Skin Care
Let the Web familiarize you with the special needs of your skin, and teach you good skin care habits to help you look and feel your best. If you have a specific skin condition you need to treat, are looking for skincare products to purchase, or want to develop a regular skin care routine, this guide can help.
Expand All Guide SectionsSkin Type
Skin types are often separated into three basic categories: oily, dry, and combination. Your skin type determines pretty much every aspect of your skin care routine, so it’s essential to know what it is before you start buying products. This guide can help you determine your skin type and find products suited to it.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Skin types often change with time—especially as people grow out of adolescence. If your skin used to be oily or acne-prone, for example, you might consider re-evaluating it for changes now.
- Seasons also affect skin type: many people experience dryness in the winter months, for example, or oiliness after getting a tan. If your skin is doing things out of the ordinary, you may need to alter your regimen based on the time of year.
- The three main skin type distinctions can be limiting; many people have skin that lies somewhere in between. The sites in this section take into account the fact that not everyone fits exactly into one type.
Dulcinea's Picks
DiscoveryHealth
is organized by the Discovery channel and offers great advice on determining skin type and developing a skin care routine. First, visit “What’s Your Skin Type?” in the basics section. Then, use the rest of the site to develop good skin care habits. This site also has helpful information for ethnic skin.
activeskin.com.au
has a chart that outlines the basic skin types and the typical indicators of each type. Here you’ll also see that there is more than one type of combination skin.
DoctorGoodSkin.com
has sections for different skin types. Visit the “dry skin” link, for example, to learn about what causes dry skin, how to distinguish symptoms, and find treatment possibilities. You can also research how skin functions by visiting the “Acid Mantle of the Skin” link or find thorough information about specific skin conditions under the "Know Your Skin" section.
Ethnic Skin
Some skin conditions are unique to ethnic skin. The Web sites below detail what these conditions are, and how you can develop a routine based on your skin’s particular needs. You’ll also find information on products designed specifically for ethnic skin.
Dulcinea's Insight
- One major myth about dark skin is that it is not as susceptible to sun damage as lighter skin—many of these sites explore the misconception that more melanoma means less skin damage.
- To find skin care products made especially for ethnic skin, see this guide's "Skin Care Products" section. Or, for even more resources, visit findingDulcinea’s Makeup Web Guide.
- Although certain skin conditions are more common in ethnic skin, care basics are similar: visit the “Skin Care Routines” section of this guide to learn the first steps in caring for your skin.
Dulcinea's Picks
For advice and information about skin of color ...
American Academy of Dermatology
offers information and skin care advice for users of varying ethnic backgrounds. Some topics covered include vitiligo, dry or “ashy skin,” keloids, and breaking hair.
Brownskin.net
Skin Inc.
publishes this article defining and exploring the biology of ethnic skin. This discussion of common ethnic skin issues also addresses the most effective products to treat ethnic skin conditions.
Skin Care Routines
In order to keep skin healthy, it’s a good idea to develop a regular routine for cleansing and protecting skin. Use these Web sites to learn what your skin needs, and what routine will serve it best.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Sometimes when you use a product for a long time, its effectiveness wears out. Consider revamping your routine to keep your skin looking its best. You can always return to your favorite products after a hiatus.
- A good place to get hands-on advice about skin care is from the makeup counter at a department store. Sales people often offer free consultations; just be mindful that they will also try hard to send you home with pricey items. Find out which products work best for you, and then compare prices online. See this guide's “Skin Care Products” section.
- If you do a simple search for “skin care routine” using a regular search engine you’ll find several products promising to make you younger, healthier, and more beautiful … for a price. Be wary of these products; research them carefully, and try to purchase only items that come with a satisfaction guarantee.
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For advice on skin care ...
Mayo Clinic
offers skin care tips from a medical perspective. Learn to care for normal, dry, or acne-prone skin. You will also find help for dealing with sun-damaged skin, skin rashes, and irritations.
LHJ.com
is the Web site of Ladies’ Home Journal. The site offers a link to many featured articles that give tips and hints about skin care—like the best foods to eat for glowing skin and common skin care myths. Although the site is targeted at women, the information can be helpful for men and children as well.
Skin Conditions
If you are experiencing skin irritation, but are not sure if your situation is serious enough to warrant a dermatologist visit, use these sites to do some research. Many skin conditions are normal and treatable from home—these sites will help you identify and deal with your problem.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Some of the sites below may contain graphic images. Be prepared to see some detailed pictures of skin conditions, infections, and scars.
- If your condition persists after you’ve tried treating it yourself, or if you suspect something serious, don’t hesitate to contact a dermatologist.
- Be careful when treating skin conditions yourself—even over-the-counter products can be potent, so be mindful of how your skin reacts. Always check warning labels before using a product. Many products will advise you to test the product on a less sensitive visible patch of skin such as your arm or leg.
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For a glossary of dermatology terms ...
The Electronic Textbook of Dermatology
can help if you encounter unfamiliar terms during your research.
For information about skin conditions and treatments ...
National Skin Center
offers straightforward information on skin diseases and treatments and provides helpful illustrations as well.
SkinCarePhysicians.com
is sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology and provides information on various skin conditions and treatments; “AcneNet,” “PsoriasisNet,” and “EczemaNet” are sample sections. There is a link within most categories to “When to See a Dermatologist,” which is helpful if you’re unsure about the severity of your condition.
Treatments for Skin Conditions
Skin care treatments can be purely cosmetic, or for medical purposes. You may have heard of options like botox or microdermabrasions—but are unsure of what those processes entail. The sites below provide definitions and detailed information about professional skin care treatments.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you are considering a complicated skin procedure, it is wise to go through a certified professional or dermatologist. Although some salons and spas offer treatments at lower prices, the risk might not be worth taking. Visit this guide's “Dermatologists” section to find one nearby.
- If you choose to have a treatment done at a salon or spa, be sure that it is sanitary. One good way to do this is to inquire about sterilization processes.
- Don’t get any treatments done if you have a big event planned or are going to be spending time in the sun. Many dermatological processes can irritate skin or make it light sensitive.
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For medicines ...
DermNet
lists a number of topical skin treatments. Click any link for information on what the treatment involves, how it can be helpful, and how to administer it. Because this site is New Zealand–based, there may be some treatments listed that are not available in the United States.
For surgical procedures ...
Beautysurg.com
is a cosmetic surgery resource that explains many skin treatments and procedures. You can also learn about the aspects of cosmetic surgery, such as how to choose a cosmetic surgeon, the risks of the surgery, and fees related to cosmetic surgery.
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
offers information about dermatological surgery, including chemical peeling and fat transfer.
skincarecompany.net
provides information on many common skin treatments like light therapy, botox, chemical peels, and laser hair removal, to name a few. Also check the skin care articles, product reviews, recipes, and forums for additional helpful information. Be advised that there are advertisements in prominent places throughout the text.
Dermatologists
Although many skin care treatments can be done without visiting a dermatologists’ office, there are a number of reasons why visiting a trained medical professional can be essential. Use the sites in this section to determine whether or not you need to visit a dermatologist, and to locate one near you.
Dulcinea's Insight
- One good way to find a dermatologist is through your insurance provider. Check to see which skin doctors accept your insurance plan before scheduling an appointment.
- If you have any suspicious moles or lesions, or experience a persistent skin condition that you have not been able to treat yourself, don’t hesitate to call a dermatologist.
Dulcinea's Picks
For tips and advice in choosing a dermatologist ...
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
offers tips and questions you should ask before selecting a doctor or having a procedure. Topics to consider include cost, recovery time, the doctor's credentials and risks.
The National Skin Care Institute
will help you determine whether or not you need to seek advice from a dermatologist and can help you find one if you decide to make an appointment. Visit the “Going to a Dermatologist” link for advice on what to expect during a typical visit.
To find a dermatologist or surgeon ...
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
has a page that allows you to search for a dermasurgeon by zip code, country, and procedures.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
is a trusted source for dermatology information. Use the “Find a Dermatologist” link on the top left side of the page to find a dermatologist near you. Because having a skin condition can be a very emotional event, the AAD has also included information about Camp Discovery, a weeklong event the AAD designed specifically for kids with serious skin problems.
Skin Care Products
Not only can you buy skin care products online, but most sites that deal in skin care products also offer valuable information about them. The following sites point you to some of the most reliable resources to buy skin care products of all kinds, including, natural, and organic items.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you are buying makeup online, be advised that it is often difficult to match your skin tone to the colors on the screen. You might consider testing your shades in a store before purchasing them online.
- If you experience allergic reactions or irritations from skin care products, you may find the natural and organic Web sites listed below to be helpful. “Natural” and “organic,” aren't the same thing, however. The USDA's organic guidelines outlines the differences.
- Visit the findingDulcinea Beauty Guide for help buying beauty products online. If you’re looking just for makeup, go directly to the findingDulcinea Makeup Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
To know what to look for …
WebMD.com
describes a number of essential skin care ingredients to look for when purchasing lotions or cleansing products. The explanations are valuable because they offer warnings when a product might irritate sensitive skin.
For standard skin care products …
SkinStore.com
offers mostly creams and serums by some of the most high-end skin doctors and product lines. The site also allows you to select a skin condition and browse products designed to cure it.
SkinCareRx
arranges products by skin type, condition, and treatment. If you select “Aging” from the “Conditions” link, for example, products are displayed in three sections—“Oily,” “Normal,” and “Dry.” The site is helpful in tailoring products specifically to your needs.
DermatologistRx
categorizes skin care products by skin condition. When you select a category, links to price ranges appear so that you can shop for what you need within a budget.
For skin care products made especially for ethnic skin …
BellaOnline
is a site for women, with an extensive section specifically for women of color. This link offers product reviews for skin and beauty items and also offers tips and techniques for skin care.
Carol’s Daughter
is a beauty product line designed specifically for women of color, although products can be used for all skin types and shades. There are more than 300 products available for skin and general beauty needs.
For organic beauty products …
LoveLula.com
gives an overview of the organic skin care market. “About Organic Skincare” gives an extensive explanation of elements within the topic. The site is British but allows you to easily convert prices from pounds to dollars on products you are considering purchasing. “Your Online Consultation” can help you learn about your skin type and how to care for it organically.
Saffron Rouge
has more than 800 organic skin care and beauty products, many of which are quite expensive. There are, however, more than 150 free samples available—you are allowed to order between two and five at a time depending on the amount you spend on other full-sized products. There is also a function that lets you to sort by price or name brand.
The Organic Beauty Expert
is a blog that offers articles and discussions about what constitutes organic products and why they are better for your skin, as well as recipes for making your own organic skin care products. You'll also learn about a variety of other organic body care items here.
Tanning
Tans are frequently associated with vitality and health. This section helps you find out how to get a tan, (both naturally, and with help) while also providing background information on the health risks and benefits of tanning.
Dulcinea's Insight
- One of the easiest ways to find a tanning salon in your area is to do a quick general search. Try typing “tanning” into your preferred search engine along with the name of your city.
- Be mindful of the arguments against tanning. It can be an unhealthy process, especially in excess. We suggest consulting your physician or dermatologist, or at least doing thorough research before you begin to tan.
- There are many sunless tanning options. Most salons offer these alternatives. You can also use at-home lotions, available at drugstores.
Dulcinea's Picks
To learn about the potential dangers of tanning …
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
warns about the dangers of tanning. It offers commonsense advice on how to be responsible with your skin—even if you do use UV rays to do get bronzed. Click on topics on the left side of the page to learn about UV radiation and tanning risks.
TanningTruth.com
offers an alternative perspective to the potential negatives of tanning. On this site you’ll find articles detailing the benefits of the sun, links to other organizations that promote tanning, as well as a “Salon Locator,” which will help you find a tanning establishment in your area.
To find tanning products …
The Tanning Store
sells tanning devices, creams, makeup, post tanning lotions, and much more. The “Return Requests” section makes it easy to exchange or return a product if you are not satisfied.
Sunless.com
is a sunless tanning Web site. All contributors are volunteers, but the information is informative—beginners will benefit from the “Application” link that offers a “Step by Step” guide as well as a “Preventing Sunless Tanning Accidents” section. The site has lots of great information, but the design is a bit disorganized.
Skin Damage
These sites go beyond the basics of recommending sunscreen. Learn how to identify skin damage and protect yourself from it in many ways. You’ll discover how to identify sun damage and how to prevent it.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many of the images that appear in these Web sites are of a somewhat graphic medical nature and may not be appropriate for all audiences.
- Although the following sites will help you identify dangerous moles and skin problems through images and explanations, there is no substitute for visiting a medical professional if you suspect that a skin discoloration or mole may be dangerous.
- Intensify your research into skin damage with the findingDulcinea Skin Cancer Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For information about skin damage ...
Mayo Clinic
has a slideshow of skin damage—view a series of images that display the effects of the sun. Each picture is accompanied by an explanation of the condition.
The Skin Cancer Foundation
has advice for protecting your skin from the sun. The site has a series of prevention tips and a section about how to identify different forms of skin cancer.
MedicineNet.com
answers a number of questions on sun exposure and the causes and symptoms of skin cancer. Make sure to review the “Top 10 Skin Cancer Related Articles” on the left side of the site as well. You can also submit a question to the health experts who contribute to the site.
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
