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.

Learn More / Page 30

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

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

Advertisement

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

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

Advertisement

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

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

Advertisement

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

Most of us have given our heads a scratch or two at some point, but the causes for itchy scalp vary. Sometimes there's no reason at all, while other times there may be a more serious skin condition behind the itchiness.

By Mary Salisbury

Want to hide signs of aging? Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that burns certain layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of age marks and foster growth of tighter, younger-looking skin.

By John Barrymore

Lichen planus, an irritating rash that's reddish or violet in color, can affect anyone, particularly people between the ages of 30 and 60. Is there a cause for this mysterious skin condition, and are there any treatments?

By Alexander Page

Advertisement

The thin, sensitive skin on your lips can dry out easily, but lip moisturizers may help. How do these products keep chapping and peeling at bay?

By Gina Fisher

Luscious lips are a big business -- just take a look at Angelina Jolie. For the rest of womankind's mere mortals, cosmetics are a popular way to achieve a plumper pout.

By Sarah Siddons

If you're tired of cracked foundation, creased eye shadow and fading lipstick, adding a primer to your makeup routine may be all you need to create the flawless look you're after.

By Sarah Siddons

When brownish patches appear on their skin, many people don't even realize they have melasma. Without targeted treatment, will this common skin condition vanish on its own?

By Sarah Siddons

Advertisement

Most people believe harsh exfoliants help ward off skin problems, but for some people they can cause milia to appear. How do you get rid of these pimple-like bumps when they arise?

By Sarah Siddons

It's no secret that the nutrients from a glass of milk hold plenty of benefits for your health. But can bathing in milk be as good for your skin as drinking it is for the rest of your body?

By Rebecca Regan

Although acne is typically associated with the teenage years, many adults also find themselves fighting breakouts. Find out what's behind adult acne and what treatment options are available.

By John Barrymore

Taking an aspirin a day is believed to prevent heart disease in certain people, but, like most drugs, it doesn't come without side effects. Find out what aspirin could do to your skin.

By John Barrymore

Advertisement

Most people experience foot problems during their lives, but good foot skin care can prevent many of these problems and even contribute to your overall health. Learn how you can put your best foot forward.

By Sarah Siddons

Millions of Americans have dry skin, but with so many cleansers, lotions and creams on the market, developing a daily dry skin care regimen can be overwhelming.

By Sarah Siddons