An independent reference on everyday skin care. We do not diagnose, do not sell cosmetics and do not replace a dermatologist; we are not connected with the former site on this domain. In a severe allergic reaction, call 112 (or your local emergency number).

Topics

Topics and conditions

Most everyday skin concerns come down to a handful of topics: sun, water and cold, choosing products, and watching for changes. We've sorted them into four groups so it's easier to find what you need without drowning in advice.

Skin reacts to everything going on in our lives: the weather, washing, short sleep, a new product. Figuring out what's behind irritation often takes not a new jar, but a careful look at your ordinary day.

— Editor's note

How this section works: we describe familiar situations and general rules of skin care; we don't diagnose and don't name medicines, products or procedures. If a description sounds like what's happening to you, that's a reason to talk it over with a dermatologist, not to treat yourself by the book.

Sun and light

We need sunlight to feel well, but too much ultraviolet harms the skin and eyes. Protection is built from simple steps.

UV index

A number in the weather forecast that shows how strong ultraviolet radiation is. On the WHO scale, protection is needed at 3 and above, and extra protection at 8 and above.

Prevention

Sunburn

Redness, stinging and soreness after sun exposure mean the skin got more ultraviolet than it can handle. Preventing it is better than treating it.

Glossary

Shade, clothing and sunglasses

Shade around midday, light covering clothes, a hat and sunglasses are the foundation of protection; sunscreen on the skin adds to them.

Methods

Water, cold and soap

Dry, tight skin in winter and from frequent hand-washing is one of the most common complaints. It usually happens because the skin loses moisture faster than it can recover.

Frequent hand-washing

Washing your hands matters, but hot water and long lathering dry the skin. Warm water, a gentle cleanser, patting dry with a towel and moisturizing afterward all help.

Methods

Cold and wind

In freezing, windy weather the skin on your face and hands gets chapped quickly. Gloves, a scarf and a protective product before heading out make winter noticeably easier.

Prevention

Dry indoor air

Heating dries out the air, and your skin along with it. Airing out rooms, keeping the temperature moderate and moisturizing regularly help you get through the season.

Questions

Care and ingredients

There are countless skin products, but only a few basic tasks: cleanse, moisturize, protect. Everything else depends on the situation and is best decided after talking with a doctor.

Gentle cleansing

Skin doesn't need to be “squeaky clean.” A gentle cleanser and warm water handle everyday dirt without unnecessary dryness.

Methods

Exfoliating without harm

Not everyone needs to exfoliate, and not often. Coarse particles and hard rubbing can irritate the skin, so caution and a patch test matter.

Gentle scrubs (in Russian)

How to read a label

The ingredient list, directions and warnings on the package matter more than the nice words on the front. We go over what to look at first.

Research

Skin and sleep

When we sleep too little or poorly, the skin often looks tired and takes longer to recover from irritation. A regular sleep schedule is part of caring for your skin.

Prevention

Skin changes

Skin changes throughout life, and most of these changes are natural. But some of them are worth showing to a doctor without delay.

Moles and spots

A new mole in an adult, or a mole that changes, bleeds or itches, is a reason to see a dermatologist. There's no need to assess it yourself.

Questions

Teen skin

In the teen years, skin often gets oilier and breakouts appear. Squeezing them isn't a good idea; if they get in the way of daily life, a dermatologist can help.

Questions

Skin in older age

Over the years, skin becomes thinner and drier and heals more slowly. It especially needs gentle cleansing, moisturizing and attention to sores that don't heal.

Methods

Article catalogue in English

This is where standalone articles on everyday skin care, written for English-speaking readers, will appear: on sun safety outdoors, seasonal dryness, reading product labels and calmly keeping track of changes.

What our editors are working on

  • Planning a beach vacation or road trip around the UV index
  • Why the skin on your hands cracks in winter and what helps
  • How to get ready for a visit to a dermatologist
  • What the words on a sunscreen label actually mean
  • Skin and workouts: sweat, chafing and showering afterward
  • Talking with a teenager about skin without blame

Editorial rules

  • Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
  • Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
  • We do not publish advertising for cosmetics, clinics or procedures, rankings, prices or reviews.
  • Prevention

    Caring for your skin every day: the UV index forecast, shade, gentle cleansing, moisturizing and sleep.

  • Methods

    Sun protection, cleansing and moisturizing, calmly keeping an eye on your skin, and photos for comparison.

  • Questions

    Questions about sun, dryness, irritation and moles that are worth discussing with a dermatologist or primary care doctor.

  • Glossary

    Skin words in plain language: from epidermis and melanin to patch test and placebo.

Sources

  • WHO — Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide
  • General dermatologist recommendations on skin care

This page reflects generally accepted views on skin care as of the date it was prepared. If your skin behaves unusually or something worries you, make decisions together with a dermatologist, not based on the text of this reference.