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

Sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage, but what makes it work? And what's the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

By John Barrymore

Do you find the idea of holding a vibrating razor blade near your face intriguing -- or scary? Companies claim the innovation gives you a closer shave by raising hairs on the skin, but do sharp vibrations equal good vibrations?

By John Barrymore

While you may cleanse and moisturize your skin daily to keep it healthy, you can also nourish skin from the inside with vitamins. But what are the best vitamins for skin health?

By Sarah Rutland

Advertisement

You know you should wear sunscreen to protect yourself from sun damage, but with so many different sunscreens and sunblocks on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?

By Sarah Siddons

You notice a white dot on your fingernail. You try to scrub it off and realize the little white dots are not paint; they're actually part of your nail. What could they be?

By Jason Nell

It's widely known that melanin is produced in response to sun exposure. So why is that skin tones vary from region to region - no matter how close or far away someone is from the equator, where UV radiation is at its highest?

By Sarah Siddons

If you suffer from constantly dry hands, simple tasks like picking up objects or shaking hands can be uncomfortable. What can you do to lock in more moisture?

By Jamie Palamon

Advertisement

Aftershaves soothe and tone the skin, but they can also include scents and ingredients that some men find overwhelming. What are some simple, household items they can use instead?

By John Barrymore

Almost everyone has experienced bags, or sagging skin, under their eyes at some point. But why do some people get them more than others?

By Sarah Siddons

There are many factors that could cause red blotches to appear on your skin. Find out how you can tell if they're the result of an allergic reaction.

By Sarah Siddons

For many people, the skin near their mouth can become itchy and irritated, forming a kind of red ring around their lips. What causes this, and how can it be treated?

By Mary Salisbury

Advertisement

You may have seen soaps, shampoos and facial cleansers advertised as "pH-balanced," but what does that mean? And should you be using a pH-balanced skin cleanser?

By Susan Sentry

In the line of duty, the skin on your face and body takes quite a beating, which can leave it dry and flaky. But you don't have to walk around with a dull complexion and ashen skin. There's an easy way to rejuvenate your skin -- you can exfoliate it.

By Sarah Rutland

Your skin is one of the most important organs of your body, and it's also the largest. By acting as a barrier to the outside elements, it protects your internal organs from harm. But what is your skin actually made of?

By Sarah Rutland

Even though it's your body's largest organ, it's easy to take skin for granted. But it plays an important role as a protective barrier and temperature regulator. How does skin affect your overall health?

By Elizabeth Forester

Advertisement

A longtime beauty secret of the East, threading is gaining popularity among Westerners who want to tame their brows. Find out why many prefer this technique to waxing or plucking.

By Sarah Siddons

Mild cleansers aren't just for people with sensitive skin. If you have dry, oily, aging or acne-prone skin, you could also benefit from a mild cleanser. But what makes a skin cleanser mild?

By Sarah Siddons

There are many different kinds of soap in the world and most of them have one major thing in common: They can make bubbles. But how do they do it?

By Alexander Page

If you've been cleansing your skin with soap and then applying a moisturizer, you could save yourself some time -- and some bathroom clutter -- by switching to a moisturizing body wash.

By Sarah Siddons

Advertisement

Your genes determine all of your physical characteristics, including those for your skin. How do they affect your skin's type, color and risk of having some kind of disorder?

By Sarah Siddons

Choosing the right moisturizer can be a daunting task -- once you start studying the ingredients on the back label, things can get even more confusing. What are some of the basic ingredients that you should find in moisturizers?

By Christina Pander

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