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Goatees: Cool and Progressive or Outdated and Passe?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
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?
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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?
Advertisement
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?
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?
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.
Advertisement
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.
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?
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.
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?
Advertisement
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?
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?
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?
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?
Advertisement
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?
Like the skin anywhere else on your body, cuticles can get dry. How are cuticle creams specifically formulated to heal these areas?