Tag: underscored-skin-care

Hyperpigmentation, recognized by darker patches of skin due to increased melanin production, is one of the most common skin conditions, with melasma (a form of hyperpigmentation) affecting nearly 5 million people in the United States. Though some types of hyperpigmentation fade naturally or with age, most take longer to go away and require a treatment plan. This is less intimidating than it sounds, however, with plenty of derm-approved skin care products out there to help.

Here, we consult dermatologists to home in on the root causes of hyperpigmentation and melasma and how to best to treat uneven skin tones.

Though studies show that women and skin of color — with increased melanin levels — are more at risk of hyperpigmentation, it is a common concern for all ages, genders and skin types. “Melanin is a substance in your body that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation,” says Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. “There are several factors that can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are age, hormones, sun exposure and skin injuries or inflammation.”

There are two main ways that hyperpigmentation appears on the skin — localized or diffuse — the former arriving in more concentrated, smaller patches, while the latter manifests in larger, dispersed areas. Localized hyperpigmentation is the most common and is often caused by injury or inflammation to the skin, such as UV damage, acne and hormonal fluctuations seen during pregnancy or when taking birth control.

Then, there are three main types of hyperpigmentation — post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), age spots (also known as solar lentigo) and melasma — each of which have distinct root causes and ways to best approach treatment. “Melasma quite classically presents as pigmented patches in a butterfly pattern on the cheeks and forehead,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin. “PIH tends to have fuzzy borders, whereas age spots have a discrete edge.

“Skin of color is prone to hyperpigmentation in general,” Teo continues. “Dry or eczema-prone skin may develop worse [hyperpigmentation] symptoms compared to those with oily or combination skin because of a weakened skin barrier.”

Melasma is a common skin disorder and type of hyperpigmentation that is mainly present amongst pregnant women. The condition is most commonly triggered by an increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, but can also be caused by UV exposure, thyroid disease and certain medications such as retinoids, blood pressure medication and birth control pills. “Melasma is a common acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation that affects sun-exposed areas,” Murphy-Rose says. “It appears as hyperpigmented, irregular patches and most commonly affects women of reproductive age and only rarely occurs in males. It has been linked to sun exposure and estrogen.”

According to the American Board of Dermatology, melasma often manifests during a woman’s reproductive years, and is most common amongst those with medium to dark skin tones and predisposed genetic factors. A recent study found that almost half of surveyed melasma patients have a relative with the condition.

When melasma appears, it will form tan, brown or blue freckle-like spots or patches. While it is most found on the face, cheeks, forehead and chin, it can also appear on the legs, arms and neck. “The hormonal aspect is largely what differentiates melasma from hyperpigmentation and can make it more difficult to resolve,” says Chanel Jenae, Arcona owner, creative director and esthetician. “Melasma typically looks more like patches on the face, whereas hyperpigmentation can appear as sunspots, dark spots or freckles and is usually more diffused.”

How to treat melasma and hyperpigmentation

“To treat melasma, getting a dermatologist involved is key,” says Dr. Brandith Irwin, board-certified dermatologist and founder of skintour.com and MadisonMD Skincare. “If the problem is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — acne, a superficial scrape — then it may be reasonable to try at-home remedies, such as the MadisonMD Skin Care Uneven Pigment Fighter, for a month or two.”

Irwin advises that resurfacing treatments, such as lasers, may worsen melasma unless conducted by an expert. However, laser treatments are often better suited to aid other forms of hyperpigmentation, especially if caused by sun damage. Though most opt for at-home treatments and care, the quickest way to treat for hyperpigmentation is through dermatological procedures such as chemical peels, lasers, microdermabrasion and dermabrasion. For at-home users, look for products that are rich in alpha hydroxy and kojic acids and vitamin A (such as retinol and tretinoin), all of which aid in cell turnover and skin rejuvenation.

Though treatments are vital in treating hyperpigmentation, dermatologists advise that prevention is one of the best forms of treatment. “Proper suncare — SPF, wearing hats, protective clothing and tinted SPFs — are all beneficial.” says Irwin. “Wear hats with a full brim when outside whenever possible. If you have melasma on the forearms, keep them covered. If you’re not sure what pigment is due to, see a dermatologist as soon as possible.”

Best products for melasma and hyperpigmentation

Did you know you can save on your beauty routine by using money in your flexible spending account (FSA) on eligible skin care? If you have a FSA through your employer healthcare benefits, those pretax dollars can be used on a variety of medical expenses, including skin care that treats specific conditions.

“Over the counter topical skin care products related to certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne are FSA eligible,” says Dr. Rayma Garlapati, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skin Medicinals. That means you can use FSA dollars on qualifying lotions, cleansers, spot treatments and other products, and most of the time, you don’t need to see a doctor or get a prescription before buying.

“While you don’t necessarily need to see a dermatologist or doctor to use FSA dollars on these products, it can help to see a dermatologist to determine what treatments and creams would be best for your skin type,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “That said, some specific products may require a prescription in order to be eligible, to ensure it is being used for a medical condition.”

And even if you don’t have a medical skin condition like eczema or acne, most people with a FSA can take advantage of the fact that sunscreen is a qualifying product. “Sunscreens that are SPF 15 and above and have broad spectrum coverage are also FSA eligible as daily use of sunscreen can prevent skin cancer and signs of aging,” Garlapati says. Garshick also recommends using your FSA to stock up on SPF. “It is important to remember to wear sunscreen regularly, and for those who cost is a barrier to using it, this may be another option to ensure it is being used,” Garshick says.

If you’re unsure of whether a product qualifies, the FSA Store is stocked exclusively with eligible items (and not just skin care!). Target and Amazon also have FSA eligible products — identified by “FSA Eligible” labels on the respective sites — that you can shop using your FSA dollars, but some limitations may apply. For example, Target is unable to accept FSA cards as a form of payment for online orders, but you can use it in store (for online orders, you can use a debit or credit card and submit your receipt for reimbursement through your FSA plan). At Amazon, you can add your FSA card as a form of payment to your Amazon account and select it as your payment method at checkout.

To learn more about FSA dollars and how to use them, take a look at our complete guide to flexible spending accounts. Just remember — if you still have money from your 2022 plan, you’ll want to spend it before the FSA grace period ends on March 15. And when you’re ready to shop, consider adding these skin care products to your cart:

It turns out the internet was onto something when people began praising dandruff shampoo as a skin care treatment. The dermatologist-approved trick specifically targets fungal acne and can help clear up the symptoms of yeast-derived breakouts.

To find out if it’s right for you, we spoke to dermatologists about what exactly fungal acne is, how dandruff shampoo can help and what products to try.

If you’ve noticed stubborn and itchy bumps below the skin that don’t seem to go away with traditional acne products, it might be fungal acne. Caused by malassezia yeast, this is also known as pityrosporum folliculitis and it differs from acne vulgaris, or the standard type of acne we normally think of when we see blemishes.

“Fungal acne is a common misnomer as the condition isn’t really acne,” explains Dr. Ramya Garlapati, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skin Medicinals. “It’s actually a folliculitis, or an infection of the hair follicles, due to an overgrowth of yeast and therefore the condition does not respond to conventional acne treatments.”

Instead, fungal acne needs to be treated with antifungal agents that can combat the proliferation of yeast in the hair follicles.

Treatment for fungal acne can include over-the-counter skin care products and oral medication, as well as the not-so-secret life hack of using anti-dandruff shampoo. Both dermatologists we spoke to, as well as many others on social media, have confirmed its efficacy at treating the condition.

“Using dandruff shampoos as a face or body cleanser to treat fungal-related skin conditions such as fungal acne or seborrheic dermatitis is actually something I recommend to my patients,” says Garlapati. But before trying the viral trend, Garlapati reminds us that it’s still “important to first have your skin concern assessed by a dermatologist to ensure it’s a fungal-related condition.”

Benefits of dandruff shampoo for fungal acne

Dandruff is caused by the same malassezia yeast that is at the root of fungal acne, so anti-dandruff products and scalp care treatments can also be used to target the skin condition.

“Anti-dandruff shampoos that contain active ingredients that have antifungal properties such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide and ketoconazole are most effective at treating fungal acne,” Garlapati says. “You don’t need to search for a skin care product that contains these ingredients, as an anti-dandruff shampoo can also be utilized as a face or body cleanser.”

And while there are over-the-counter and prescription-strength options, the dandruff shampoo that you’ll find in the hair care aisle of your drugstore will do the trick. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu says that common name brands, such as Nizoral (containing ketoconazole) and Head and Shoulders (containing pyrithione zinc) are safe to use on your face.

Side effects of using dandruff shampoo on skin

As with any skin or hair care product, there is a risk of irritation, so always patch test on a small spot away from your face, like your arm, before using dandruff shampoo as a face wash. Nizoral also lists rash as a possible side effect, and you should stop use if one appears in the treated area.

Moreover, Liu notes that dandruff shampoos “can be drying, so I recommend limiting use to a few times weekly.”

How to use dandruff shampoo for fungal acne

Once you’ve grabbed your anti-dandruff shampoo of choice, you can use it as a face wash or mask to treat fungal acne. “The key when using the product is to lather it up and allow it to sit on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off,” Garlapati says. “The shampoo should not be immediately washed off as the product needs to be in contact with the skin for a few minutes for the treatment to be effective.” Liu recommends doing this in the shower as it’s easiest to incorporate into your routine.

It’s that time: We end the year hopeful that the next one will be better and resolve to make sweeping, emphatic changes that’ll outlast the first few weeks of the new year. Maybe it’s to be active every single day, or to learn a new language before spring. But not every New Year’s resolution needs to be an exhaustive overhaul. Instead, try something simple, like making more sustainable beauty swaps that’ll benefit both the planet and your wallet.

“More small-batch, eco-conscious beauty companies were popping up pioneering low-packaging, vegan and cruelty-free products and innovations like compostable packaging and recyclable mascara and such, and through their efforts, consumers got to experience their performance and understand that eco-friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing all the stuff we love about getting gussied up,” says Ashlee Piper, sustainability expert and author of “Give A Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet”. “Eco-conscious consumers are one of the fastest growing consumer groups. It’s no longer a trend, and large companies see they need to evolve and change in order to stay relevant. I love it when the actions of individuals become collective and push the status quo to improve.”

Still, Piper notes that terms around sustainability are largely unregulated, so a brand might call their packaging or ingredient list “sustainable” or “green” without much explanation. “With that in mind, ‘sustainable’ can mean almost anything and nothing, at the same time,” Piper admits.

That said, there are myriad ways to make smarter, more environmentally friendly choices for your makeup bag, vanity and even your shower caddy. Ahead, the best (and easiest) sustainable beauty swaps to make ASAP.

Actress, model, author, mom and national treasure Brooke Shields may have come into awareness as a child star, but it’s as a woman in her 50s that she has come into her own. She’s currently busy rewriting the narrative for women over 40, thanks to Beginning is Now, her new digital platform and lifestyle brand that’s inspiring and empowering women to embrace a full life and live it on their own terms, as well as hosting her iHeart Radio podcast “Now What? With Brooke Shields” where she discusses pivotal moments in people’s lives, including her own. Here, Shields, who recently starred in the holiday film “Holiday Harmony” on HBO Max, shares her beauty (if she gave us big brows she’s now letting us know about lashes), wellness and lifestyle essentials.

The global anti-aging industry is larger than ever at $60.42 billion (and projected to grow to $119.6 billion by 2030), but among the wrinkle-erasing injectables and youth-preserving creams, there are a number of beauty brands changing the narrative around getting older and embracing a group simultaneously exploited by anti-aging marketing and made to feel invisible by it: women going through menopause.

“Women are not getting the necessary information they need to navigate this life stage,” says Rochelle Weitzner, founder and CEO of Pause Well-Aging. “As of now, fewer than 20% of physicians are trained in any sort of menopausal care. Very little research has gone into understanding menopause or providing science-backed solutions.”

Now, her brand and others — Naomi Watts launched Stripes, a menopausal beauty and wellness brand, earlier this year — are trying to destigmatize menopause. By featuring midlife women in marketing campaigns, speaking about the uncomfortable parts of menopause and fighting back against online censorship, Weitzner says, “menopausal brands are taking charge of educating women about the 34+ physical and emotional changes that accompany menopause, reassuring them that they are both normal and universal and offering solutions and a safe haven where needed.”

The period of transition happens to anyone who menstruates, and as Weitzner notes, it comes with a number of side effects, such as hot flashes and insomnia. These changes start as the body gradually stops ovulating, in what’s known as perimenopause. Once it’s been 12 months after their last period, it’s officially menopause. Throughout perimenopause and menopause, the changes can also affect the skin.

“Menopause is characterized by a decrease in estrogen production and many women recognize skin changes that come along with this,” says Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, a Miami-based board certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skin Care. “Skin can become drier and have a loss of elasticity that leads to sagging and more pronounced lines and wrinkles.”

Instead of fighting the signs of aging, a skin care routine tailored to menopausal skin can help support its health and function. But before we get into the details of the best menopausal skin care routine, it’s signifcant to note that menopausal beauty goes beyond products and trends. The experts we spoke to echoed the desire to erase the belief that menopause correlates to a decreased quality of life. “We want to take the fear and stigma out of getting older,” Weitzner says. “A lot of women see aging as a period of decline. This doesn’t have to be the case. Sexiness, health, vibrancy has no age limit. Taking care of your health can greatly influence your quality of life as you age.”

Sandra Chiu, founder of Lanshin, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and master of science in Traditional Chinese Medicine,  thinks that “it’s important to reframe the idea that women should expect certain changes as we near menopause, as if it’s any different a moment than what occurs in the normal course of aging that happens to everyone.”

Ahead, we speak to the experts about what exactly menopausal skin care is and what the best menopausal skin care routine looks like.

While there are plenty of anti-aging ingredients and products out there, menopausal skin care is formulated specifically to treat the skin transitions that come with the change in hormones.

“Studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause and elasticity decreases by 1.5% per year after menopause,” says Dr. Shari Auth, licensed acupuncturist and herbalist and co-founder and chief healing officer of WTHN.

At Pause, Weitzner creates clinically tested formulas that address those changes. “it’s important to us that we demonstrate to women how using products specifically suited to menopausal skin can deliver far greater results than the products they used in their 30s,” says Weitzner. For example, she cites that decreased collagen and elastin lead to sagging skin around the neck and jowls, so products that help boost the body’s collagen production can result in visible skin improvements. In addition, skin experiencing a lack of sebum production and decreased skin cell turnover requires products that can both rebalance natural oils and exfoliate skin.

Ciraldo agrees, but notes that it’s more about the formulas than the marketing. The dermatologist recommends that “all women use products that have high levels of actives that are proven to improve the unwanted skin changes and that they start these as early as possible.” Having a consistent skin care routine will help you delay the visible effects of menopause on the skin, and the dermatologist says to start using active skin care as early as your twenties.

Moreover, menopause may be universal for women, but the experience of menopause is not standardized for all. When it comes to the effects of menopause on the skin, Chiu says that the awareness in the West “is skewed toward how the skin of white Caucasian skin behaves as it ages,” but “for women of color, our skin and health changes can look quite different.”

For example, Chiu says, common changes for those with lighter skin tones include excess dryness and changes in elasticity and skin strength. Those with darker, melanated skin are more prone to issues with hyperpigmentation and melasma.

With this in mind, here are the experts’ tips and product recommendations for a complete menopausal skin care routine.

Because dryness, lack of elasticity and hyperpigmentation are common effects of menopause on the skin, your skin care routine should focus on retaining hydration, boosting collagen and fighting dullness. But that doesn’t mean you need a 10-step routine. In fact, Weitzner says “you don’t need a long, complicated skin care regimen to achieve healthy, radiant, firmer-looking skin.” By keeping it simple and strategically choosing what active ingredients to apply, you can achieve glowing, healthy skin without a laundry list of products.

Cleansing is “the cornerstone of any skin care regimen,” Weitzner says. Those going through menopause will want to look for cleansers with gentle, hydrating formulas that won’t exacerbate dryness.

Serums are a great way to target specific skin concerns that come with menopause. You can even pick one that features ingredients that address several issues (a vitamin C serum to treat hyperpigmentation that also contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin, for example). Vitamin C, retinol, ceramides, linoleic acid (vitamin F) and peptides are common skin care ingredients that Ciraldo recommends for menopausal skin. Just remember not to overdo it and alternate the days or time of day you use certain actives if needed. “Active anti-aging ingredients are best when matched to skin type, concern and tolerance,” Chiu explains.

Moisturizer is a must have for the morning and night, according to Weitzner. A great face cream locks in the benefits of any serums applied prior and adds yet another layer of all-important hydration. In the daytime, just remember to layer sunscreen on top, too, as UVA rays are linked to signs of aging like wrinkles and sunspots.

Ciraldo says No7’s menopause-focused line is helpful for women who want to lessen the changes they see in their skin. Co-created with menopausal women, this face cream hydrates dry, sensitive menopausal skin with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and lipids.

Weitzner says this day and nighttime moisturizer consists of “ingredients like kakadu plum, glycerin and Progeline that help relieve dryness and add back moisture, reduce dark spots and help skin look brighter and more even, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping skin, all while helping boost the body’s collagen production.”

Made with ectoine, a hero ingredient that helps regulate the water balance in the skin, this moisturizer from Naomi Watts’ menopause brand provides lasting hydration. It also contains niacinamide, squalane and vitamins C, B and E. 

“For drier skin types I love using facial balms as a final occlusion step that seals in all the moisture and hydration,” Chiu says. It’s the same idea behind skin slugging, where an oil or wax-based occlusive agent is layered over your traditional moisturizer to prevent trans-epidermal water loss and lock in your other skin care’s benefits. This petrolatum-based balm is one of Chiu’s favorites. 

The eye area is the first part of the face to show signs of aging due to its thinner skin, therefore, dark circles, eye bags and puffiness require some extra attention (and skin care) to look their best. Like serums, you can choose an eye cream tailored to your specific concerns. Fight crepey skin with hydrators like squalane and glycerin, de-puff with caffeine, fight crow’s feet with retinol and brighten with vitamin C.

Chiu and Weitzner are proponents of facial massage for its beauty and wellness benefits. Chiu is an expert at gua sha, a TCM practice in which a tool is used to strategically stroke the face. The technique has become popular on social media for its sculpting effects that can visibly depuff, contour and lift the face. There is also growing belief that gua sha is correlated to boosting collagen, and Weitzner notes that Pause’s facial massage tool “borrows science from physical therapy touting movement as a pathway to greater elasticity.” While you can certainly do variations of facial massage with your hands alone, having a chic tool can make it feel more like a self care ritual.

It’s also worth mentioning that gua sha is one of many TCM modalities that can ease the side effects of menopause and boost the skin’s health and function. Auth and Chiu highlight the power of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, too. “Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture increases collagen and elastin to improve facial elasticity and skin moisture, and reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging,” Auth shares.

Body lotion, like face moisturizer, is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. “We so often overlook the rest of our skin, but it’s our largest organ and it requires targeted care,” Dr. Barbara Sturm says. According to the founder and CEO of her eponymous, cult-followed skin care brand, the skin on our bodies is prone to dryness because it has fewer sebaceous glands and is thicker than the skin on our faces, so it’s even more important that we moisturize it.

How often you should slather on body lotion varies person to person based on your own skin’s needs, but there isn’t any harm in making it part of your everyday routine with products that work with your body. “People only treat their skin when they experience a problem, but consistency is key to healthy skin overall,” celebrity dermatologist Dr. Kim Nichols says. “Over time, you can double the moisture and hydration of your skin when [body lotion] is used on a daily basis.”

Not all body moisturizers are created equal, though, and there are specific beneficial ingredients you’ll want to look for. The experts we spoke to noted that formulas with skin-barrier-supporting ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin will help lock in moisture. Richer products that contain occlusives like oils and petrolatum feel extra-nourishing and are a good fit for those with dry or mature skin. For those that are acne-prone, a non-comedogenic emollient like shea or cocoa butter and non-irritating colloidal oatmeal can help moisturize and soothe the skin. Colloidal oatmeal is also a key ingredient for people who have eczema, as it eases irritation and itchiness.

The timing of when you moisturize and other elements of your self-care routine can also have an effect on keeping your skin hydrated. Applying body lotion post-shower, for example, will assist in locking in the moisture. To further prevent water loss, dermatologist and founder of Macrene Actives Dr. Macrene Alexiades suggests not making the shower temperature too hot and investing in a warm air humidifier, like from Honeywell, to keep 50% humidity. “This will prevent dry, chapped skin and will maintain perfect hydration overnight so you awaken with radiant skin,” Alexiades says. The dermatologist also advises that, “The start to good skin and intact skin barrier includes nutrition and hydration. You should eat in-season foods, which will fortify your skin with vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, carotenoids and fiber. These key ingredients build the skin barrier, maintain skin hydration, fight against skin cancer and keep you regular so that toxins do not build up internally.”

But the first step to hydrated skin all over is the body lotion, which is why we’ve asked eight skin experts for their favorites. Read on to discover their picks, from holy grail drugstore lotions to luxuriously rich body creams.

Best body lotion for dry skin

“The signs of dry skin include flaking, cracking, redness and wrinkles,” Alexiades says. “The skin loses its pink luster and velvety feel, and becomes pale and rough to the touch. If someone has these issues, I usually recommend Aveeno Eczema Therapy. Its consistency works to moisturize very dry skin.”

Karité Shea Butter Body Cream

Celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas not only gives stars like Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ariana DeBose facials to prep for the red carpet, but also develops special in-spa treatments for keeping the body glowing. To maintain those results, moisturizing is key and Vargas loves the Karité Shea Butter Body Cream to do the trick. “Shea butter penetrates really well into the skin and leaves a nice clean glow,” she says.

A tried and true staple, this affordable lotion relieves and revives dry skin. “This formula contains ceramides, or fats, that provide 48 hours of moisture and relieve dry skin almost immediately after use,” Nichols says. “Used daily, it even helps repair skin over time, and improves moisture retention.”

Augustinus Bader The Body Cream

Lymphatic drainage specialist Flavia Morellato loves this luxury option for deep hydration. “The formula includes a patented trigger factor complex — a concoction of peptides, amino acids and vitamins A and E to aid the skin’s renewal process — and was originally developed to heal burn wounds,” she says. “It also contains shea butter to moisturize and candeia oil to firm the skin.” To apply the body cream, or any other body moisturizer, to aid lymphatic drainage, the expert suggests using deliberate strokes following the body’s blood circulation and lymphatic system to “speed up the flow and optimize cleansing.”

Another dermatologist-approved moisturizer, this balm is suitable for all skin types and all ages. Dr. Shereene Idriss, founder of Idriss Dermatology and #Pillowtalkderm on Instagram, discovered the nourishing balm to soothe her childrens’ skin when they were babies, and it became a go-to product for the whole family. “It’s also really great for anyone with eczema and really dry skin,” Idriss says. “Colloidal oatmeal and ceramides hydrate your skin. I like the balm because it seals in moisture without feeling greasy on your sheets or your clothes.”

Chanel makeup artist and groomer Tasha Reiko Brown helps stars like Alicia Keys and Michael B. Jordan look their best, and that starts with the skin. For extremely dry skin, the expert suggests a solid moisturizer that will melt into the skin. This zero-waste option from Kate McLeod is scented with vetiver and bergamot and is made with cocoa butter and four silky oils, including sweet almond and avocado, to soothe dry skin.

Susanne Kaufmann Body Butter

This rich but light body butter is made with naturally hydrating ingredients like shea butter, honey and olive oil to help skin become soft and supple.

Aloe vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and this gel from Dr. Barbara Sturm contains “90% concentration of aloe leaf juice to help support skin regeneration, reduce the appearance of irritation and soothe the skin,” the founder says. “My formulation also contains purslane, an anti-aging powerhouse which helps to defend the skin from attack by free radicals and reduces the appearance of irritation, as well as panthenol (vitamin B5) which has additional skin-soothing benefits.”

Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray

This easy-to-apply body moisturizer sprays on and sinks in quickly after being massaged into the skin. It’s a favorite of Idriss because of its application and skin-protecting formula.

Nécessaire The Body Lotion

The Nécessaire’s fragrance-free, vegan and pH-balanced body lotion feels a bit more luxe than other sensitive-skin-safe options on the market. Formulated with moisturizing niacinamide (vitamin B3) — along with vitamins A, C and E — this lotion helps support the skin barrier from the shoulders to the feet.

Those who are looking for lightweight hydration will love this editor-approved face and body serum. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to plump and hydrate the skin from head to toe. You can wear it on its own or layer over a heavier body cream or oil for added moisture.

Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Josh Zeichner recommends the Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter for those looking for a quick-absorbing moisturizer that also smells delicious. “It contains a blend of shea butter and coconut oil to soften and condition the skin with a gentle lemon scent,” he says. “While I don’t recommend fragrances and people who have ultra-gentle skin, for the majority of people in the world, fragrances are fine to use and actually add to the overall experience of using a product.”

Keep it pure with 100% organic shea butter. As the moisturizing ingredient in most body lotions and creams, you can go straight to the source with nourishing shea butter that not only makes a great body moisturizer, but can also be used to treat dry cuticles, hair and more.

This rich cream features triple lanolin, a naturally occurring oil found in sheep’s wool that is touted for its moisturizing properties. Mixed with shea butter and sweet almond, this face and body cream replenishes dry skin.

Best body lotion for aging skin

Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream

This formula took Sturm three years to develop, optimizing a blend of nutrient-rich oils to restore elasticity and active natural compounds, such as white almond and elderberry blossom extracts, to tighten skin. “Women often forget that anti-aging skincare also applies from the neck down,” Sturm says. “What I really love about [the body cream] is that it is super lipid-rich and absorbs quickly into the skin — you can get right into your clothes after applying it, which is an issue I was trying to solve because everyone is in a hurry, and we don’t want our body cream to stick to our clothes or leave any residue.”

Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion

$18 at Versed, Amazon and Target

“As we age, the production of estrogen starts to slow down,” Nichols says. “Estrogen is vital for a lot of things — it helps retain moisture in the skin and contributes to the production of collagen and elastin. Without it, our skin starts to become dehydrated, even with daily moisturizer application. To help aging skin retain hydration while correcting visible signs of aging, I recommend using a moisturizer that also has retinol for overnight repair.” Versed’s retinol-infused body lotion pairs the anti-aging ingredient with cocoa butter and squalane to lock in moisture and treat dullness, uneven texture and firmness.

One of Reiko Brown’s favorite moisturizers is this body and décolletage cream from Chanel, which contains glycerin, shea butter, squalane and coconut oil to nourish the skin. According to the makeup artist, it has “a chic body texture. The hydration can’t be matched and it leaves behind a shimmer-less wet glow.”

StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream

“This transforming treatment is packed with potent peptides, plus lifting and brightening agents to tighten and even skin tone visibly,” Morellato says. “Lightweight, yet deeply moisturizing, this firming formula restores elasticity and resilience to thin, crepey skin. It contains jojoba seeds extract, vitamin E and complex B, fat acids to firm the skin, plus turmeric root extract, a potent antioxidant to boost luminosity and tone.”

Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing Body Lotion

With the slugging skin care trend bringing attention to the moisture-preserving power of occlusives like Vaseline, it makes sense to apply them to the whole body, too. The petrolatum in Vaseline jelly helps heal the skin and retain its moisture, thus resulting in a plumper, more youthful appearance. This body lotion from Vaseline contains micro-droplets of the jelly, along with oat extract, which Zeichner says will help protect and calm the skin.

Macrene Actives High Performance Neck and Décolletage Treatment

Brand founder Alexiades wanted to create a moisturizing product that targets one of the first areas to show signs of aging due to its daily exposure to the sun — the neck and décolletage. Packed with 55 active, USDA-certified organic ingredients, this vegan formula aims to revive elasticity and reverse sun damage. “Initially, I only used it on my neck and chest, but slowly added it to my hands, then arms and now legs and abdomen to keep my body skin healthy, smooth and beautiful” Alexiades says.

Boscia Peptide Youth Restore Firming Body Serum

This body serum delivers lightweight hydration and helps plump up skin all over with a tripeptide that boosts collagen production. Peptides are a main element of skin firmness —they’re the building blocks of the proteins in new collagen and elastin — which is why you’ll see them in wrinkle-reducing products for the face, and why you should look for them in anti-aging body care, too.

Best in-shower body moisturizer

Dove Body Love Moisture Boost Pre-Cleanse Shower Butter and Body Cleanser

“Protecting and nourishing your skin barrier really starts in the shower,” Vargas says. “Most people don’t realize that your body wash choice can be just as important to overall skin health and preventing dryness.” The celebrity esthetician loves these hyaluronic serum and moringa oil-packed formulas from Dove. “It’s a quick, two-step regimen that feels super luxe and leaves my skin smooth,” she shares. “The body cleanser has a lotion-like formula, and creates this amazing rich lather that locks in moisture.”

Mutha Body Butter

“The trick to in-shower body moisturizers and treatments is that you want to make sure you are applying moisturizer while the body is still damp,” Nichols advises. “This allows the moisturizer to penetrate ten times deeper into the skin while your pores are opened. In-shower formulas, unlike a creamy moisturizer, tend to contain skin-softening ingredients such as nut butters and oils.” This cream from Mutha contains shea and coacoa butters that melt into the skin and keep it hydrated.

L’Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil

A shower oil will gently emulsify when mixed with water, creating a slick, milky treatment that cleanses and nourishes the skin. “I like simple formulas with as few chemicals as possible and am partial to the lovely almond scent of this oil,” Alexiades says.

This is Morellato’s favorite in-shower moisturizer thanks to its blend of botanical oils, such as sweet almond, olive, avocado, apricot and jojoba oils. You can add it to your bath water to create a silky emulsion that sinks into the skin as you bathe or create a milky mixture in the shower to massage into the skin.

Adding replenishing ceramides while skin is still wet, this moisturizer should be applied to the skin right after you turn the shower off, but before you towel dry. The water-activated formula absorbs quickly so your skin is hydrated and happy before you even step out of the shower.

Known for her spine-chilling roles in classic horror films like “Mulholland Drive,” “The Ring” and most recently, Netflix’s haunting true crime thriller, “The Watcher,” Naomi Watts has never been one to shy away from a scary or taboo subject. And now, the 54-year-old Oscar-nominated actress has turned her fearless eye to another topic that is often shrouded in secrecy: menopause.

Stripes, her new 11-piece menopausal beauty collection launched in collaboration with biotech company Amyris, was inspired by Watts’ own early experience of menopause, which opened her eyes to the stigma surrounding this once-verboten topic. “I began my hormonal transition into perimenopause in my late thirties and menopause in my early forties. It was such a lonely and shameful experience. There was no community and no one to talk to.”

Spurred on by her experience at Onda, a clean beauty retailer she co-founded in 2014, the actress created Stripes not only to provide products that address the changing needs of menopausal skin, but also to provide a “home where women could find a sense of community and the information they need to help them make informed decisions about their wellbeing.”

Here, the actress speaks to CNN Underscored about her experience with menopause and skin care.

Can you tell us a little more about your menopause experience—and how it led you to create Stripes?

“During menopause, I began looking at ingredients more closely. I was able to wrap my head around my other symptoms, but the skin issues really drove me to that ‘aha’ moment. It was also clear to me that women my age weren’t being properly represented — in the marketplace, in storytelling or in the media. I learned so much from my experience at Onda and I thought, ‘I want to do this.’”

How did menopause affect your skin and how did you change your beauty routine as a result?

“My skin was a major problem during my hormonal shift, and I needed immediate solutions. I switched to clean products and saw results right away. My skin was drier and more sensitive, so I needed to eliminate certain routines, like over-exfoliating and strong doses of vitamin C. I found success using mists, which enhanced the hydrating effects of my moisturizer.”

What is your beauty philosophy and how has it evolved over time?

“Enjoy it while it lasts!! Seriously — I can’t believe how critical I used to be of myself; it’s upsetting to think about. The upside of getting older is that you finally figure out who you are, inside and out. I see the most beauty in women who are at ease with themselves and not afraid to live life in their own way, on their own terms.”

How has your beauty routine changed since the pandemic began?

“During quarantine, we all learned how to do at home treatments and spent time watching all the videos about how to use certain tools and apply products in different ways. Beauty trends are like fashion; they move so quickly. I’m a curious person by nature and always looking to find out what’s next. Currently, I’m loving the Lyma laser system. It’s wildly expensive, but I’m seeing results.”

Here are few more products the actress can’t live without:

“If you need a little extra hydration, this works beautifully on top of the Power Move serum. It’s light, non-greasy and deeply hydrating. In addition to ectoine and squalene, two incredibly hydrating ingredients, it also contains a blend of antioxidant-rich vitamins.”

“I have very fair skin, so I try to wear sunscreen every day. This feels beautiful on the skin — it’s light and easy to wear under makeup and doesn’t leave a white cast.”

“I use this soothing cleanser at night to remove makeup and protect skin from environmental stressors. It’s milky and calming — not at all harsh. Personally, I’ve moved away from excessive exfoliants and prefer gentle cleansers that you can splash or dab off, rather than wipe.”

“This rich, nighttime moisturizer was created by a pioneer in stem cell research. It contains a complex made of amino acids and other regenerating ingredients. It’s fragrance-free, goes on silky smooth and leaves my skin soft and dewy.”

“Loaded with mineral peptides and hyaluronic acid, this makes my skin feel plump and hydrated. I also love the smell of Osea and its affordable price point.”

“I love subtle fragrance. I don’t want to smell someone else’s scent unless I’m super close — like kissing or hugging — so I want mine to be the same. I’ve become more sensitive to smell as I’ve gotten older. So, what I liked before doesn’t necessarily translate now. That said, rose has a nostalgia to it; it reminds me of my youth. Henry Rose Windows Down is gentle and surprising.”

“I’ve always had fine hair and it’s been exposed to a lot of damage over the years, so I need to protect what little I have left! I’m seeing terrific results using this leave-in conditioner on my colored hair.”

“Gucci Westman’s makeup brushes are super luxe. They’re handmade in Japan. The nylon bristles are unbelievably soft, distributing just the right amount of product without any streaking.”

“I recently partnered with this brand on a collection of greeting cards curated towards menopause. What I love about Em & Friends is that she shares our mission of normalizing candid conversations around this topic.”

Dry hands can be especially annoying, and sometimes no matter what hand cream or balm you try, your hands keep feeling flaky and itchy.

To figure out the best treatments, we went to the experts and spoke with dermatologists about the best hand creams to soothe and moisturize your hands. Whether you’re already a hand cream addict or this whole regular moisturizing thing is brand-new territory, our experts have you covered.

Best hand creams for dry skin

Moisturizers for the hands, like moisturizers for other areas, ideally contain three components: humectants, emollients and occlusives, explains Dr. Hadley King, a New York City-based dermatologist.

“Ceramides and filaggrin are the building block proteins for locking moisture in and keeping the outside environment out,” says Dr. Caren Campbell, a San Francisco-based dermatologist.

EltaMD So Silky Hand Crème

This lotion is a favorite of King’s, who says, “The formula combines ceramides, emollients and vitamin E to nourish dry skin, and sclareolide, a plant-derived ingredient that helps to lighten dark spots.”

Eau Thermale Avène Cold Cream Concentrated Hand Cream

King says she’s a big fan of this product because the cream is “fast-absorbing and paraben-free.” She adds, “Their studies showed that it lasts through five hand-washings,” which is the energy we need from a hand cream right now.

As one of our favorites, this cream from Weleda has been a savior for dry winter skin, plus it has a light and refreshing scent and feels expensive without actually costing an arm and a leg.

Natura Castanha Nourishing Hand Cream

Emollient castanha (Brazilian nut) oil gives richness to this vegan hand cream. We love its mild yet delicious scent and how it sinks into the skin.

Best hand creams for aging hands

Another tip: You’re usually better off with a cream rather than a lotion. “Creams are always best for those with extra-dry skin over lotions, as they contain more of the moisturizing ingredients and less water,” says Campbell. “Lotions contain more water than creams.” And remember, she says, “White cotton gloves can also be worn at night to help keep lotions and creams on the hands and prevent them from rubbing off.”

Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40

This anti-aging cream is one of King’s favorites. “It combines sea buckthorn fruit to lighten dark spots and argan and meadowfoam seed oils to hydrate and moisturize without feeling greasy,” she says. “And the SPF 40 protects your exposed skin from UV damage.”

Sundays Extra Hydrating Hand Cream

In this new hand cream, Sundays uses the power of aloe leaf juice, coconut oil, jojoba seed and other ultra-moisturizing ingredients to make one of the most nourishing hand creams we’ve ever tried. Our favorite part though is that it’s non-greasy and smells of bergamot.

Soap & Glory Hand Food

This bestselling Target fave soothes dry hands using shea butter and macadamia oil. (And while it’s packaged in a tube, it feels like it was scooped from a tub of butter.)

Moroccanoil Hand Cream

Made with hydrating hyaluronic acid (a great ingredient for aging skin), silky argan oil and nourishing shea and cocoa butters, this new hand cream comes in six spa-like scents. You can’t go wrong with the Fragrance Originale, which shares the brand’s signature notes of amber and magnolia that fragrance its cult-favorite hair care.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm

This luxurious balm melts into hands and nails when it’s massaged in, and it’s packed with a shea butter formula that promises to nurture and protect dry, damaged skin.

“A lot of people with dry skin don’t realize they also have a problem shedding the dead top layer of skin,” says Dr. Clarissa Yang, dermatologist-in-chief at Tufts Medical Center. “So a secret ingredient I always look for is an exfoliating agent like salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid.”

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

This classic still packs a punch and is a dermatologist fave. “I recommend this for my patients who need gentle exfoliation and hydration,” Campbell says.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This daily cream “contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid and is perfect for patients with very dry skin,” says Campbell.

Best hand creams for eczema

If you experience eczema, then you’ll want to look for a cream that’s sensitive enough for your skin but still gives you top-notch moisturizing qualities.

“This is a great lotion for many patients, particularly those with normal to dry skin,” says Campbell.

Vaseline Advanced Repair Fragrance-Free Hand and Body Lotion

This lotion repairs dry skin with microdroplets of Vaseline jelly that lock in moisture. It was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which “helps individuals recognize products that are suitable for care of eczema or sensitive skin.”

Best hand creams for working hands

Whether at home or at a workplace, hands that are doing chores or cooking — or just getting dirty — are going to need something extra, like “barrier ingredients like paraffin to keep moisture locked in,” says Campbell. Yang likes to see particular occlusives, or moisturizing agents, in the ingredient list too.

“Occlusives are much more oil-based. They help by trapping the water the humectants draw up and preventing it from evaporating,” says Yang. “Lanolin, petrolatum and beeswax are common ones.”

Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream

This healing cream offers a pretty great bang for your buck, using petrolatum to help restore smooth, soft, healthy skin.

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, 2-Pack

Another one of our staff favorites, this has been a moisture-barrier builder for working hands for years. Campbell recommends it because “it contains barrier ingredients like paraffin to keep moisture locked in.”

Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream

Sweet almond oil and vitamin E in this cream work to restore moisture to dry hands, while beeswax locks in moisture.

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

This salve is designed for hardworking hands and has wax-based properties that form a protective barrier on the skin, leaving the hands feeling soft.

Long gone are the days of a tedious, 12-step skin care routine, but that doesn’t mean some of those steps are completely without merit. In fact, if you’re only using a pared-down routine like cleanser, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen, you may be missing out on one of the simplest — and often most affordable ways — to get glowing, hydrated skin: with a facial spray, also known as a face mist.

“Face mists are unique because they can be used as your first layer in your skin care routine, or they can be used as the last time or for retouches during the day,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology, who adds that “the benefit of a mist depends on the active ingredients of the formula, like a serum, a tonic or an essence.”

Heather Hickman, Dermalogica vice president of education, notes that the most common face mists are typically formulated with humectants like hyaluronic acid or ceramides for lasting hydration. “Still, face mists can also be formulated with active ingredients to combat acne breakouts, calm a sensitive skin or even shield the skin from free radical damage and prevent the signs of aging,” she adds.

The short answer is yes: “Anyone who’s prone to excessive sweating or cold weather dryness will benefit from a face mist,” says New York City-based, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ira Savetsky, who adds that the right face mist can even help the skin recover from trauma like surgery, when the skin is more prone to dryness. “It’s great as an on-demand adjunct to your skin care regimen to help boost your skin during these environmental changes, but also can be regularly incorporated into your skin care regimen. A moist environment has been shown to improve wound healing and decrease scar formation.”

Even those with reactive skin can benefit from a simple mist, as they can help keep the moisture barrier intact, says Hickman. Still, Zeichner says that while they’re not completely necessary, they’re “a great add-on for anyone looking for additional hydrating, toning, brightening, or anti-aging benefits beyond their current routine.”

Ideally, it is used after the face is properly cleansed and just prior to the use of a moisturizer, which will then trap essential hydrating ingredients. “If you have dry skin and need to apply moisturizer more than twice daily, a mist may be a great fit for that purpose,” says Dr. Nava Greenfield, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “I would carry it in my bag and apply throughout the day and it can even be used on top of makeup and sunscreen.”

Taylor Worden, celebrity esthetician and founder of Taylor Worden Skin, recommends keeping one in your fridge for an even more refreshing wake-up in the morning. Just hold it about a foot away from your face and spritz generously.