Healthy Beauty Slideshows A-Z

Get an Early Start on Skin Care

Even if you've never taken care of your skin, it's not too late to start. Your skin starts to age when you are only in your mid-20s, though you may not see it. Your favorite products may not work as well anymore. Your genes, daily habits, and the sun cause these changes. So don't wait any Read More

Even if you've never taken care of your skin, it's not too late to start. Your skin starts to age when you are only in your mid-20s, though you may not see it. Your favorite products may not work as well anymore. Your genes, daily habits, and the sun cause these changes. So don't wait any longer! You may want to ask a dermatologist now how you can get smoother, softer skin, whatever your age.Less

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Choose a creamy one for dry skin, or an oil-free, foaming one for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist about how to avoid irritation. Wash with warm or cool water. Hot water can strip away your skin's natural moisture. Pat your face dry -- don't Read More

Choose a creamy one for dry skin, or an oil-free, foaming one for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist about how to avoid irritation. Wash with warm or cool water. Hot water can strip away your skin's natural moisture. Pat your face dry -- don't rub.Less

Moisturizer for Your Face

Moisturizer protects and improves your skin. Even if you have oily skin or breakouts, you can use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer every day. If you have dry skin, you may need to put on moisturizer more than just once a day. Pat it on while your skin is still damp to seal in Read More

Moisturizer protects and improves your skin. Even if you have oily skin or breakouts, you can use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer every day. If you have dry skin, you may need to put on moisturizer more than just once a day. Pat it on while your skin is still damp to seal in moisture.Less

Wear Sunscreen Every Day

You need sun protection during daylight hours, no matter if it’s overcast or you’re staying indoors. The sun’s rays can pass through clouds and windows, so you're always exposed. Many moisturizers have sunscreen. If yours doesn't, look for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF of at Read More

You need sun protection during daylight hours, no matter if it’s overcast or you’re staying indoors. The sun’s rays can pass through clouds and windows, so you're always exposed. Many moisturizers have sunscreen. If yours doesn't, look for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. Don't forget to cover your lips, too! And if you sweat or are outside for a long time, remember to reapply sunscreen to stay protected.Less

Can I Layer My Skin Products?

Yes. Start with clean skin and put on any prescription creams or gels first.

Morning: Moisturizer, sunscreen (if it's not in your moisturizer), makeup if you wear it.

Night: Anti-aging product (if you use one), moisturizer without sunscreen.

Scrub Away Dead Skin

Exfoliate to help your skin glow. You can buff off dead skin cells gently with a soft washcloth, spinning brush, or scrubs with synthetic beads. If your skin is dry, exfoliate once a week. If you have oily skin, do it once or twice a week. If you have acne or sensitive skin, talk to your Read More

Exfoliate to help your skin glow. You can buff off dead skin cells gently with a soft washcloth, spinning brush, or scrubs with synthetic beads. If your skin is dry, exfoliate once a week. If you have oily skin, do it once or twice a week. If you have acne or sensitive skin, talk to your doctor. Exfoliating might irritate your skin.Less

Reveal a Fresh Layer of Skin

Some skin care products have ingredients that get rid of dead cells to uncover the brighter, fresher skin underneath. Acne medicines and anti-aging products may have salicylic acid or retinoids, for example. You can also get microdermabrasion or a chemical peel to slough off dead Read More

Some skin care products have ingredients that get rid of dead cells to uncover the brighter, fresher skin underneath. Acne medicines and anti-aging products may have salicylic acid or retinoids, for example. You can also get microdermabrasion or a chemical peel to slough off dead cells. Both are available from doctors and in at-home formulas. You may not see a big difference from an at-home formula, though.Less

Dark Skin Needs TLC

If you're African-American or Hispanic, for example, your skin might be sensitive to sun or chemicals. Stick with a simple, gentle skin care routine. Don't go a day without moisturizer or sunscreen. Even though you may not ever get sunburned, you still need sunscreen to protect Read More

If you're African-American or Hispanic, for example, your skin might be sensitive to sun or chemicals. Stick with a simple, gentle skin care routine. Don't go a day without moisturizer or sunscreen. Even though you may not ever get sunburned, you still need sunscreen to protect against skin cancer, wrinkling, and dark spots.Less

What's on the Menu?

Your skin craves good nutrition just like the rest of your body. Some studies suggest that nutrients can improve and protect your skin. Creams and serums that include vitamins C or E may protect against sun damage. Ones that have vitamins A or B3 may be able to correct the sun damage you Read More

Your skin craves good nutrition just like the rest of your body. Some studies suggest that nutrients can improve and protect your skin. Creams and serums that include vitamins C or E may protect against sun damage. Ones that have vitamins A or B3 may be able to correct the sun damage you have already. Of course, you still need to get vitamins from foods.Less

Organic Is Not Always Better

There's no scientific proof that organic or all-natural cosmetics and skin care products are safer for your skin. In some cases, they may irritate it, especially if you have sensitive skin. Like many skin care products, "natural" ingredients like plant extracts may cause rashes or Read More

There's no scientific proof that organic or all-natural cosmetics and skin care products are safer for your skin. In some cases, they may irritate it, especially if you have sensitive skin. Like many skin care products, "natural" ingredients like plant extracts may cause rashes or allergic reactions in some people. Test them first on a less noticeable area of your skin.Less

For more WebMD tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing, click "Next."

Facials: Fun or Fundamental?

You don't need a salon facial for good skin care, but it may make your skin look smoother for a while. You might find them to be relaxing, too. A salon facial could include cleansing and exfoliating. Facials may cause allergic reactions or irritation in some people, so you should avoid Read More

You don't need a salon facial for good skin care, but it may make your skin look smoother for a while. You might find them to be relaxing, too. A salon facial could include cleansing and exfoliating. Facials may cause allergic reactions or irritation in some people, so you should avoid them if you tend to have redness or a rash afterward.Less

I'm Too Old for Zits, Right?

You're grown up, so why haven't your pimples and blackheads gone away? Hormones, hair products, and stress may be to blame, among other reasons. Your dermatologist or an aesthetician can help you figure out what your skin needs. Some products have ingredients that fight acne and the Read More

You're grown up, so why haven't your pimples and blackheads gone away? Hormones, hair products, and stress may be to blame, among other reasons. Your dermatologist or an aesthetician can help you figure out what your skin needs. Some products have ingredients that fight acne and the signs of aging, too.Less

Keep the Glow Going

• Don't smoke. It ages your skin and encourages wrinkling.
• Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains for healthy skin.
• Exercise every day. Exercising helps your skin by increasing blood flow. And sweating flushes out dirt from your skin.
• Find ways to de-stress. Stress can make your skin more sensitive and worsen breakouts.
• Stay out of the sun. Get a fake tan if you want more color.