“As we get older, many things change in our skin, including collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production,” Peterson Pierre, a California-based dermatologist, says. Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid are all proteins that keep the skin elastic — a.k.a. firm — and dewy. When production of these proteins drops, so does the skin’s ability to hang onto moisture and the lips get dry, says Pierre. Consequently, our lips tend to shrivel up over time.

Hyaluronic acid is the main hydrator in the skin and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, Pierre tells me. That’s why you see Eva Longoria on TV peddling the stuff in a bottle. It can plump and revitalize your skin, which can make you appear younger. Before you spend your savings on a boatload of Hyaluronic acid, though, know that it’s not literally going to turn you into your 20-year-old self again, and before taking any new supplements you should talk to your doctor.

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More than 50% of women will experience hair loss at some point or another, according to research. The most common causes of this hair loss? Stress, hormonal changes, medications, genetics, and hair products that irritate the scalp, says dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre.

Depending on the causes of your hair loss, you may need to use both a topical hair loss solution as well as take a hair loss supplement to truly treat your issue, says William Gaunitz, a certified trichologist (hair and scalp specialist) and founder of Advanced Trichology, So which hair loss products are worth trying?

Here, we’ve researched the best hair loss treatments to help you out.

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You don’t get far into any manner of research about skincare basics without running into the intimidatingly spelled hyaluronic acid, pronounced hiya-lure-onic. But what it lacks in linguistic ease, hyaluronic acid (or HA) makes up for in simplicity and straightforwardness of application. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most effective, dependable, and accessible moisturizers available in the entire complexion armamentarium. We asked dermatologists to break down hyaluronic acid’s benefits and uses–so let’s take a knowledge journey into the wonderful world of this moisture-retaining magic acid, shall we?

“Our bodies make hyaluronic acid regularly, but in our late 20s, that production starts to decrease, which leads to the unwanted signs of aging,” says dermatologist Peterson Pierre, of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, California.

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The fillers we are talking about are all FDA-approved for the treatment of lines and wrinkles. But that doesn’t mean they are without risk.

“Filler injection is a medical procedure and should only be performed by the most skilled injectors with a thorough knowledge of anatomy,” says Pierre. That sounds, well, obvious, but aestheticians and third-party vendors can offer the treatments at discount prices, which is extremely tempting but most definitely not advised. Go to a doctor, period. Not only can the result be aesthetically non-ideal–uneven, clumpy, bumpy–but there can also real risk.

“Filler injection appears to be a deceptively simple procedure that can quickly lead to complications in inexperienced hands, the most serious of which is blindness,” Pierre continues. Even with a skilled practitioner, expect redness, bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the day after your procedure.

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It’s generally said that diet and stress cause acne, but there are specific reasons that these two factors give us flareups. Because acne is an inflammatory skin condition, “anything that increases inflammation can trigger or worsen acne,” explains Peterson Pierre, MD, of the Pierre Skin Care Institute. “Stress releases pro-inflammatory hormones in the body and high-sugar foods can also increase inflammation in the body. These rules aren’t universal, of course, but can contribute to acne.”

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If you’re thinking back to history class when you learned about Mount Vesuvius’ eruption burying Pompeii in volcanic ash, you’re on the right track. That’s the same type of volcanic ash we’re talking about, but with a happier ending.

According to the Volcanic Ashfall Impacts Working Group, volcanic ash consists of fragments of rocks, minerals, and volcanic glass that forms during explosive volcanic eruptions. In the beauty world, these particles serve as nature’s exfoliator.

“Volcanic ash is a combination of natural ingredients including bentonite clay and sulfur,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, a board certified specialist in dermatology and cosmetic dermatology at the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, California. “Its high mineral content gives it antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.”

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Synthetic and plant-based ceramides are similar in structure to ceramides found in the skin, explains Dr. Peterson Pierre, a dermatologist with the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Westlake Village, California.

While synthetic ceramides are probably more common, phytoceramides have been recently gaining popularity as a skin care ingredient due to their supposed anti-aging powers.

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It’s probably a safe bet to say your hands are feeling drier than normal these days. All that hand washing you’ve been doing can do a serious number on your hands’ delicate skin, not to mention the impacts of dry, cool weather.

“The most common thing that can dry out your hands is frequent hand washing,” says dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre. “The constant wet-dry cycle of frequent hand washing can really strip the skin of its natural moisture and disrupt the protective barrier.”

That’s why Pierre says it’s important to follow up every handwashing session with a generous application of hand cream. The good news is, you can find a high-quality hand cream right at the drugstore, meaning you don’t have to shell out much money to keep your hands soft and smooth. “You want a product that focuses on replenishing moisture with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin,” says Dr. Pierre. “Equally important are ingredients that help repair the moisture barrier, such as ceramides, squalane, and essential fatty acids.”

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And yes, you should definitely stock up on your favorite lip balm — but board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD also explains that lip scrubs will come in clutch. “Sometimes, simply moisturizing the lips isn’t enough,” says Dr. Pierre. “You may need to use a lip scrub to not only get rid of the dead skin cells, but to also promote better hydration of the lips, and to increase the absorption of other products.”

A couple tips: Dr. Pierre advises selecting a gentle formula to minimize irritation. You’ll also want to stick to using it once a week for the same reason. And be sure to follow up with moisturizing lip products afterwards, he adds — they’ll keep your lips looking and feeling their best.

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“Guttate psoriasis appears as small, red, scaly spots that resemble teardrops,” says Peterson Pierre, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Pierre Skin Care Institute in Westlake Village, California. “They’re not as thick as the spots you get from plaque psoriasis, and they tend to appear on the trunk and extremities but can also involve the face and scalp.”

These spots, called papules, tend to be pink or red in color and are raised and round, appearing in various sizes. The papules themselves are sometimes scaly but not always.

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Soap is very effective at cleaning your body, as it removes all dirt and oil. But it can be a bit harsh, especially if you have sensitive skin.

“A body wash can do a good job cleaning your body, but typically will be much gentler as it can help maintain the healthy oils in the skin without potentially disrupting the moisture barrier,” advises Dr. Peterson Pierre, board certified dermatologist and founder of the Pierre Skincare Institute.

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Let’s be real: the million-plus strong r/SkincareAddiction subreddit is an absolute gold mine of skin care tips and advice. One Reddit-approved ingredient that’s been grabbing our attention lately? Azelaic acid.

It’s not just a passing trend, either — it’s got the dermatologists’ seal of approval. “Azelaic acid is a fruit acid derived from grains such as wheat, rye, and barley,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD. “It’s been around for years, and is fantastic for acne and rosacea because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also helps improve the appearance of pores, tone and texture, and eliminates whiteheads, blackheads, and pigmentation.”

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Dr. Peterson Pierre of Pierre Skin Care notes, “Scalp hair and facial hair are very similar and require the same care. Hair in Black men tends to be dry and brittle and therefore, requires extra moisture…to keep it looking and feeling its best. [The hair] is also very curly and is prone to getting trapped under the skin, so proper hair care and skin care are vital to minimize these issues.”

From essential oils to naturally-derived moisturizers, look for quality beard oil ingredients that have been tested and formulated with your hair texture in mind. Ask your barber for beard oil recommendations, and once you get a feel for how the ingredients interact with your skin and hair, choose your favorite. Often, Black-owned grooming brands offer products with uniquely-tailored formulations that work. “Be sure your product includes at least one of the following: coconut oil for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties; tea tree oil for its antimicrobial activity; argan oil to help strengthen the follicles; hyaluronic acid, [and finally] ceramides, and shea butter, to moisture, hydrate, repair and protect the skin barrier,” adds Dr. Pierre. “And if you have sensitive skin, steer clear of added fragrance as this can cause skin irritation.”

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Face wash comes in a variety of forms including gels, creams, and foams.

“If you have oily skin, you’re probably better off with gel cleansers, but if you have dry and sensitive skin, a creamy hydrating cleanser will be a better option,” dermatologist Peterson Pierre of Thousand Oaks, California, based Pierre Skin Care, told Greatist.

Finally, don’t let anyone tell you you’re being lazy if you don’t wash your face every morning. Too much face washing actually can rob your skin of its natural oils.

It’s better to just wash off any accumulated dirt nightly, which also helps to stretch your budget by making your bottle of face wash last longer.

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While the research on cica cream’s benefits is promising, it’s far from conclusive.

Studies on wound healing, collagen production, and inflammation have been done in animals, notes Dr. Peterson Pierre, a dermatologist with the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Westlake Village, California.

He adds that there are no high-quality, peer-reviewed studies proving cica cream’s benefits for eczema, psoriasis, or acne.

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“Though scientific evidence is lacking, gold is thought to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre, a dermatologist with the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Westlake Village, California.

Some makers of gold beauty products claim that gold flecks warm your skin to help with circulation. But most gold skin products are made with colloidal gold. These are nanoparticles suspended in liquid that are tiny enough to penetrate your skin.

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Viral challenges showing and encouraging kids to do things like the “skull breaker challenge” (depicting people tripping someone so they hit their head) has resulted in serious injuries.

It’s also proven to be a conduit for serious misinformation, said Dr. Peterson Pierre, founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, California.

“Science has largely been replaced by popular opinion for a large portion of the population,” Pierre told Healthline. “With information overload and no way to properly assess it, people are being led astray.

“Millions of voices are now easily heard and everyone fancies themselves an expert, especially if they have millions of followers,” Pierre said. “Most of these individuals are posers with no formal training or experience in anything skin related.”

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To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the CDC recommends washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if they are not available, using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Following that advice is essential, but “increased contact with irritants and allergens may increase the risk of hand dermatitis or ‘eczema.’ This commonly manifests on the skin with redness, dryness, cracks, and even blisters that cause itch or pain,” Caroline Nelson, M.D. a Yale Medicine dermatologist and instructor at Yale School of Medicine, tells Eat This, Not That! Health.

The Rx: “It’s important to not overdo the sanitizer and to moisturize after every use,” advises dermatologist Peterson Pierre, M.D., of the Pierre Skin Care Institute.

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“As we age, our brains shrink in volume, particularly the frontal cortex and hippocampus, areas involved in higher cognitive function and encoding new memories,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, a dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California, and founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute.

The Rx: “It’s important to keep the mind stimulated, and one of the best ways to do that is with the brain training app Lumosity,” says Pierre. “This app is personalized and trains key areas of your brain. Just a few minutes a day can help your mind stay sharp and can even help you improve in certain areas.”

When you’re over 40, you can’t ignore any chance to get physical exercise. And what’s easier than move your legs rhythmically to the sound of music? “Studies show that regular physical exercise can reverse the signs of aging in the brain with dancing having the most profound effect,” says Pierre. Dancing decreases risk of dementia, improves your balance, reduces stress and helps you lose calories–and last, but not least, makes you a socially attractive person.

The Rx: Next time you hear some music, show your moves.

“We all know that cardiovascular training is good for the heart and helps keep weight off, but weight training is just as important, maybe even more so,” says Pierre. “Weight training has been shown to have similar cardiovascular benefits and can actually reverse age-related muscle loss. It burns fat, exercises all your muscles, including your heart, lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow to the brain.”

The Rx: Aim to get 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, including two strength-training sessions weekly.

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“In the eternal quest to lose weight, this symptom may be viewed as a blessing rather than a potential warning sign,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, a dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California. “But this can be a problem, especially if accompanied by loss of appetite or changes in bowel habits. A number of cancers can present this way, including cancers of the esophagus, liver, colon and pancreas, as well as leukemia or lymphoma.”

The Rx: “It’s important to report these changes to your doctor as soon as possible to maximize your quality of life, treatment options and survival,” says Pierre.

Any changes in a mole or freckle, or the appearance of new moles, could be a sign of skin cancer. “Performing self exams regularly and reporting changes to your board-certified dermatologist could lead to early detection and save your life,” says Pierre.

The Rx: “To help with self exams, remember the acronym ABCDE when you’re assessing changes,” says Pierre. “A stands for asymmetry; B is for border changes; C is for color changes; D is for diameter changes, increase in size; and E is for elevation, vertical growth or evolution, a growth that has changed over time.” If you observe any of those, schedule a doctor’s visit ASAP.

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So many women take care of their bodies but forget about their brains. “As we age, our brains shrink in volume, particularly the frontal cortex and hippocampus, areas involved in higher cognitive function and encoding new memories. Myelin (a conduit sheath around nerves) is also thought to shrink with age resulting in slow processing and reduced cognitive function,” Peterson Pierre, MD, board-certified dermatologist, and founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute, explains.

The Rx: Dr. Pierre points out studies show that regular physical exercise can reverse the signs of aging in the brain with dancing having the most profound effect. “It’s also important to keep the mind stimulated,” he explains. “No matter your age or skill level, just a few minutes a day can help your mind stay sharp and can even help you improve in certain areas. You exercise your body regularly; don’t neglect your brain!”

We all know that cardiovascular training is good for the heart and helps to keep the weight off. Weight training is just as important–maybe even more so–according to Dr. Pierre. “Weight training has been shown to have great cardiovascular benefits and can actually reverse age-related muscle loss,” he explains. The more muscle you have, the higher your basal metabolic rate, which means you burn more calories at rest, a distinct advantage in weight control. It also is key to strengthening your bones, minimizing your chances of fractures and osteoporosis. It burns fat, exercises all your muscles, including your heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves blood flow to the brain.

The Rx: Make weight training a part of your exercise habits. “With all these benefits and more, there is no reason not to make it a regular part of your weekly schedule,” Dr. Pierre states.

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Skin can be dehydrated both from the inside out, and from the outside in. If you’re not drinking enough fluids and/or consuming lots of salt, this can make your skin appear flaky and flat. Not moisturizing regularly and using very hot water (which strips your skin of its oils), can dehydrate skin from the outside.

“Make sure you stay well hydrated every day by drinking at least eight glasses of water at 8 ounces each. The easiest way to accomplish that is to carry around a water bottle with you, which will serve as a constant reminder and will provide ease of access,” suggests Dr. Peterson Pierre, a board-certified dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

In addition, make sure you’re washing and showering with warm water versus scalding hot, and moisturize your skin from head to toe at least twice daily. (Psst. Even if your skin doesn’t feel dry, you should still moisturize). For your face, try using a moisturizing toner followed by a hyaluronic acid serum, and then top it with a cream to help lock everything in. For your body, reach for your favorite body lotion or oil.

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What most people are looking for in a natural deodorant is something that is aluminum-free. “Deodorants are designed to prevent or mask the body odor that results from sweating,” explains dermatologist Peterson Pierre, MD, founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute. “Meanwhile, antiperspirants are designed to stop sweating altogether by blocking the sweat glands. Antiperspirants rely heavily on aluminum and, although this is a ‘natural ingredient,’ typically natural refers to products that are aluminum-free.”

However, notes Dr. Pierre, there is no “natural” substitute for aluminum, which means there is no such thing as a natural antiperspirant. “Anything that blocks sweat is considered a chemical, so natural deodorants don’t prevent you from sweating,” says board-certified New York City dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. “But they do help attack the bacteria that cause smells and odors.”

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Are you on the hunt for a sunscreen that can stand up to the beach? A go-to for your everyday routine? Whatever you decide, stick with it. “Use at least a SPF 30, with 50 being even better,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre, Pierre Skin Care Institute. “Damage from ultraviolet radiation is cumulative over time and the sun doesn’t discriminate, regardless of the color of your skin. A good sunscreen regimen is a serious, long-term affair. “You must protect against sunburns to reduce your risk of future skin cancers, as well as reduce your risk of fine lines and discoloration, which tends to be an issue–zinc is the best ingredient available because it has the broadest spectrum of coverage.”

Check out the 13 best sunscreens for dark skin tones that will provide the protection you need, without any white cast or residue.

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Fact: Not all body washes are created equally. While it’s tempting to grab whatever option is on sale at the drugstore, you may want to consider your skin’s specific needs the next time you go shopping to avoid ending up with an overly-harsh cleanser that’ll dry you out.

“Look for a body wash that contains ingredients that will moisturize your skin, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and glycerin,” suggests dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre. “You may want to avoid a common foaming agent known as sodium lauryl sulfate if you have sensitive skin.”

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“Bar soap is definitely messier to use and can potentially harbor more bacteria if it’s sitting in a pool of water–a risk you don’t run with liquid soap,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre of Pierre Skin Care Institute in California. “However, your hands are washed and rinsed off in the end, so the germs are simply washed away, regardless of which product you use.”

More reassuring news: Studies have shown that your bar of soap probably won’t transfer bacteria. Even if you come into contact with a bar of soap that’s contaminated, you don’t need to panic.

But keep in mind, liquid soap dispensers can be hot spots for bacteria in their own right. Ultimately, the question of bar soap versus liquid soap comes down to personal preference.

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That’s where supplements like collagen powder come into use. “Collagen powder is made from animal tissue, primarily the skin and bones,” explains dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre. “The protein is processed into a gelatinous form, which is further hydrolyzed into peptides to make the protein easier for your body to absorb.” Pierre explains that “collagen peptides can potentially benefit the skin by increasing hydration and elasticity while reducing fine lines and wrinkle depth.”

You’ve tried face creams, serums, sheet masks, and more to try and clear up a variety of skin issues, but how many times have we turned to Mother Earth for the answer? News flash: There’s an array of botanical skincare ingredients that can help calm down nearly any skin-related situation, and you’re probably missing out on them.

Here’s one of our favorites: African black soap. This skincare multihyphenate does just about everything that your whole skin routine can, in just one simple ingredient. Below, we dive deep into this skincare wunderkind with board-certified dermatologist, Peterson Pierre, M.D., of the Pierre Skin Care Institute — plus, we share a few of our favorite African black soap-infused skincare products.

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