In a world of fragrant rosehip seed oils and exotic argan oils, the word "squalane" stands out — and it's been popping up with more frequency lately. So, what exactly is squalane? And why does it belong in our skincare routine?
On the hunt for the best scar treatments? We've got you covered with this list of scar treatments. Because scars, like accidents, happen to all of us. And whether it's the result of a surgery, a stumble or a pimple-popping session gone awry (come on, we've all been there), getting rid of them is no easy feat. After all, you might be dealing with skin that's discolored, sunken, raised or bumpy. Your body worked hard to repair itself from whatever caused the scar; and while covering it up with makeup temporarily patches things up, the best scar treatments can help solve the problem in a more permanent way.
We get it, sometimes reading the ingredient label on a skin care product can seem to require an advanced scientific degree. SO. MANY. (COMPLICATED). WORDS. But the thing is, even a quick scan of what's in that cream or serum can pay off in a big way, especially when you know what to look for. We're talking specifically about these seven ingredients that derms love. Here, the lowdown on what's so great about each of them, plus top product picks where you can get a dose of each.
First, let's get one thing straight: Popping your own pimples is not advisable. Any and every derm we've ever spoken to about the subject has warned us not to do so. That being said, we know it's going to happen (and yes, we do it too), so let's talk about the best, cleanest, safest way to get that satisfying squeeze. And who better to ask than Dr. Pimple Popper herself? "I will continue to say, 'please don't pop your own pimples,' but I know people are going to do it regardless," says Dr. Sandra Lee (that's her real name, FYI), founder of SLMD Skincare. The most important thing is to be as clean and sterile as possible when doing so, she adds. Here's her detailed four-step process for how to pop a pimple.
Dealing with acne is annoying and, as emotionally traumatic as it is, dealing with cystic acne is even worse (if that's even possible). "Of all the types of acne someone can get, cystic acne is both the most frustrating to treat and can be the most damaging to the skin," says celebrity esthetician and founder of Renee Rouleau Skincare, Renee Rouleau. "Cystic acne consists of hard, painful blemishes that develop deep within the skin and can linger for weeks. They can often lead to scarring because they stretch and damage the surrounding tissue deep within skin, leaving indentations and red, dark or purple marks." Joy. But don't worry, it's not all bad news; there are things you can do to help get rid off these pain-in-the-butt (face?) pimples. Here, six complexion clearing tips for those who suffer from cystic acne.
Aside from cuts that seem to never stop bleeding, ingrown hairs are one of the peskiest shaving predicaments—unless you're one of the lucky few who has the time and patience to avoid getting them altogether. But for those who have experienced ingrown hairs, they're the worst.
When you think of luxury skin care products, you also probably imagine a pretty hefty price tag. Same. But who says top-of-the-line skin care has to cost top dollar? While many of the industry's best luxury products have skyrocketing price tags to match, if you look hard enough, you might just find a deal you won't be able to pass up. But that leads us to the next issue: Who has the time to scour each and every product offering from all the very best luxury brands? Well, as a beauty aficionado whose job it is to find the best products and deals in beauty and skin care, I do.
There comes a time in every acne-sufferer's life where you finally find the miracle solution that clears up your complexion, once and for all. It's the most glorious day ever, with bells ringing and birds singing and you constantly looking in the mirror and admiring your newly blemish-free skin. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end (don't worry we're talking about the treatment, not your good skin). Maybe you just want to stop using the treatment, or have to stop because you're pregnant. How do you go about weaning yourself off the treatment that finally did the trick—without ending up with a whole new batch of breakouts? We asked derms for their advice on how to stop using five common acne-fighters.
We all know her: The woman who has the kind of amazing, perfect skin (seriously, where are her wrinkles?) that makes you wonder if she's resorted to witchcraft, or just has a really good dermatologist. Turns out, her face is full of secrets -- and we're here to spill them. We chatted with women of all ages who have the glowy skin of our dreams to see what steps keep their skin flawless.
If we've said it once, we've said it a million times: You need to wear sunscreen every single day. That's 365 days a year, and yes, even during the winter. "If you can see your hand in front of your face, there are enough UV rays present to cause cancer and signs of aging," says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. "While, yes, the sun is less intense in the winter, the risk is still there," she cautions. Case in point: These five scenarios where you're likely getting more sun than you think.
Whether you're looking to cure the chapped nose you've been rocking all winter, or just want to boost your glow a few notches, a great face balm might be your new HG product. Think about it: They're about as richly moisturizing as it comes, and they seal in moisture for a long-lasting glow.
Dry skin getting you down this winter? A good facial oil just might be the missing step in your winter skin care routine. Whether you add a couple drops before you apply your favorite serum in the evening, or mix a bit with your primer or foundation, face oils are a great way to increase your glow factor... especially when the weather is cold and dry.
Aside from the typical teen acne, I've luckily never dealt with any major skin issues. I have good genes (thanks, Mom!) and my career as a beauty editor to thank for that. I've been able to try the latest and greatest skin-care products, plus pick the brains of top dermatologists (#werkperks).
You can discover all sorts of crazy stuff from home DNA tests: just how Irish you are (or aren't); how well you handle booze and coffee; if you have superhuman language ability; and whether you should avoid steak like the plague.
While you may notice that your skin looks a little less luminous as the temperatures begin to drop, have you ever stopped to wonder why this little skin-care issue actually happens? According to Dendy Engelman, MD, dermatologist and Director of Dermatologic Surgery at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City, as we move into winter, there is less moisture in the air. As a result, the low humidity levels degrade the skin's natural moisture barrier, which can lead to flaking, cracking and peeling. To combat this moisture loss and build-up of dead skin cells, skin needs extra moisture, as well as extra exfoliation to allow that extra moisture to actually sink in.
Look, I love GlamGlow as much as the next beauty editor, but I'm not going to lie: I was actively managing my expectations for the new GlamGlow #GlitterMask GravityMud Firming Treatment. First off, I feared that the chunky glitter (and star sequins) were going to be abrasive. Then, there's also the fact that peel off masks can sometimes strip your skin, leaving it feeling dry (while also painfully taking out some peach fuzz).
If you're like me, one of the first places you learn about new beauty launches is on Instagram and in your other social feeds. While you have to have a certain sorting policy to filter out the too-good-to-be-true products -- like, you know, knowing when a skinny tea won't actually make you lose 20 pounds in four days -- that very process can sometimes lead to overlooking new beauty must-haves simply because the promised results seem unlikely.
Look, we get it. Skincare can be expensive. Like, really, really expensive. But we're going to let you in on a little insider secret — it doesn't have to be. Case in point: The six standout anti-agers below, all of which pack just as powerful of an anti-aging punch as their much pricier counterparts. We've lined it up as a complete routine (that only costs $162), but feel free to mix and match as you choose. Either way, your skin — and your wallet — will thank you.
If you're not a skin-care junkie, the idea of dousing your face in acid might scare you. We totally understand. Typically the first thing that comes to mind when hearing the word 'acid' aligns more with mayhem than skin-care magic. But, magic it is -- at least when it comes in the form of one of our very favorite skin-renewing alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid.
We all love our clay masks, but sometimes you need something a little more soothing -- which is where moisturizing masks come in. They're the perfect way to kick your feet back after a long week -- after all, it really doesn't get much more relaxing (especially since they tend to smell amazing).