Skin & Beauty
The “Skin & Beauty” category features articles on skincare routines, beauty tips, products, and treatments, offering advice to enhance skin health and overall beauty.
What You Need to Know About Marula Oil
The marula fruit tree (Sclerocarya birrea) is indigenous to regions of southern Africa. These trees once grew only in the wild and were uncommon, but they are now cultivated. (img by Hale & Hush) Long ago regarded as sacred, the marula tree was associated with fertility and harmonious marriages. The fermented fruit was also believed to inebriate elephants, which seem to relish its sweet flavor as much as humans do.…
Sunflower Oil for Hair
A tiny amount of sunflower oil can help your hair appear and feel softer, shinier, and smoother. While commonly used in cooking, edible sunflower oil is also applied for skin and hair care. The fatty acids and antioxidants in sunflower oil make it a useful choice for hair that’s dry or lackluster. Some research suggests coconut oil may be more effective for repairing damaged hair. Still, if you’re reaching for…
Hemp Seed Oil for Hair
What is hemp seed oil? Hemp belongs to the Cannabis sativa family. While people often use the term marijuana for this plant, that name actually refers to a different variety of Cannabis sativa. Hemp seed oil is a pale green oil obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. It’s distinct from cannabidiol (CBD), which is an extract derived from hemp flowers and leaves. (img by Treehugger) Hemp seed…
Apple Cider Vinegar for Mole Removal
Apple cider vinegar can chemically burn skin, which may eliminate moles but also lead to complications. Physicians advise professional removal so removed tissue can be examined for skin cancer. Moles — also known as nevi — are frequent skin lesions that usually appear as small, round, brownish spots. Moles are formed by clusters of skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes generate and store melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.…
Everything You Need to Know About Botox for Sweating
Injecting Botox to control excessive sweating can be an effective, though temporary, approach. (img by Metro Urgent Care) Botox is a neurotoxin derived from the bacteria that cause botulism (a form of food poisoning). When administered correctly by a healthcare professional, it is considered safe. Botox is best known as a cosmetic procedure to smooth facial lines by temporarily relaxing muscles. Physicians also use it to treat neuromuscular disorders such…
Why Is My Hair So Oily?
Healthy hair generates a certain level of sebum, or natural oil, which helps moisturize the scalp and shield hair strands. The volume of oil produced differs based on hair texture, grooming habits, and various lifestyle factors. (img by Goldie Locks) Occasionally this natural oil accumulates, particularly at the roots, creating a glossy look that some people interpret as unclean. If you suspect your hair is oilier than it should be,…
What to Know About Combining Niacinamide and Retinol
Niacinamide and retinol are two widely used skincare actives. Individually, each can help address acne and blemishes, even out skin tone, and lessen visible signs of aging. If you’re already using a product with one of these ingredients, you might be curious whether combining niacinamide and retinol would boost results and whether it’s safe to layer them. After all, some skincare actives don’t play well together. In this piece, we’ll…
What to Know Before Combining AHA and Retinol in Your Skin Care Routine
Glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic acids — all of these are members of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. These acids serve as chemical exfoliants, breaking down the bonds that keep dead skin cells attached to the surface of your skin, explains NYC board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. That action helps your skin slough off those cells, revealing smoother, healthier skin beneath. AHAs also act as humectants, notes Dr. Orit…
Can You Use Essential Oils to Treat Shingles?
Geranium, peppermint, thyme, lemon, and lavender essential oils might help ease the pain and itching connected to shingles. They should never be applied to broken skin or active shingles lesions. Use caution. (img by BC Essentials) Herpes zoster, commonly called shingles, is caused by the same virus that produces chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant in nerve cells and reactivate later in life as shingles. The shingles vaccine is effective…
What Are the Benefits of a Baking Soda Bath, How Do You Take One, and Is It Safe?
Soaking in a baking soda bath can help manage several skin issues, including eczema and yeast infections, among others. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly those with open sores. (img by The Spruce) Baking soda baths are an economical, generally safe, and often effective method for skin care and managing certain health complaints. These baths are distinct from Epsom salt soaks, which are aimed at different problems.…
