Skin care

Learning Center

    21 Results

    Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?

    Tanning beds don't offer a safe alternative to natural sunlight.

    Answer

    Sunless tanning: What you need to know

    Sunless tanning products can provide a safe, natural-looking tan — if they're applied carefully and correctly.

    Article

    Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options

    Confused about the best sunscreen? Here's some help sorting through the options.

    Article

    Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help?

    Understand the role water plays in keeping skin healthy.

    Answer

    Mayo Clinic Minute: Shining the light on SPF in sunscreen

    Find out what SPF means and what SPF to look for in your sunscreen.

    Video

    Mayo Clinic Minute: Uncovering UPF in clothing

    Find out how UPF clothing can help protect you from the sun.

    Video

    Mayo Clinic Minute: The many benefits of petroleum jelly

    Try these simple tips for healing dry skin with petroleum jelly.

    Video

    Self-tanners: Are they safe?

    Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The active ingredient in most sunless tanners is the color additive dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with dead cells in the skin's surface layer to temporarily darken your skin. The coloring gradually fades within a few days. Caution: Most self-tanners don't contain sunscreen. If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen is essential.

    HealthTip

    Applying sunscreen? Don't be stingy

    Most people use sunscreen too sparingly. If you use sunscreen generously and frequently, a bottle of sunscreen shouldn't last long. Generally, a liberal application is 1 ounce (30 milliliters) — the amount in a shot glass — to cover exposed parts of the body. You might need to apply more, depending on your body size. If you have a 4-ounce (118-milliliter) bottle, you'll use about one-fourth of it during one application.

    HealthTip

    Sunscreen: One dose doesn't do it

    You can't put on sunscreen in the morning and expect to be protected for a full day in the sun. To maximize sun protection, apply generous amounts of sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before you go outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

    HealthTip
    Refine Your Search
    Type
    Age
    Focus