Body care guides
Plain-language guides about body care. Each guide shows whether our dermatologist has reviewed it yet.
All body care guides
18 articlesLaser hair removal: how it works, sessions and who it suits
How laser hair removal works, which laser suits your skin tone, how many sessions you need, how to prepare, side effects, and how it compares with home IPL.
BodyStretch marks: how to prevent, fade and treat them
Why stretch marks form, what the evidence says about preventing them, which creams may help new red marks, and what clinic treatments can do for old ones.
BodyCellulite: why it happens and what actually helps
What cellulite is, why most women have it at every weight, which creams and clinic treatments have some evidence, which do not, and when to see a doctor.
BodyScar tape and silicone sheets: do they work and how to use them
How silicone scar sheets and scar tape work, which scars they help and which they don't, when to start, how long to wear them, and when a scar needs a doctor.
BodyBody acne: how to clear back and chest breakouts
Why back and chest acne happens, a shower routine that helps clear it, how to tell it from fungal acne, habits that help, and when to see a dermatologist.
BodyStrawberry legs and keratosis pilaris: how to smooth bumpy skin
What causes strawberry legs and bumpy arms, how to tell the types apart, the lotions and shaving habits that smooth them, and when bumps need a doctor.
BodyDark underarms and inner thighs: causes and gentle fixes
Why underarms and inner thighs darken, the signs that point to a medical cause, gentle ingredients that may even tone, and habits that help stop it coming back.
BodyWhole body deodorant: does it work and is it safe?
Why body odor happens, how whole body deodorants differ from antiperspirants, where to use them, whether aluminum is a worry, and when to see a doctor.
BodyRazor bumps and ingrown hairs: how to prevent and treat them
Why razor bumps and ingrown hairs happen on legs, underarms and the bikini line, shaving steps that prevent them, ways to calm them, and when to see a doctor.
BodyDry skin on the body: shower rules and the best moisturizers
Why body skin gets dry and itchy, the shower habits and moisturizer timing that help, which ingredients to look for, and when dry, itchy skin needs a doctor.
BodyChapped lips: how to heal dry, cracked lips and what to avoid
Why lips get chapped, the simple balm routine dermatologists suggest, the ingredients that make dry lips worse, and when cracks or a scaly patch need a doctor.
BodyCracked heels: the urea routine that softens rough feet
Why heels crack, the urea cream and petroleum jelly routine dermatologists suggest, safe filing, shoe tips, and why people with diabetes need extra care.
BodySunburn relief: what to do in the first 48 hours
Sunburn relief that works: how to cool and soothe burned skin, what to avoid, how to handle blisters and peeling, and the warning signs that need medical care.
BodyBody wash: how to choose the right one for your skin
Soap, syndet bars, gels, creams or shower oil? How to pick a body wash for dry, sensitive, bumpy or breakout-prone skin, and how to wash without drying it out.
BodyRetinol body lotion: does it help body dark spots?
What retinol body lotion may do for rough texture and dark marks on the body, how to start, what else helps body hyperpigmentation, and when to see a doctor.
BodyBody exfoliation: scrubs vs acids and how often to do it
Scrubs vs acids for body exfoliation: which suits rough skin, bumps, ingrown hairs and self-tan prep, how to do it gently, how often, and mistakes to avoid.
BodyChafing: how to prevent and soothe thigh and underarm rub
Why chafing happens on thighs, underarms and under the breasts, which balms, powders and clothes help prevent it, how to soothe sore skin, and signs of infection.
BodySelf tanner: how to apply it streak-free on every skin tone
How self tanner works, how to prep and apply it for a streak-free result, choosing a shade, fixing mistakes, spray tan safety, and why you still need sunscreen.