Skin care

[[File:Skin care cosmetics.jpg|thumb|Skin care cosmetics at a [[pharmacy (shop)|pharmacy]]]]

[[File:Skin care cosmetics.jpg|thumb|Skin care cosmetics at a [[pharmacy (shop)|pharmacy]]]]

'''Skin care''' or '''skincare''' is the practice and process of maintaining and improving the health and appearance of the [[Human skin|skin]]. It includes washing, moisturizing, protecting from the sun, and treating skin problems like [[acne]] and dryness.{{Cite web|title=Do You Really Need a Skin Care Routine?|url=https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/do-you-really-need-a-skin-care-routine|website=Northwestern Medicine|access-date=2025-12-01|date=December 2021}}

'''Skin care''' or '''skincare''' is the practice and process of maintaining and improving the health and appearance of the [[Human skin|skin]]. It includes washing, moisturizing, protecting from the sun, and treating skin problems like [[acne]] and dryness.{{Cite web|title=Do You Really Need a Skin Care Routine?|url=https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/do-you-really-need-a-skin-care-routine|website=Northwestern Medicine|access-date=2025-12-01|date=December 2021}} '''Facial care''' is skin care for the face.

Skin care is at the interface of [[cosmetics]] and [[dermatology]]. Skin care differs from dermatology by its inclusion of non-physician professionals, such as [[esthetician]]s and nursing staff. Skin care includes modifications of individual behavior and of environmental and working conditions. Skin care is applied during recovery from [[wound healing]], [[radiation therapy]], and the management of some medications. '''Facial care''' is skin care for the face.

Skin care is at the interface of [[cosmetics]] and [[dermatology]]. Skin care differs from dermatology by its inclusion of non-physician professionals, such as [[esthetician]]s and nursing staff. Skin care includes modifications of individual behavior and of environmental and working conditions. Skin care is applied during recovery from [[wound healing]], [[radiation therapy]], and the management of some medications.

Skin care needs vary according to age, diseases, wounds, exposure to the sun, environmental extremes, and chemicals. Skin care products exist as regulated [[prescription drug]]s and as [[topical medication|topical]] agents marketed as cosmetics but having no [[evidence-based medicine|clinical proof]] of efficacy. A skin care physician is called a dermatologist.

Skin care needs vary according to age, diseases, wounds, exposure to the sun, environmental extremes, and chemicals. Skin care products exist as regulated [[prescription drug]]s and as [[topical medication|topical]] agents marketed as cosmetics but having no [[evidence-based medicine|clinical proof]] of efficacy. A skin care physician is called a dermatologist.

{{Main|Cosmetics|Cosmeceutical|Nutricosmetics}}

{{Main|Cosmetics|Cosmeceutical|Nutricosmetics}}

There are many different forms of skin care treatments, each offering unique benefits for the skin. Some popular forms of facial care include a variety of different types of [[facial]]s,{{Cite web|title=8 Popular Types of Facials and Their Benefits|url=https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/skin-care/skin-care-essentials/types-of-facials|website=L'Oréal Paris|access-date=2025-12-01}} facial massage,{{Cite journal|title=Objective analysis of the effectiveness of facial massage using breakthrough computed tomographic technology: A preliminary pilot study|journal=Skin Research and Technology|date=May 2022|issn=1600-0846|pmc=9907650|pmid=35416349|pages=472–479|volume=28|issue=3|doi=10.1111/srt.13152|first1=Itsuko|last1=Okuda|first2=Mizuho|last2=Takeda|first3=Masahiro|last3=Taira|first4=Toyoaki|last4=Kobayashi|first5=Ken|last5=Inomata|first6=Naoki|last6=Yoshioka}} and the use of masks.{{Cite news|title=The best LED face masks, tested: eight light therapy devices that are worth the hype|url=https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/sep/19/best-led-red-light-therapy-face-masks|work=The Guardian|date=2025-09-19|access-date=2025-12-01|issn=0261-3077|language=en-GB|first=Sarah|last=Matthews}} These treatments can help to cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it looking and feeling refreshed.

There are many different forms of skin care treatments, each offering unique benefits for the skin. Some popular forms of facial care include a variety of different types of [[facial]]s,{{Cite web|title=8 Popular Types of Facials and Their Benefits|url=https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/skin-care/skin-care-essentials/types-of-facials|website=L'Oréal Paris|access-date=2025-12-01}} facial massage,{{Cite journal|title=Objective analysis of the effectiveness of facial massage using breakthrough computed tomographic technology: A preliminary pilot study|journal=Skin Research and Technology|date=May 2022|issn=1600-0846|pmc=9907650|pmid=35416349|pages=472–479|volume=28|issue=3|doi=10.1111/srt.13152|first1=Itsuko|last1=Okuda|first2=Mizuho|last2=Takeda|first3=Masahiro|last3=Taira|first4=Toyoaki|last4=Kobayashi|first5=Ken|last5=Inomata|first6=Naoki|last6=Yoshioka}} and the use of masks.{{Cite news|title=The best LED face masks, tested: eight light therapy devices that are worth the hype|url=https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/sep/19/best-led-red-light-therapy-face-masks|work=The Guardian|date=2025-09-19|access-date=2025-12-01|issn=0261-3077|language=en-GB|first=Sarah|last=Matthews}} These treatments can help to cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it looking and feeling refreshed. To achieve the best results, choose products that are suitable for your specific skin type and that address any particular skin concerns you may have. The effectiveness of skin care depends on various factors such as skin type,{{Cite web|title=What Is My Skin Type? 5 Types Explained|url=https://www.nivea.co.uk/advice/skin/what-is-my-skin-type|website=NIVEA|access-date=2025-12-01}} sensitivity,{{Cite web|title=The best moisturisers for sensitive skin, starting from just £5|url=https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g34928132/best-moisturisers-sensitive-skin/|website=Good Housekeeping|date=2025-09-24|access-date=2025-12-01}} age,{{Cite web|title=The Best Skin Care Routine for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists|url=https://www.glamour.com/story/best-skincare-routine-for-mature-skin|website=Glamour|date=2025-11-25|access-date=2025-12-01|first=Grace|last=McCarty}} [[hyperpigmentation]],{{Cite magazine|title=A comprehensive guide to the best hyperpigmentation treatments|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a37685934/hyperpigmentation-treatments/|magazine=Harper's BAZAAR|date=2025-03-11|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en-GB}} and [[acne]].{{Cite web|title=10 skin care habits that can worsen acne|url=https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop|website=American Academy of Dermatology Association|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en}} The labels on cleansing and skin care products can be confusing because they use unclear words like "mild" or "gentle". This makes it hard to know how well a product works or what it actually does. Just because a product has a certain ingredient doesn't mean it is effective—how well it works depends on the whole formula and how it is used. People often mix up what a product does (like moisturizing) with what an ingredient does (like glycerin keeping moisture in or petrolatum protecting the skin).

To achieve the best results, choose products that are suitable for your specific skin type and that address any particular skin concerns you may have. The effectiveness of skin care depends on various factors such as skin type,{{Cite web|title=What Is My Skin Type? 5 Types Explained|url=https://www.nivea.co.uk/advice/skin/what-is-my-skin-type|website=NIVEA|access-date=2025-12-01}} sensitivity,{{Cite web|title=The best moisturisers for sensitive skin, starting from just £5|url=https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g34928132/best-moisturisers-sensitive-skin/|website=Good Housekeeping|date=2025-09-24|access-date=2025-12-01}} age,{{Cite web|title=The Best Skin Care Routine for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists|url=https://www.glamour.com/story/best-skincare-routine-for-mature-skin|website=Glamour|date=2025-11-25|access-date=2025-12-01|first=Grace|last=McCarty}} [[hyperpigmentation]],{{Cite magazine|title=A comprehensive guide to the best hyperpigmentation treatments|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a37685934/hyperpigmentation-treatments/|magazine=Harper's BAZAAR|date=2025-03-11|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en-GB}} and [[acne]].{{Cite web|title=10 skin care habits that can worsen acne|url=https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop|website=American Academy of Dermatology Association|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en}}

In Europe, cosmetics are regulated under a law named ''Safer cosmetics for people in the EU'', which enforces strict safety requirements, simplifies application and compliance procedures for companies and regulatory authorities, ensures that cosmetics products can be marketed,

In Europe, cosmetics are regulated under a law named ''Safer cosmetics for people in the EU'', which enforces strict safety requirements, simplifies application and compliance procedures for companies and regulatory authorities, ensures that cosmetics products can be marketed,

=== Cleansing ===

=== Cleansing ===

Cleansing is the process of removing dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin.{{Cite news|title=The 8 Best Facial Cleansers|url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-facial-cleansers/|work=The New York Times|date=2025-10-14|access-date=2025-12-01|issn=0362-4331}} Lathering cleansers, a common type of facial cleanser, generate lather when used, thanks to a surfactant level greater than the CMC ([[critical micelle concentration]]). These cleansers contain surfactants with short hydrophobic chains, enabling faster and higher levels of lather.{{Cite journal|title=Analysis of the Effects of Hydrocarbon Chain on Foam Properties of Alkyl Polyglycosides|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1007/s11743-017-1955-7|journal=Journal of Surfactants and Detergents|date=2017|issn=1558-9293|pages=623–630|volume=20|issue=3|doi=10.1007/s11743-017-1955-7|language=en|first1=Yawen|last1=Zhou|first2=Shan|last2=Wang|first3=Mengdie|last3=Lv|first4=Jinping|last4=Niu|first5=Baocai|last5=Xu|url-access=subscription}} Most lathering cleansers on the market use synthetic surfactants designed to be mild to the skin, reducing skin damage compared to naturally derived surfactants. However, they may be less effective at removing oil-soluble makeup. Liquid lathering cleansers clean through the chemical process of emulsification, suspending or emulsifying dirt and oils, thus allowing them to be removed from the skin during the rinse process. Exfoliating cleansers are used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin twice per day, in the morning and evening.{{Cite web|title=The Best Exfoliating Face Washes Keep Skin Clean, Soft, and Smooth|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/exfoliating-face-wash|website=Vogue|date=2025-11-03|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en-US|author=Iman Balagam}} There also exist soapless or "no-rinse" cleansers.

Cleansing is the process of removing dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin.{{Cite news|title=The 8 Best Facial Cleansers|url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-facial-cleansers/|work=The New York Times|date=2025-10-14|access-date=2025-12-01|issn=0362-4331}} Lathering cleansers, a common type of facial cleanser, generate lather when used, thanks to a surfactant level greater than the CMC ([[critical micelle concentration]]). These cleansers contain surfactants with short hydrophobic chains, enabling faster and higher levels of lather.{{Cite journal|title=Analysis of the Effects of Hydrocarbon Chain on Foam Properties of Alkyl Polyglycosides|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1007/s11743-017-1955-7|journal=Journal of Surfactants and Detergents|date=2017|issn=1558-9293|pages=623–630|volume=20|issue=3|doi=10.1007/s11743-017-1955-7|language=en|first1=Yawen|last1=Zhou|first2=Shan|last2=Wang|first3=Mengdie|last3=Lv|first4=Jinping|last4=Niu|first5=Baocai|last5=Xu|url-access=subscription}} Most lathering cleansers on the market use synthetic surfactants designed to be mild to the skin, reducing skin damage compared to naturally derived surfactants. However, they may be less effective at removing oil-soluble makeup. Liquid lathering cleansers clean through the chemical process of emulsification, suspending or emulsifying dirt and oils, thus allowing them to be removed from the skin during the rinse process. Exfoliating cleansers are used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin twice per day, in the morning and evening.{{Cite web|title=The Best Exfoliating Face Washes Keep Skin Clean, Soft, and Smooth|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/exfoliating-face-wash|website=Vogue|date=2025-11-03|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en-US|author=Iman Balagam}} There also exist soapless or "no-rinse" cleansers (syndets).

=== Exfoliating ===

=== Exfoliating ===

{{Main|Exfoliation (cosmetology)}}

{{Main|Exfoliation (cosmetology)}}

Exfoliation is a skincare process that involves the removal of dead skin cells from the skin's surface, promoting skin renewal and cell turnover and rejuvenation.{{Cite journal|author=Marta I. Rendon|author2=Diane S. Berson|author3=Joel L. Cohen|year=2010|title=Evidence and considerations in the application of chemical peels in skin disorders and aesthetic resurfacing|url=https://plamine.de/en|journal=The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology|volume=3|issue=7|pages=32–43|issn=2689-9175|pmid=20725555|pmcid=2921757|archive-date=2024-11-07}} Chemical exfoliating (such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid), causes controlled destruction of the epidermis, leading to subsequent rejuvenation of the skin. [[Chemical peel]]s are a form of targeted skin exfoliation, with different depths of peels inducing varying degrees of outer layer removal of the skin. Superficial peels, for example, reduce epidermal [[melanin]] and are used in the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Additionally, exfoliation can be achieved through physical scrubbing using additives such as oats or coffee grounds.{{Cite web|title=How to safely exfoliate at home|url=https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home|website=American Academy of Dermatology Association|access-date=2025-12-01}} Over-exfoliation should be avoided to prevent irritation.name="Lichterfeld2015"/>

Exfoliation is a skincare process that involves the removal of dead skin cells from the skin's surface, promoting skin renewal and cell turnover and rejuvenation.{{Cite journal|author=Marta I. Rendon|author2=Diane S. Berson|author3=Joel L. Cohen|year=2010|title=Evidence and considerations in the application of chemical peels in skin disorders and aesthetic resurfacing|url=https://plamine.de/en|journal=The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology|volume=3|issue=7|pages=32–43|issn=2689-9175|pmid=20725555|pmcid=2921757|archive-date=2024-11-07}} Chemical exfoliating (such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid), causes controlled destruction of the epidermis, leading to subsequent rejuvenation of the skin. [[Chemical peel]]s are a form of targeted skin exfoliation, with different depths of peels inducing varying degrees of outer layer removal of the skin. Superficial peels, for example, reduce epidermal [[melanin]] and are used in the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Additionally, exfoliation can be achieved through physical scrubbing using additives such as oats or coffee grounds.{{Cite web|title=How to safely exfoliate at home|url=https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home|website=American Academy of Dermatology Association|access-date=2025-12-01}} Over-exfoliation can lead to irritation and barrier damage, which can be avoided by careful routine design and product choice such as micro-dosed acid formulations.>{{cite journal |last1=Das |first1=Anupam |last2=Sen |first2=Dyotona |last3=Jadhwar |first3=Sameer |title=Dermatologists’ perspectives on daily gentle exfoliation for sensitive and oily/acne-prone skin: Insights from a national survey |journal=Cosmoderma |date=26 November 2025 |volume=5 |pages=124 |doi=10.25259/CSDM_164_2025}}>

=== Toning ===

=== Toning ===

[[Moisturizer]]s are used to hydrate dry skin, improve and prevent rough, cracked skin, restore the natural feel of the skin to make it soft, silky, and smooth, or alleviate skin conditions such as [[eczema]], contact [[dermatitis]], or [[rosacea]]. In essence, most people use moisturizers to ensure their skin feels and looks nice without any discomfort.{{Cite web|title=Moisturizers: Do they work?|url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/moisturizers-do-they-work|website=Harvard Health|date=2008-02-01|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en}} It is a crucial aspect of skincare, particularly for areas prone to dryness or that have impaired barrier function.{{Citation|title=Moisturizers|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/|publisher=StatPearls Publishing|work=StatPearls|date=2025|access-date=2025-12-01|place=Treasure Island (FL)|pmid=31424755|first1=Anne|last1=Harwood|first2=Ali|last2=Nassereddin|first3=Karthik|last3=Krishnamurthy}} Moisturizing skincare can contribute to preventing and treating skin diseases and disorders.{{Cite web|title=Skin Diseases: Types of, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention|url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21573-skin-diseases|website=Cleveland Clinic|access-date=2025-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224230044/https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21573-skin-diseases|archive-date=2026-02-24}} The term "moisturization" holds different meanings depending on its intended purpose and how it is applied. Different formulations exist for different skin types, such as lightweight gels for oily skin and rich creams for dry skin.

[[Moisturizer]]s are used to hydrate dry skin, improve and prevent rough, cracked skin, restore the natural feel of the skin to make it soft, silky, and smooth, or alleviate skin conditions such as [[eczema]], contact [[dermatitis]], or [[rosacea]]. In essence, most people use moisturizers to ensure their skin feels and looks nice without any discomfort.{{Cite web|title=Moisturizers: Do they work?|url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/moisturizers-do-they-work|website=Harvard Health|date=2008-02-01|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en}} It is a crucial aspect of skincare, particularly for areas prone to dryness or that have impaired barrier function.{{Citation|title=Moisturizers|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/|publisher=StatPearls Publishing|work=StatPearls|date=2025|access-date=2025-12-01|place=Treasure Island (FL)|pmid=31424755|first1=Anne|last1=Harwood|first2=Ali|last2=Nassereddin|first3=Karthik|last3=Krishnamurthy}} Moisturizing skincare can contribute to preventing and treating skin diseases and disorders.{{Cite web|title=Skin Diseases: Types of, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention|url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21573-skin-diseases|website=Cleveland Clinic|access-date=2025-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224230044/https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21573-skin-diseases|archive-date=2026-02-24}} The term "moisturization" holds different meanings depending on its intended purpose and how it is applied. Different formulations exist for different skin types, such as lightweight gels for oily skin and rich creams for dry skin.

=== Targeted tratement ===

=== Targeted treatment ===

Specialized products such as serums, [[facial mask]]s, and eye cream contain active ingredients to address specific skin concerns.

Specialized products such as serums, [[facial mask]]s, and eye cream contain active ingredients to address specific skin concerns.