They Heal?
Do vegetarians have smellier sweat than omnivores?
How Can Skin Be Oily Yet Dry?
Goatees: Cool and Progressive or Outdated and Passe?
Can You Get Lice in Your Beard?
Does shaving really make hair grow back thicker?
Do underarm whitening creams really work?
10 Sources of Body Odor That Aren't Just Sweat
Does shaving your armpits reduce sweating?
5 Surprising Facts About Itchy Scalp
At a Glance: Face Steaming
At a Glance: Scalp Sores
Quick Tips: Olive Oil and Your Lips
Side Effects of Kissing Too Much
At a Glance: Fever Blister Treatment
The Colorful History of Nail Polish
How Long Can Human Fingernails Grow?
What would happen if I never cut my fingernails?
Learn More / Page 29
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.
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.
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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.
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?
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?
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?
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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.
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.
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.
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
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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
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?
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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?
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?
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.
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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?
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?
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?
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?
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Friction blisters are a common skin problem. How are they treated?
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?