Living with psoriasis doesn’t necessarily mean you have to overhaul your skin- or scalp-care routine. Psoriasis is caused by immune system dysfunction, not external irritants, so you can use many topical products safely as long as they don’t cause skin damage. However, anything with the potential to cause trauma to the skin—like a potent acid or strong surfactant—could spell trouble.

One reason topicals can lead to flare-ups is the Koebner phenomenon, which is when “local trauma stimulates the immune system to develop psoriasis in the traumatized skin,” says Shira Y. Wieder, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York City. When this happens new plaques appear in “healthy” areas of skin where there was previously no visible psoriasis.

The Koebner phenomenon does not affect everyone with psoriasis; frequently cited research estimates it occurs in about 25% to 30% of patients. “Not everyone with psoriasis has this response, but if you’ve ever watched a plaque appear at a cut, a scratch, or a sunburn, assume you’re someone who does,” says Omar Noor, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.

Even if you don’t experience Koebnerization, applying a potentially irritating product to an area with visible psoriasis could worsen an existing flare-up. “If you have sensitivity [to an ingredient], then, yes, that’s going to trigger irritation to your skin, which will result in a flare in your psoriasis,” says Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute in California. That’s why it’s important to do a small patch test anytime you try a new product to see if it triggers a reaction.

Overall, there’s a pretty big risk difference for patients whose psoriasis is controlled with medication or other treatments and those whose psoriasis isn’t. “If you haven’t found a treatment that controls your psoriasis yet, your skin is already primed to react, and a product that causes even mild trauma can seed a new plaque at that spot,” Dr. Noor says. “If your psoriasis is controlled, especially on a systemic treatment like a biologic, that risk drops substantially, but not to zero.” The key is knowing what’s likely to irritate your skin during a flare and what may spark an issue day-to-day even when your skin is clear.

Dr. Noor says patients with psoriasis in general should prioritize hydration in their skin-care routine. This can help soften plaques, improving both their appearance and any discomfort they cause. If you want to experiment with other types of ingredients—or are eager for a new tattoo or hair color—here are some guidelines on what you should approach with caution.

Unlike with the FDA-approved hormone therapy products—which have been studied to determine dosing, absorption, and systemic estrogen exposure—it’s hard to know exactly how much estrogen you’re absorbing from these facial creams. While most estrogen creams label the percentage of active ingredients (for example, Musely’s product contains 0.3% estriol), it’s not clear how much of that estrogen actually gets absorbed by the body. “We don’t know with the skin creams how much you get,” says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. “That’s concerning because facial skin is the thinnest skin in the body, so it will absorb the estrogen much more than if you put a patch [somewhere else] on your body.”

Another point: Though a face cream’s percentage and form of estrogen are weaker, it’s applied to a greater surface area than in the vagina, says Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist and educator based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Because of its molecular weight (300 grams per mole) and lipophilic (fat-loving) properties, plus the penetration enhancers at least some brands include in their estrogen skin-care creams, Dobos says it’s likely that the estriol in these formulas is getting through the skin barrier. However, she continues, if you store your cream in a spot where it’s exposed to heat and light or the container isn’t sealed well, those once-effective ingredients could degrade.

Given the lack of research, there’s also no official dosage for estrogen cream. If someone applies more of the cream, or applies it on thinner areas like around the eyes, or uses it for many years, they could unknowingly increase their risk of systemic estrogen. While Dr. Jaliman says she fields questions about estrogen skin cream from several patients a week, she won’t prescribe it because she’s concerned about the risk profile.

When the new telehealth skin-care brand Cottonball soft launched in January, it was selling a cream with 0.3% estriol to customers who reported perimenopause- and menopause-related concerns. However, when Allure reached out for comment for this story, a spokesperson for the brand said that the company had reviewed the most recent findings on the risk of systemic absorption from topical estrogen creams and decided to reformulate that product, called VX.3, with the input of “multiple experts, including dermatologists, chemists, and gynecologists” and “will begin promoting the treatment once we’ve created a new ingredient blend that ensures both safety and efficacy.”

Leaving Cathy’s hair down during this period was intentional for a number of reasons. It made logical sense: When she arrives on the Trask Farm, she is healing from her injuries, including a broken wrist. “We figured the most she would be able to physically do herself is brush it, so we left it out and natural,” McIntosh explains. “As she begins to heal, we started pulling it back softly into a half-up style, but we kept it very practical, effortless, and soft.”

The entire hair team were also all big fans of fluff, wisps, and flyaways at this point in filming. The whimsical additions to Cathy’s hair play into the character’s healing state. They also give Cathy a softness that helps her present herself to Adam as vulnerable in order to gain his trust and eventually become his wife.

Cathy’s hair accessories are also important clues to her character’s psyche and societal position: “When we see Cathy in Boston, she is young; she is presenting with beauty and innocence. We chose key moments to have an Alice in Wonderland-inspired blue ribbon in her hair,” McIntosh adds.

While on the farm, Cathy is wearing hand-me-down clothing from Mrs. Trask, and still a version of her innocent, helpless self. “I was using small pieces of fabric ripped into ribbons to tie her hair back,” says McIntosh. “I also created one of those out of the bloodied dress she [was wearing when she] arrived at the home. Just a bit of a secret for Florence and me that no one would notice unless pointed out.”

Cathy’s flushed cheeks comes courtesy of Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal.

Netflix

Frequently Asked Questions

What are alpha hydroxy acids?

Alpha hydroxy acids are a family of water-soluble chemical exfoliants, often derived from sources like sugarcane, milk, and fruit, that help loosen the bonds holding dead skin cells together. By clearing away that buildup, they can improve uneven texture, discoloration, and the appearance of fine lines.

Unlike oil-soluble beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, which can penetrate pores to help clear excess oil and congestion, AHAs primarily work on the skin’s surface. And while they all share the same basic job description, some are more aggressive than others. Here’s how the most common types stack up, according to Dr. Ruth:

• Glycolic acid: The smallest of the bunch, glycolic acid penetrates skin relatively easily, making it one of the more potent AHAs for tackling rough texture, dark spots, and fine lines. The downside? It can be irritating, especially for sensitive skin.
• Lactic acid: A multitasker that exfoliates while also attracting moisture, making it a good option for dry skin that needs smoothing without sacrificing hydration.
• Mandelic acid: Its larger molecular size means it penetrates more slowly, making it generally better tolerated by sensitive or easily irritated skin.
• Citric, malic, and tartaric acids: These fruit-derived AHAs can contribute to exfoliation and help adjust a formula’s pH, though they’re less studied as standalone exfoliants.

“Glycolic acid tends to be the most potent exfoliator, while lactic acid can provide exfoliation with some hydrating benefits,” says Dr. Ruth. “Mandelic acid penetrates more gradually and may be better tolerated by easily irritated skin.”

Can you use AHAs with retinol?

Yes, AHAs and retinol can absolutely coexist in your skin-care routine (just look at SkinBetter Science’s AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads on our list), but that doesn’t mean you should go all in on both at once. Both ingredients encourage skin cell turnover, so combining them can increase the risk of dryness, redness, and irritation, especially if you’re new to either one. If you’re a beginner to acids and/or retinol, “rather than layering them in the same routine, I recommend alternating nights,” says Dr. Ruth. “For example, using an AHA one night and separate retinol another. You will get the benefits of both while giving the skin barrier time to recover.”

Who shouldn’t use AHAs?

AHAs aren’t off-limits for sensitive skin, but if you’re dealing with an active eczema flare, rosacea, a compromised skin barrier, or skin that’s already irritated or peeling, it’s best to hold off until things calm down. The same goes for freshly waxed skin or skin recovering from certain in-office treatments, like lasers and chemical peels. Even if your skin generally tolerates exfoliation well, dermatologists warn that AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, making your skin more vulnerable to UV damage. When introducing an AHA, start slowly, consider using it at night, and be especially diligent about applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day.

Meet the experts

• Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
• Nicole Ruth, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Weiser Skin MD based in New York City
• Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of best alpha hydroxy acid products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

You can’t tell me 2026 hasn’t been the year of quiet silver. Whether it’s subtle streaks, uninhibited roots, or full-on salt-and-pepper, numerous celebrities have been demonstrating that going gray doesn’t have to mean choosing between dyeing over the evidence and going completely silver in a single salon sitting. And while there are plenty of famous faces (or scalps?) making a compelling case for silver blending, Olivia Colman has quickly and enviably emerged as the unofficial ambassador for the look.

At the Los Angeles premiere of Wicker on October 20, Colman wore a vivid red button-down shirt tucked into a high-waisted, floor-length, gathered burgundy skirt that extends into a dramatic train. But despite the colorful combination, her hair color still manages to steal the show. Her long, side-parted hair cascades over one shoulder in loose, voluminous waves, with soft ribbons of silver and gray beautifully intermingled with her brunette base.

Photo: Getty Images

Why it’s worth it: Oh, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5, the crown jewel of rich creams. As its name suggests, two key ingredients are cica—more specifically, a form called madecassoside—and vitamin B5 (a.k.a. panthenol) to seriously soothe redness, irritation, and above all, dryness. Multiple derms have recommended this formula as a barrier repair cream, including one suitable for people with rosacea. TL;DR Dull, damaged skin trembles at the sight of this nongreasy, semi-matte cream that dries down beautifully and without any heaviness.

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Read more about our favorite skin care:

Megan Thee Stallion has been spending plenty of time in platinum territory lately—including at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show—but for her new “Thin Ice” music video, she’s taken the color to an appropriately frigid extreme with not one but two icy platinum-blonde hairstyles.

“Thin Ice” officially revives her Tina Snow alter ego, marking the beginning of the Act III era. The new material comes after a difficult year personally, including an abrupt breakup in April—though that doesn’t necessarily mean every lyric is a coded message. Fans are, of course, free to conduct their own forensic analysis of every bar. Meg’s hair, however, is considerably easier to interpret.

One of the video’s platinum looks features stick-straight hair cascading down her body, the color pushed to a cool, almost-white tone that looks particularly striking against her all-black outfit. The lengths—as well as the bangs—are sleek and glossy, creating an almost fluid quality around her as she dances. She makes the look unmistakably hers with a sparkling crystal “Tina Snow” embellishment—essentially a nameplate necklace for her head, which feels like an accurate level of extra for Megan.

She switches things up considerably with a shorter platinum style with glamorous, voluminous curls. Where the first look is sleek and almost intimidating, this one feels more bombshell—proof that changing the silhouette can make essentially the same hair color read like an entirely different character. The shade is still the star, but the curls give it a softer, more old-school glamour.

That said, the color gives both hairstyles an ice queen vibe, and honestly, if you’re going to make a music video for a song called “Thin Ice,” this is beauty tie-in exactly what I’d expect from Megan’s go-to hair genius, Kellon Deryck.

Watch the new video below:

We should’ve known we hit peak beauty phone case in 2025 when Justin Bieber sang That’s my baby / She’s iconic / iPhone case / Lip gloss on it. To some, the lyrics are nonsensical, but tapped-in consumers know that he was talking about the Rhode Lip Case. Created by his wife Hailey Bieber for her beauty brand, the $38 silicone case not only protects your phone but also holds a tube of Rhode’s best-selling Peptide Lip Treatment. You’ve likely clocked the case in Mrs. Bieber’s many mirror selfies or spotted them gripped tightly in the hands of tweens walking, well, anywhere in downtown Manhattan.

The phone case immediately went viral after launching in February 2024. The people of the internet—namely, the girlies—couldn’t get enough, matching it to their favorite lip shade and anticipating new colorways. For Rhode fans, it was a way to showcase allegiance to their favorite brand and its very famous and influential founder. An accessory that seemingly came out of nowhere, it changed the beauty merch game… and maybe not in a good way.

Now, two years later, it’s not hard to find knockoffs that don’t exactly live up to Rhode’s creation. Temu and Shein are flooded with dupes in every color of the rainbow, and loads of brands have been inspired to create their own phone case-beauty product hybrids to, at best, try and replicate some of Rhode’s original magic or, at worst, reheat Bieber’s nachos into a stale soggy mess.

Earlier this year, Daise Beauty launched a lip balm that sticks to the back of your phone like a Pop Socket, and just this past week two brands released similar concepts: Dior started selling a mini lip balm on their website and Charlotte Tilbury announced a mini setting powder, both of which adhere to the back of your phone. (Dior’s costs $95, Tilbury’s is free as a gift with purchase.) Fenty Beauty also collaborated with Casetify to create a case that holds both a tiny powder and a tiny lip gloss, resulting in a product so clunky it couldn’t possibly fit in a cute little purse, let alone someone’s pocket. There have likely been other gimmicky iterations thrust upon consumers since 2024, but none of them made enough of an impact to come to mind.

Frankly, I’ve had enough of this landfill-bound, wasteful junk. Two years ago, Rhode did something novel, sure, but brands attempting to hitch a ride on Bieber’s coattails just to make a buck aren’t helping when it comes to overconsumption in the beauty industry—they’re only making it worse by attempting to create a new category of highly disposable products. (Although Bieber recently told Fortune she’s not interested in overconsumption, she is in the business of making products and selling them—including the current six colorways of the case.)

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you apply lip liner on mature lips?

Start with hydration. “Make sure you prep your lips before you get your pencil ready,” says Bhatty. She likes to prep lips with a thick hydrating lip balm. Her favorite? Sisley. “It’s fancy but worth it.” She also recommends applying moisturizer around the mouth so the surrounding skin is smooth and plump. “I’ll apply eye cream to the lips and around the mouth, your lip skin is similar to eye skin. That will help the lip liner go on smoothly.”

Just be sure to remove excess product before reaching for your liner. “Tissue off the excess balm so it won’t slide and I’ll use micellar water or a skin mist so it won’t be extra emollient,” says Bhatty. From there, she applies lip liner just outside the natural lip line to subtly maximize volume.

Rather than tracing one continuous line, use short strokes from the center of the mouth outward, stopping before you reach the corners. “Going to the edge can make the mouth look a little droopy as you get older,” says Bhatty. Finish by using a lip brush or your finger to gently diffuse any harsh edges.

How do you keep lipstick from bleeding on older skin?

Fine lines around the mouth can turn a precise lip into a smeared one surprisingly quickly. “If feathering is an issue, then I would lean more towards long-wearing formulas as they have better staying power,” says Stiles.

She also recommends using a clear lip liner slightly outside the natural lip line. “Those are made to function as a barrier and prevent feathering,” says Stiles. A clear liner can create a subtle boundary without introducing another color that might compete with your lipstick.

Overlining also requires a light touch. You can slightly exaggerate the cupid’s bow, but keep the liner close to your natural shape around the outer corners, where feathering can be more noticeable. A softly blended edge will generally look more natural than a sharply drawn line.

Is lip liner good for mature lips?

Absolutely, and it can be one of the most useful tools in your lip makeup routine as your lips change with age. A well-chosen liner can bring back definition as the natural lip border becomes less distinct, help keep lipstick from feathering, and subtly enhance your shape. The key is choosing a formula that works with drier lips rather than against them. Look for a creamy, comfortable lip pencils, and always give lips a quick hit of hydration first; a swipe of lip balm can make all the difference before you pick up your lip liner.

Meet our experts

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best lip liners for mature lips, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.