What do sugar scrubs, salicylic acid and washcloths have in common? They’re all different kinds of exfoliation techniques. Wondering if you need to start exfoliating? Read on to find out more.

Who doesn’t want healthier and stronger hair? Take this quiz to see how much you know about hair growth.  

Ready to stop fighting with your locks? Let’s get to the root of the problem. Here are three ways to raise your chances of having a good hair day. 

Most nutrition experts agree that the biggest problem with fad diets is the lost weight comes right back. Not sure if the latest craze is a good idea, then ask yourself these questions: 

From skincare to hair care and everything in between, coconut oil is becoming a staple of beauty regimens around the world.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Think of fad diets – just because a diet is popular doesn’t mean it’s effective or healthy for you.

You’ve been admiring your friend’s earrings and decided it’s time to get your own. One problem: how can you do it safely? It’s important to know how to be safe when getting your ears, nose or other body part pierced. Use this quiz to test your knowledge and see how much you know about piercing safety. 

It’s important to know how to be safe when getting your ears, nose or other body part pierced. Use this quiz to test your knowledge and see how much you know about piercing safety. 

Having a pimple scar is like having a stain or damage on a white dress: It's noticeable or more pigmented than the skin's overall color. A scar is formed from a deep wound to the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when an injury penetrates the inner layer of your skin called the dermis, collagen is made to heal the wound, which forms scar tissue. The most common type of acne scar is atrophic or sunken scars. Pitted scars are often the result of collagen loss on the area where an acne breakout was present. Other post-acne blemishes that are mistaken for scarring are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Large, inflamed pimples are more likely to leave darker pigments behind. Let's look at how you can prevent and treat your acne scars. 

Prevent skin damage 

The worst thing you can do is tamper with an inflamed pimple. Doing so can cause further irritation and spread infection. It also causes prolonged scarring. The best practice is to let it heal by minimizing irritation.  

Treat acne once it forms 

Add salicylic acid face wash to your skin routine. It clears oil, dirt, dead skin cells or any contaminant that leads to acne. Find the salicylic acid product that's right for you. Always test on a small portion of your skin before applying on a larger skin surface.  

Microdermabrasion and collagen treatment 

Also known as depressed scars, an ice-pick-scar may go away on its own. If it does not, ask your dermatologist about microdermabrasion, a treatment where the top layer of the skin is removed with gentle exfoliation to reveal new skin. Another option is to get a collagen injection. It will smooth out uneven skin surfaces. 

Remove dark marks   

Use retinol-based creams or cleansers. Retin-A is a vitamin that helps increase cell regeneration. That means it speeds up the production of new skin cells. It also reduces inflammation and skin lesions.   

Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) 

AHAs are also an excellent way to unclog pores and remove marks on the skin. Find an AHA product that's gentle to use every day and get rid of rough, bumpy skin.  

The worst thing you can do is tamper with an inflamed pimple. Doing so can cause further irritation and spread infection. It also causes prolonged scarring.

Have you ever burnt yourself with a curling iron? If you have, you know it hurts a lot. That much heat is bad for your skin … and it’s not so great for your hair, either. Here’s why and some alternatives to prevent hair damage. 

Heat damage 

Our hair is made up of three layers: the cuticle (outermost protective layer made of keratin), the cortex (middle) and the medulla (center). According to a cosmetic chemist, using too much heat on your hair can damage the keratin and cause hair strand dehydration. This can cause hair to break more easily. Heat damage cannot be easily repaired. If you use your hair straightener daily, your hair may look shiny and smooth, but it likely has heat damage. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent damage. 

Avoiding heat damage 

Here are some ways that you can prevent heat damage to your hair: 

• For heatless styles, try braids, buns and twists. 

• When blow-drying your hair, use the lowest setting and hold the blow-dryer further away from your hair. 

• Try using heatless styling methods such as pin curls and sock curls. 

• If you need to use a straightener or curling iron, use heat protectant spray and turn the dial down to a lower setting. 

• If you use heat every day, try altering your routine so that you use it fewer times per week. 

By preventing heat damage and knowing how to be safe, your hair will feel much healthier. Here’s to a curling iron burn-free world for all of us. 

By preventing heat damage and knowing how to be safe, your hair will feel much healthier. Here’s to a curling iron burn-free world for all of us.

If you have a bad day, get your nails done. Have a special occasion? Get your nails done in preparation. One appointment you cannot reschedule – nails. The day can be a total waste of make-up, but all is well if the nails look good.  

However, gel manicures come with a price, and your nails pay for it. According to the American Association of Dermatology, gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking. Repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.  

To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips: 

Be proactive with your manicurist.

Ask if tools are sterilized and look around to ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client.  

Wear sunscreen.

Before getting a gel manicure, apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to protect them from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. 

Only soak your fingertips in acetone.

When removing the nail polish, only soak your fingertips in acetone instead of your whole hands or fingers to protect the surrounding skin.  

Rehydrate your nails.

Between polishes, apply moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.  

Take a polish holiday.

Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails time to repair. Consider getting a gel manicure for special occasions only.  

Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your nail or have a persistent nail problem. 

To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend following these tips.