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If you’re at the age where your skin has started to lose its elasticity, you’re probably noticing fine lines and wrinkles on your face – the most visible sign of aging known as crepe skin. But what exactly is crepe skin? And how can you get rid of it? Find out everything you need to know about this condition in today’s article! (Tip: keep scrolling down for some quick fixes that can help you treat crepe skin!)

Preventing chapped lips can be tricky, since it’s hard to know when you’re about to get them. Even worse, once you have them, they seem impossible to get rid of! But before your mouth gets too dry, take these precautions to keep your lips moist and prevent chapped lips. Here are the five steps you need to take before winter sets in.

What causes dry, chapped lips?

Excessive exposure to sun, wind, and cold are common causes. Dehydration is also a frequent culprit. In addition, conditions like eczema can cause dry skin on your lips that makes them more prone to cracking. To prevent chapped lips, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are rich in antioxidants such as berries and leafy greens. Some fruits also contain high amounts of lipids (fats) that help keep your lips soft and supple. Lip balm with sunscreen is another good way to protect your lips from harmful UV rays; check out our favorite lip balms . If you're already dealing with chapped lips, applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly or shea butter is an effective remedy—at least until they heal.

What can I do to prevent dry, chapped lips?

The best way to prevent chapped lips is to protect them from drying out in the first place. So, first and foremost, don’t lick your lips! This will lead to excessive dryness. Also be wary of lip balms that use ingredients such as camphor or menthol because they tend to temporarily soothe a dry-feeling but actually make it worse in the long run. Lastly, there are several home remedies you can try that work like a charm: Rub some fresh honey on your lips (don’t eat it). Try rubbing vitamin E oil onto your lips with a cotton swab before going out.

Does drinking water help with dry, chapped lips?

Drinking water can help you hydrate your body, but it doesn’t do much to keep your lips moist. While it might feel soothing in that dry, parched way when you sip, water will often evaporate before it has a chance to really get down deep into your skin cells and moisturize them from within. Instead, reach for an oil-based product like Vaseline or Aquaphor. It won’t feel as good at first (oil doesn’t have a high water content), but these moisturizers can trap moisture inside your skin better than water does and also have other perks such as preventing infection.

Common questions about lip products during pregnancy

Can I still use chapstick if I am pregnant? It depends on why you are using it. While there is no definitive research suggesting that chapstick causes birth defects, it does contain a small amount of salicylic acid (the main ingredient in aspirin) which can be potentially harmful during pregnancy. If you’re using lip balm because your lips are dry and cracked, or because you suffer from cold sores or dermatitis and would like to soothe your lips with lip product, then applying olive oil directly can be an effective way to moisturize without ingesting chemicals. Though if you have severely chapped or damaged lips, application of any product could actually do more harm than good until they heal.

There are five basic skin types, each one with its own strengths and weaknesses: normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive. When you know what type of skin you have, you can take steps to treat and prevent your skin from becoming more problematic or irritated. If you don’t know what type of skin you have, keep reading to find out more about each skin type to better understand your complexion and improve it over time.

Dry Skin

People with dry skin tend to be more sensitive than those with oily or combination skin. They also have a lower sebum (oil) output, which means their pores are less likely to clog and make acne worse. Dry skin is especially prone to peeling, cracking, and itching, while extreme dryness can make it difficult for skin cells to shed naturally—sometimes leading to eczema or psoriasis flare-ups. So how do you know if you have dry skin? According to dermatologist Dr.

Normal Skin

Most people’s skin falls into a normal category. Normal skin types are generally clear and blemish-free, but they can still be prone to sunburn, rashes and other common problems. If you don’t feel like your skin fits one of these categories, but it also doesn’t look like an oily mess or dry up like a desert—it’s probably normal. To keep things under control, make sure you get enough sleep every night (getting less than six hours a night increases your risk for breakouts) and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for moisturizers that are lightweight, non-greasy and oil-free. The best oils for oily skin are jojoba, which has a light texture and penetrates deep into pores; or tea tree oil, which soothes skin and is anti-microbial. In addition, use makeup that is matte or non-shiny (it will be absorbed more quickly) and avoid skincare products with heavy fragrances or floral ingredients that can trigger more oil production.

Combination Skin

One common skin type is combination skin, which is normal-to-oily skin on your forehead and dry or oily skin on your cheeks. Some people experience combination dryness and oiliness as different issues in various parts of their face. For example, you might notice that you have shiny T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin area) but your cheeks are dry. Or perhaps you have chronically oily eyelids with chronically dry cheeks.

Acne-Prone Skin

If you break out frequently, it might be because your skin is acne-prone. With acne-prone skin, you have an overproduction of oil and an abundance of dead skin cells, both of which can lead to blackheads and pimples. Fortunately, you can reduce your breakouts with a few simple steps: wash your face twice daily (once in the morning and once at night) with a gentle cleanser; use a toner after cleansing; don’t forget sunscreen when exposed to UV rays—sun exposure causes excess oil production which can contribute to blemishes. If these steps aren’t enough, try an over-the-counter topical treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin are most likely to experience negative reactions when their skin is exposed to a new product. It’s important for those with sensitive skin types not only to wear sunscreen, but also check its ingredients before using it. If you do have sensitive skin, make sure you talk with your dermatologist about how best to handle your sensitive skin care needs. Knowing your own type of sensitive skin will help you better manage products and procedures in order to minimize irritation and inflammation that can lead to more serious problems such as acne or eczema.

Your feet take a lot of abuse every day, whether you’re walking, running, or just standing. If you’re like most people, you might not pay as much attention to your feet as you should—maybe because they’re not glamorous, or maybe because they don’t get as much attention as other parts of your body, such as your face or hands. Regardless of the reason, though, it’s important to treat your feet well and to keep them as healthy and soft as possible—and that means paying attention to skincare tips for your feet every day.

Nail Care

Have you ever taken your shoes off at night and been shocked by how rough and bumpy your feet are? Do you avoid wearing sandals because of how unattractive your feet look and feel? Your feet can look great, no matter what time of year. Just follow these few simple tips for keeping your feet looking young, soft, and smooth. While you might not be able to slow down time (yet), these simple care tips will make it seem like that’s exactly what happened.

Foot Care

To have soft feet you have to care for them properly. Although it is true that washing your feet daily and wearing clean socks can keep your feet looking better, there are other ways you can take care of your feet. One way to make sure that they look nice and healthy is by using products made especially for your feet. You can find these foot care products at any drugstore or even in some supermarkets. There are many different kinds of products you can use from creams, gels, and lotions made from natural ingredients that won't clog up pores or cause rashes around your ankles and toes.

How Often Do I Need To Treat My Feet?

The general rule of thumb for foot skincare is to exfoliate and moisturize at least once a week. In fact, keeping your feet soft and smooth is like maintaining any other part of your body—it’s important to stay on top of it so you don’t slip into bad habits. But if you want them extra soft, twice a week may be better. You can even take things up another notch by alternating between exfoliating and moisturizing on different days, depending on what products you use.

Sun Protection

Before you head outside for a summer of sandals and short skirts, remember that skin cancer is on the rise (up 30 percent in women and 20 percent in men from 1992-2006). Wear sunscreen regularly throughout the year; it's especially important when you have exposed skin. And make sure your lotion provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. The two types of ultraviolet radiation are both equally dangerous—UVB causes sunburns, while UVA penetrates deeper into your skin, making it more susceptible to wrinkling and other signs of aging. Protecting your skin not only keeps you looking young—it may also help prevent certain types of cancer! Even if you're not heading outside much during winter months, use sunscreen whenever you do go out in sunlight.

Few people are lucky enough to have skin that’s naturally as clear and blemish-free as they want it to be, no matter how much money they spend on skin products or skincare treatments. For those who need some help lightening their skin tone and getting rid of dark spots, there are several effective ways to go about it. We’ll cover all the options here, from natural remedies to dermatologist-prescribed solutions, so you can find the perfect one for your situation and your budget.

Assess your Skin Tone

Before you set out looking for a skin-lightening treatment, it’s helpful to assess your skin tone. There are five general categories of skin tones: Fair (very pale), Fair/Light (pale with yellow undertones), Light (pinkish), Light/Medium (olive), Medium (yellow) . Skin color can also be described by mixing these terms, so you may hear a salesperson refer to someone as fair/light or medium/fair. Keep in mind that when discussing different skin tones, people tend to rely on adjectives like white and dark. This is just not helpful when trying figure out if a product will work on your skin or not.

Natural Skin Lightening Solutions

There are numerous natural skin lightening options available, which is great news if you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative to store-bought skin brighteners. Each method has its pros and cons, but it’s worth testing them out in order to determine what will work best for your unique needs. The following list includes some of your best options for naturally lightening your skin. This is also a good time to mention that many consumers end up using a combination of different methods in order to achieve their desired results more quickly.

Laser Treatments

There are many laser treatments that can work on dark skin, but it is important that you find a reputable clinic and board-certified physician. Though lasers are a quick and effective way to remove or lighten skin discoloration, it should not be used as a permanent solution for removing acne scarring; surgical excision should always be your last resort. Laser treatment options may vary based on your skin type, how many areas you want treated at once, and how much time you want to spend in treatment appointments. Lighter skin tones tend to respond well to Fraxel laser treatments while darker ones will likely require TCA cross/dynamic peels or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel uses a concentrated acid solution or a process that irritates your skin, either physically or chemically, causing it to peel off. It’s a little like an at-home version of what they do in dermatology offices — but better, because instead of having one appointment per month for six months and ending up with great skin, you can try it at home on your own schedule and spend less money. The biggest plus is that there are no recovery periods involved; once you’ve done a couple of peels (two is standard), you should be able to do them any time you want between then and whenever your next one is scheduled.

Microdermabrasion

A type of abrasion (exfoliation) where a device with a very fine diamond tip, is used to smooth out roughness in your skin. It can also be used for acne scars but only by a professional due to it’s ability to destroy tissue so make sure you visit someone who is highly skilled. However, keep in mind that microdermabrasion is not a cure-all and will not work on everyone. As with any cosmetic procedure there are risks and results vary from person to person. Make sure you go in with realistic expectations or else you may find yourself unhappy with your treatment.

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating regularly can be one of your best weapons against pesky dark spots. Exfoliation makes it easier for your other skin-lightening products (such as retinol) to reach their full potential. Use an exfoliant at least twice a week, or more often if you have oily or combination skin. If you have sensitive skin, though, avoid physical exfoliants like scrubs; opt for chemical treatments instead. Chemical exfoliants come in a variety of forms—like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), glycolic acid peels, lactic acid peels and salicylic acid—and can be used on all different types of skins.

Facial Mask Helps Remove Dark Spots

Regular facials will help remove dirt, oil, or impurities that clog pores, but there are also facial masks you can use at home. Find a clay mask or other mask made for sensitive skin that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids to help fade dark spots. Look for one with antioxidants such as vitamin C to fight free radicals in your face and reduce hyperpigmentation. Because salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight when used topically on acne-prone areas of your face (if you choose a product with salicylic acid), apply it at night only when not going out in direct sunlight.

Moisturize for Healthy-Looking Skin

Healthy, moisturized skin is crucial for achieving smooth, even-toned skin. In fact, it’s so important that Dr. Sonia Batra, MD., of Schweiger Dermatology Group suggests that you should always moisturize your face in a healthy way. The key is finding a product that works well with your individual complexion type and doesn’t clog pores. 

Dry, cracked skin on your hands can be painful and unsightly, making it difficult to do even basic tasks like cook or type on your phone. Though you may think that cracking skin on your hands is inevitable in winter weather, there are steps you can take to keep your hands comfortable and looking their best. If dry skin has left your hands feeling flaky or dry to the touch, look no further than this guide on how to soothe dry, cracked skin on your hands!

Keep hands moist

When you have cracked hands, moisturizing is key. Use a hand cream regularly to help keep your skin smooth and hydrated. Look for lotions or creams with glycerin or urea as one of their main ingredients. Another excellent moisturizer for cracked skin is an aloe vera gel.

Avoid chemicals

If you have cracked or chapped hands or fingers, steer clear of potentially irritating chemicals. Instead of using a lotion with fragrance in it, opt for an all-natural ointment that’s free of chemicals and fragrances. Also try not to use soap when you wash your hands. Chlorine from water and even some antibacterial soap can irritate cracked skin on your hands. If you do need soap—and it seems like we all do!—go for a mild one.

Use lotions with vitamins

When cracked skin is caused by dryness, it’s best to use lotions that are packed with vitamins. Vitamin E is a common ingredient in hand lotions that help prevent cracking skin. Also look for natural moisturizers like avocado and shea butter as well as glycerin; these ingredients attract water into your body and keep it from escaping from your skin. Just make sure you thoroughly wash off these oils after applying them; otherwise they can become rancid and cause more harm than good.

Consider what you eat

Before you can begin treating cracked skin, it’s important to consider what you’re putting into your body. Skin is made up of mostly water and minerals. If either of these two substances are compromised (which they very well might be if you eat processed foods or don’t drink enough water), then there will be an imbalance in your body—and that imbalance may cause cracks and fissures in tissue like that on our hands. If a doctor tells you there is no remedy for flaky skin and that hand-sanitizer is really as good as it gets, tell them they're wrong: Diet matters a lot when it comes to both healing from acne and preventing acne.

Use gloves at night

Chilly temperatures, washing dishes and harsh detergents are just a few of many reasons why you might wake up with dry and flaky skin around your knuckles. In order to properly treat these irritated areas, you’ll want to wear gloves at night. This prevents further cracking and provides a layer of protection that won’t interfere with how you sleep. When you wake up in the morning, take off your gloves and apply hand cream or a body lotion for extra hydration.

How does drinking alcohol affect your skin? The answer to this question isn’t as simple as you might think, which is why we’ve put together a guide to help you figure out what’s really going on with your skin after you drink alcohol. We’ll go over what exactly happens to your skin when you consume alcohol, how the damage can be minimized and how to keep your skin looking great year-round. Stay tuned!

It’s no secret that drinking too much alcohol is bad for your body, but it can have a real effect on your skin. A number of different factors make alcohol and your skin a dangerous mix, which can lead to things like premature aging, dehydration, and even wrinkling. If you want to avoid these effects and maintain healthy-looking skin in addition to overall health, try limiting or cutting out alcohol consumption. Here’s what happens when you drink alcohol—and what you can do about it.

Immediate Effects of Alcohol on Skin

The liver and kidneys work together to filter out foreign substances from our bodies, including things we consume. When alcohol is consumed, it passes through our intestines and liver. While there is a small amount of alcohol that passes directly into your bloodstream, most of it stays in your intestines for several hours. While some alcohol does immediately enter your bloodstream, immediate effects are likely not going to be noticeable because alcohol interferes with receptors in your skin. When you drink alcohol regularly, however, studies show that you have an increased risk of developing conditions like rosacea. Rosacea causes redness on face areas like cheeks and nose due to vascular problems in those areas.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on Skin

We all know that drinking too much can have negative health effects, but did you know that excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time can also damage your skin? The main culprit here is acetaldehyde (the primary ingredient in hangover), which has been shown to cause a range of issues like dryness, redness, inflammation and swelling. Long-term heavy drinkers may even notice premature skin aging! If you regularly drink alcohol and have noticed changes in your skin (red spots, rashes or flaking), it could be due to your habits. To protect your body and keep it young-looking, we recommend avoiding chronic drinking habits or at least cutting back.

Tips For Healthy Skin While Enjoying Alcohol

Drink lots of water: When you drink alcohol, your body loses some water through sweating and urinary excretion. Because water supports healthy cells, drink a lot of it while you’re drinking alcohol in order to prevent dehydration and breakouts. Enjoy clear alcohols: Clear liquors like vodka are considered best for your skin. That’s because their neutral flavor means they do not contain strong ingredients that will irritate sensitive skin.

Beauty Benefits of Moderate Drinking

While it’s true that alcohol can dehydrate you, it’s a myth that having two drinks in one sitting is enough to make your skin glow. That's because it takes four or five hours for alcohol to work its way out of your system. Whether you're drinking or not, as long as you aren't dehydrated, your skin will look and feel healthier if you are eating well and getting enough sleep. If you like a glass of wine with dinner but struggle with breakouts after your two-drink limit is reached, water may be helping – drink some water before going out for that nightcap! It will keep those pimples at bay.

No matter your skin type, you’ve probably considered exfoliating in the past. Whether you want to gently slough off dead skin cells or tackle tougher blemishes, exfoliation can be an effective way to freshen up your complexion and boost your beauty routine. However, there are several different methods of exfoliation on the market, from scrubs to peels to mechanical tools like dermaplaning, and it can be hard to know which one will work best for you. That’s why we asked ourselves one question: how often should you exfoliate?

Let’s talk exfoliation

If your skin feels dry or flaky (or maybe even if it doesn’t), you might think exfoliation is right for you. There are many forms of exfoliation—from manual scrubbing to topical products to lasers and injectables—but they all have one goal in common: sloughing off dead skin cells and helping your healthy skin show through. Although exfoliation has benefits, it’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment and there are some precautions you should take when considering an at-home or professional exfoliating session.

What is exfoliation anyway?

In order to give you a well-rounded answer to your question, let’s first define exfoliation. Exfoliation is simply removing dead skin cells from your skin’s surface, says Debra Jaliman , MD , assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Without proper exfoliation, these dry cells build up on top of one another and lead to an uneven texture that can make your complexion look dull.

Benefits of exfoliating

Sloughing off dead skin and pore-clogging sebum can help to improve skin's tone and texture and reduce oil production. (That's why you see so many products that say they exfoliate!) While a daily scrub is usually not necessary, most dermatologists recommend using a gentle facial cleanser or an exfoliating product with chemical or physical scrubs two to three times per week. However, keep in mind that it's easy to overdo it. If your skin is red or irritated after using an exfoliating product once a day for two weeks straight, try cutting back on how often you use it—or give your face a break altogether.

How often should you exfoliate?

To put it simply, you should exfoliate daily. This removes dirt and dead skin cells to reveal soft and smooth skin that glows. If you have especially oily or acne-prone skin, exfoliating at least 2–3 times a week may be ideal for you. Of course, results vary from person to person, so it's up to you and your dermatologist to determine what works best for your particular skin type.

Products to help with exfoliation

There are countless products on market to help you with exfoliation. Most of them rely on some form of microdermabrasion or light abrasion to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells that build up over time. However, not all scrubs are created equal – some can cause irritation and redness. If you have sensitive skin or eczema you may want to avoid facial scrubs altogether and opt for chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid instead.

The skin under your eyes vs. everywhere else

The skin under your eyes is thinner than anywhere else on your body. Not only that, but there are fewer oil glands and hair follicles (thanks for reading so carefully). That’s why you need extra gentle products to avoid irritating these sensitive areas. If you have dry skin or active acne, it’s especially important to find a gentle formula; otherwise, your skin could end up looking worse than before you started using an exfoliant.

No matter your age, gender, or ethnicity, everyone wants smooth and healthy-looking skin—it’s just about finding the right routine to get there. Figuring out your skin type is the first step to determining what products you should use, but that can seem like an incredibly difficult task, especially with so many different terms floating around out there (oily? dry? combination?). In this post, we’ll break down three simple ways to figure out your skin type and help you understand what that means for your daily skin care routine.

1) Go with your gut

The easiest way to figure out your skin type is simply by giving it a try. Go with what feels right, but know that you might need some time to adjust and see results. While there are different ways of figuring out your skin type, keeping an open mind when it comes to experimentation can pay off in spades. Do you have a dry skin that seems sensitive? Try using oils on your face or using a gentle exfoliant on a regular basis. With so many options out there, it’s easy for anyone—from beginner beauty buffs all the way up to pro makeup artists—to experiment until they’ve found their perfect fit!

2) Get professional help

Professional skin-care experts, like dermatologists and estheticians, can help you determine your skin type. A dermatologist will take a close look at your skin and talk with you about what products might be best for your complexion. Alternatively, an esthetician will work with you one-on-one to help you choose products that fit your needs. If you have special concerns (like acne or fine lines), they’ll also be able to recommend product lines and treatments specifically suited for those issues. If you can’t visit a professional in person (or if seeing someone new intimidates you), there are plenty of online quizzes out there that can help narrow down which type of skincare regimen is right for you.

3) Observe your skin in different seasons

Observe your skin in different seasons. Skin is going to look and feel different in dry winter months compared with warm summer months. After observing how your skin changes from season to season, you’ll be able to make more accurate assessments about what type of skin you have. You can also use products from other seasons if your skin gets particularly dry or oily, but try avoiding that for a few weeks so you can figure out your natural seasonal changes.

If you’re looking to find the right dermatologist, you should first understand what it means to be one. Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the skin, scalp, and other parts of the body that contain large numbers of sweat glands, hair follicles, and oil glands. These doctors work with patients who have conditions ranging from acne to cancer, although they usually refer their patients to other doctors when treating those with skin cancer.

How To Find A Great Dermatologist

Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in treating skin conditions. They’re highly trained and licensed, but most people aren’t familiar with what a dermatologist does. If you have a serious skin condition or other problem with your skin, be sure to select a board-certified doctor. Also check how long he or she has been practicing and whether any complaints have been filed against them. Once you find a good dermatologist, trust them and follow their advice—your skin will thank you for it!

How Often Do I Need To Go?

When it comes to picking a skin care expert, you should have a game plan in place for how often you’ll visit them. In general, more is better. Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist once a month or every other month during active treatment, and then as needed after that (say quarterly) for upkeep.

What Happens During A Visit?

First, you’ll meet with a dermatologist to determine what skin issues you’re experiencing and what treatments are available. Next, they’ll diagnose your problem(s) and write up a treatment plan including all of your options; from there, they’ll help guide you through procedures, product suggestions or lifestyle changes to address any problems identified. Finally, dermatologists will send patients home with an information packet (if appropriate) and follow-up appointments as needed.