Water plays a central role in making sure your skin stays healthy, smooth and radiant, so it only makes sense that every skin care aisle is lined with products that promise to hydrate and moisturize skin. But what many of us may not realize is that although they are often used interchangeably, moisturizing and hydration are not exactly the same thing. While both are key in providing skin with...

Dealing with dry skin is enough to leave anyone frustrated, frazzled and, well, flaky. Even worse, chronic dryness is associated with a disrupted skin barrier. “Without an optimal barrier function your skin becomes more vulnerable to minor trauma and infections, and it will take longer to heal,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the...

The past year has altered the way we go about our daily lives. Now more than ever, we spend a significant chunk of our day glued to our screens—whether it’s for work, leisure or socializing with friends. But what many of us may not realize is that the more time we spend in front of our laptops and mobile phones, the more harm we may be doing to our skin.

As it turns out, digital eye strain is not...

Toners are one of the most underrated skin care products, and they’re also one of the least understood. That’s because there’s no hard definition accepted by dermatologists—some toners are formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate, while others are technically alcohol-containing astringents, which are meant to reduce the oil content within the skin to prevent breakouts. (Then...

Next to flashier ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, vitamin E is something of an unsung hero. You’ve probably spotted it in at least one of your products, given that it’s one of the most widely used ingredients in beauty (it’s typically listed as “tocopherol” on ingredients lists), but you might not know it does far more than moisturize. From powering your other actives to working its...

There’s a reason why face masks are shorthand for self-care­—it’s because they really work. In order to get the most out of a mask, however, you have to choose one that caters to your complexion.

If your skin type is dry, you’ll want a mask that offers a serious hydration boost. According to Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, ingredients to look for include:

• Hyaluroni...

A glass of red wine a day may be good for your heart, but did you know it could also be good for your skin? Credit this to resveratrol, the anti-aging superstar found in red-grape skin. This antioxidant powerhouse boasts of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to protect the skin against the effects of oxidative stress and sun damage. But drinking wine isn’t the only...

Microcurrents, light therapy, microneedling—oh my! It can feel like every day we’re seeing in our feeds some new gadget designed to rejuvenate our skin. And with these devices being used more and more at home (no longer only during trips to the spa or the dermatologist’s office), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. But it’s totally worth it to add a device to your skin care routine,...

Some skin conditions may be easier to ignore than others, but it doesn’t change the fact that they still put a dent on your quest for soft, smooth and healthy-looking skin. Take keratosis pilaris, for example. Commonly known as chicken skin or goose flesh, these tiny bumps seem harmless enough. Aside from making you feel wary about wearing arm-baring tops, they don’t really cause any itching or...