Category: Lifestyle

Well+Good 

Pimples happen, but that doesn’t mean they’re pleasant. They hurt, ooze, and aren’t exactly easy to work around. When I’m experiencing a breakout, I want to be able to use my favorite makeup without worrying about irritating my already-angry pimple or having a whitehead leak midday. For years, I’ve leaned on pimple patches to provide a barrier between my pimples and my makeup to prevent the aforementioned issues—and Peace Out just made this process even more seamless. Now, I use the new Acne Day Dots under my foundation. They’re pimple patches that are 61 percent thinner than the brand’s OG patches, allowing them to wear beautifully under makeup.

Peace Out Acne Day Dots ($19) is an ultra-sheer, ultra-thin version of Peace Out’s bestselling Acne Dots ($19). They’re designed to look as invisible as possible, whether you’re wearing them on their own or under makeup. The hydrocolloid patches work by using itty bitty “micro darts” to absorb excess fluid and pull dirt and oil out of a pimple, helping decrease its size. The darts also deliver salicylic acid and retinol deep down into the zit to speed up the healing process, and the patches are infused with aloe vera to soothe the skin and minimize the appearance of redness.

Trying the new Peace Out Acne Day Dot

It was clear from the moment I opened the package that these dots were different. They’re super thin—so thin that it’s kind of hard to remove them from their sticker-sheets without them folding in on each other and creating a deep seam that’s impossible to smooth.  To prevent this, I’ve found that the best way to apply them is to use pair of tweezers. Any will do, but I prefer something curved with a thin tip, like the curved tweezers in this set ($6).

Me wearing the Peace Out Acne Day Dot under makeup.

In the photo above, I wore the patch over a pimple and under the True Botanicals Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30 ($54), and loved the way it looked. Is the patch totally invisible? Of course not. It’s still a sticker on my face. But it allows me to protect and heal my pimples in the least-obvious way possible without having to sacrifice wearing makeup, which is a definite win.

For comparison’s sake, I tried this patch alongside two others on my forehead. (Full disclosure: I tested them on pimple-less skin, as I did not happen to have three pimples in a row on my forehead.) Even without makeup, the new Peace Out dot is the clear (pun very much intended) front-runner for its stealthiness. The finish has a subtle warmth to it that allows it to blend more seamlessly into my skin—the other two had a sterile blue hue that made them more noticeable. And once I applied makeup, I could really see what made the New Day Acne Dot so special. It’s so thin that the natural little bumps and divots on my skin were still visible. In other words, the patch appears super skin-like, and allows my natural texture to show through instead of creating an artificial-looking smoothness.

The new Peace Out Acne Day dot is in the pink circle to the right.

While the new Peace Out dot isn’t fully invisible (again, that’s impossible), it serves as a perfect, hard-to-spot-unless-you’re-looking-closely barrier between pimples and makeup. While there are certainly days I wanna wear my pimple patches with pride à la Starface, there are also days when I just want to make my pimples as inconspicuous as possible. And the Peace Out Acne Day Dot does just that.

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Carscoops 

Volkswagen chose the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to preview its first fully electric sedan – the ID.7. The production version of the ID.Aero concept will launch in the second quarter of 2023. VW covered the exterior of the car with a “smart” camouflage, but they showed us the interior and detailed some of the tech features of the upcoming MEB-based model.

In terms of styling, the VW ID.7 looks very similar to the ID.Aero concept from June 2022, retaining its aerodynamic silhouette although some details have been toned-down for production. Those include the simpler LED lighting units, the larger mirror caps, the slightly redesigned bumpers, and the smaller-diameter alloy wheels.

Read: VW’s Updated MEB+ Platform To Offer Faster Charging And Longer Range

The camoulfaged prototype of the VW ID.7 (above) is slightly toned down compared to the ID.Aero concept (below) from last year.

The special camouflage that VW used on the ID.7 creates electroluminescent light effects in different colors, with graphics inspired by QR codes. In order to achieve this result, VW applied 40 layers of paint with conductive or insulating properties, allowing 22 areas of the bodywork to be independently illuminated and create a special show when connected to the sound system.

Thankfully, the interior is fully uncovered, revealing the final production-spec design. The large 15-inch free-standing tablet-style touchscreen for the infotainment is combined with a small digital instrument cluster and VW’s augmented reality head-up display. The touch sliders under the screen which control the climate functions and the volume are now illuminated. However, the steering wheel retains the touch-sensitive controls that will soon be replaced by regular buttons in VW models following customer feedback.

A highlight of the interior is the digitally controlled “Smart Air Vents”. According to VW, the system recognizes the driver from the key, and cools or heats the interior before they step into the vehicle. The air conditioning system can automatically distribute the air over large areas, or direct the flow towards the body of the passengers. Those functions can be activated for each passenger through the central touchscreen or by using voice commands.

The VW ID.7 rides on the MEB architecture which has been upgraded to MEB+ for a longer range and faster charging rates. While we don’t have detailed specifications yet, we expect the model to be offered in single and dual electric motor configurations, with a large floor-mounted battery pack. The German carmaker describes the model as an “efficient electric sedan with long-range capability”, announcing an estimated range of up to 700 km (435 miles) based on a simulated WLTP cycle.

VW also revealed that the ID.7 will have a wheelbase of 116.9 inches (2,969 mm). This is 3.7 inches (94 mm) longer compared to the Tesla Model 3, and 0.8 inches (20 mm) longer than the Hyundai Ioniq 6, both of which are considered rivals. The EV’s wheelbase is also 6.5 inches (165 mm) longer than in the ICE-powered VW Passat, resulting in a more spacious cabin.

The VW ID.7 will be available on three continents – Europe, Asia (China), and North America. Its official launch is scheduled for the second quarter of 2023. For European markets, production will take place at the Emden plant in Germany together with the ID.4. The electric sedan will be the sixth model in the ID range, and one of 10 new EVs that Volkswagen will launch by 2026.

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Carscoops 

CES has become a mini auto show and it’s not just big names taking part.

Quite the opposite as suppliers are fighting for the spotlight and Toyota Boshoku is among them.  A member of the Toyota Group, the company will display two Mobility as a Service (MaaS) concepts that provide a glimpse at the interior of the future.

The first concept is known as the MX221 and it’s envisioned as a ride-hailing vehicle with a Level 4 autonomous driving system.  The concept embraces the idea of “diversatility” and features a reconfigurable interior.

Also: Hyundai Mobis Unveils M.Vision TO And M.Vision HI Concepts For CES

The first configuration is known as MX Pass and it features four seats in a traditional two row configuration.  The MX Plus configuration also has two rows of seats, but they face each other.  MX Access sees the model outfitted with a wheelchair, while MX Prime focuses on luxury as the cabin can be equipped with up to two high-tech seats that feature power recline, a leg rest, and a deployable table with a digital keyboard. All four configurations also appear to have a front jump seat that can be folded away when not needed.

Since the concept was designed for ride-hailing, the seat upholstery can be easily replaced and so can the carpeting.  The concept also boasts a UV-C sanitizer, an in-cabin monitoring system, and a folding entertainment system.  Other highlights include illuminated door panels and a small infotainment system that shows vehicle and passenger information.

The exterior is relatively plain by comparison, but it features covered wheels as well as power sliding doors.  They’re joined by digital displays for the side windows as well as a rear LED panel that communicates with other road users by displaying messages such as “Caution Vehicle Stopping.”

The Moox concept is envisioned as a fully-autonomous Level 5 vehicle.  Essentially a mobile box, thus the name, the concept is envisioned to fit various applications ranging from business and dining to entertainment.

The Wellness Edition uses sensors in the seats and armrests to determine your fatigue and stress levels.  If you’re stressed, the Moox can try to calm you down by showing videos of a forest on its displays.  As this occurs, the lights and audio system change to mimic the forest feel, while a “relaxing aroma” is released.  If that’s a little too boring, occupants can play games using their hands and arms as controllers, thanks to gesture recognition technology.

The Tourism Entertainment Edition is similar, but it’s meant to promote attractions and entertainment.  The company also released a video showing the Moox envisioned as everything from a mobile store to a mobile office and even a doctor’s office.

Toyota Boshoku MX221 Concept

Toyota Boshoku Moox Concept

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The Points Guy 

Southwest Airlines had a rough end to 2022 as it canceled thousands of flights around the Christmas holidays and suffered what could be the largest operational meltdown in its history.

Now the carrier is extending olive branches to several groups of affected flyers. Besides offering refunds to travelers, Southwest is also giving points to select travelers and extending the qualification period (and for select travelers, the benefit period) for A-List elite status and Companion Pass. Some of this news was first reported by Thrifty Traveler and View from the Wing.

Here’s what you need to know.

25,000 Southwest points as an apology

On Jan. 3, 2023, some Southwest members reported receiving an email entitled “A message from Southwest CEO Bob Jordan.” Several TPG staffers received this email, including senior reporter Zach Griff, who was traveling as a group of four over the holidays. Here’s a screenshot of the email Zach received:

EMAIL FROM SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

Zach received codes for each of the four travelers in his party. Each of the 25,000-point codes is worth about $375 based on TPG’s valuations. Zach said he got codes for 25,000 bonus points per passenger in addition to:

Full refund for the canceled flights.
$250 per traveler Southwest travel credits.
Refund for last-minute replacement flights on Hawaiian Airlines.

It’s unclear how Southwest decides which passengers get these emails with codes. But, we suspect that Southwest may still be in the process of sending these emails. And it seems you may get the email even if you already accepted travel credits, refunds and expense reimbursements. So, if your travel was affected by Southwest’s holiday operational issues and you haven’t gotten an email yet, keep checking.

Related: How to redeem points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program

A-List and Companion Pass extensions

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Some Southwest members whose Companion Pass, A-List or A-List Preferred status expired on Dec. 31, 2022, received an email about an extension. A Southwest spokesperson told TPG, “Members who were either impacted by or at risk of being impacted by the operational challenges received an email last week.”

The spokesperson went on to state:

“For our Members, A-List, A-List Preferred and Companion Pass Members that had not yet qualified or requalified for A-List, A-List Preferred or Companion Pass for 2023, we have extended the date by which they must requalify from the end of December, (as is typical every year) to the end of January 2023.”

So, Southwest is extending the qualification period through Jan. 31, 2023, for all members who hadn’t yet qualified or requalified for Southwest elite status or Companion Pass by the end of 2022.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Although Southwest is extending the qualification period for all members, only select travelers will get their A-List, A-List Preferred and Companion Pass benefits extended through Jan. 31, 2023.

However, my Companion Pass expired at the end of 2022, and I didn’t get an email about an extension, nor do I see an extended Companion Pass in my account.

I asked Southwest about this and got the following response:

“If you had the Companion Pass in 2022 and were impacted during our operational event, then your status should be extended to Jan. 31. When you go to make a booking in January, you should be able to see and have the ability to add your companion (let us know if you don’t see it).”

As such, Southwest is only extending elite status and Companion Pass benefits through Jan. 31, 2023, for travelers affected by the airline’s holiday operational issues.

However, note that Southwest phone agents have given some travelers conflicting information. TPG’s Emily Thompson didn’t have any holiday travel booked with Southwest, yet multiple Southwest phone agents told her that her Companion Pass, which expired at the end of 2022, would be extended through January 2023. Both agents explained that the extension would take a few days to appear in all eligible accounts.

A Southwest spokesperson told us that only those who had travel affected by the operational meltdown would see elite status and Companion Pass extensions. So if you didn’t have any bookings to travel with Southwest during the affected period and don’t see an extension in your account, you’ll likely only get an extension of your qualification period (not your benefit period).

Related: Wondering what happened to your favorite Southwest route? Here’s what to know

How does the elite-qualification extension affect Companion Pass earning?

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

All Southwest members who didn’t qualify for a Companion Pass by the end of 2022 will have extra time to earn a Companion Pass valid through the end of 2023. If you were relying on flights or other activities at the end of 2022 to earn a Companion Pass, you now have until the end of Jan. 31, 2023, to reach the qualification requirements.

You might wonder what this extension means if you were looking to earn a Companion Pass valid through the end of 2024 by earning 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in early 2023. Southwest confirmed to AwardWallet that “all earning activity in January 2023 will also count toward your 2024 Companion Pass (earned in 2023, valid through 2024).”

If you’re looking to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass, now’s a good time to earn the sign-up bonus on any new Southwest credit cards you may have opened at the end of 2022.

Bottom line

While there’s no way to make up for lost time with friends and family during the holidays, it’s great that Southwest is offering refunds, bonus points and status extensions to passengers affected by its operational meltdown. It’s the right thing for the airline to do after wrecking many travel plans over the holidays.

However, it’s disappointing that Southwest’s phone agents gave some travelers incorrect information. These travelers presumably called in after reading other websites reporting that Southwest would extend elite status and Companion Pass for all members. However, a Southwest spokesperson told TPG the airline was only extending elite status and Companion Pass benefits for travelers affected by Southwest’s operational issues over the holidays.

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Carscoops 

Porsche has been expanding the 911 range for a long time, but last year it took a left turn off the road and introduced the 911 Dakar. The rally-inspired, lifted sports car was an odd, if not entirely unprecedented, move for the automaker, and it may be just the start.

Speaking to Car Magazine at the Los Angeles auto show, where the 911 Dakar was unveiled, Porsche’s chairman, Oliver Blume, explained the rationale behind the car, and suggested that more off-road-ready 911s could follow.

First, though, the executive talked about the long road that led to the creation of the rally-inspired 911 Dakar. In addition to the normal range of 911s and the sporty GT models, Porsche has been expanding its historically-inspired offerings, too, and inspiration for these models came from an unexpected source.

Read: 2023 Porsche Dakar Is The Slowest 911 Since The ’80s, But We Want One So Badly

“We saw the sports shoes from the 1970s and 80s and thought that could work for Porsche too, so we brought the 50th edition and the 60th edition with the Sport Classic,” said Blume. “We are considering bringing 1970s and 80s-inspired models, too.”

Special-edition models like the 911 Sport Classic were a hit with Porsche’s customers, thanks to the brand’s long history of motorsports and its ravenous fan base. So, it decided to see if there was another area that the model range could expand into.

“Very few global brands are able to bring these successful items from the past and connect them with modern technology. But Porsche can,” said Blume. “Then we thought, ‘Why not a third pillar, besides sporty GT and heritage models? Why not off-road, too?’ Now we will see how the market success of the Dakar pans out. And then maybe there will be more to come. The door is now open.”

Although the enthusiasm with which Porsche moves the 911 into the off-road space will depend on the response from buyers, Blume said that the brand is changing its business focus to offer “customers what they expect in different regions of the world.” The executive claimed that the mindset of clients, especially younger ones, is changing.

In the nearer future, meanwhile, Blume noted that in 2023 Porsche is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 911, the 75th anniversary of the brand, and Wolfgang Porsche’s 80th birthday. Customers, then, can expect special products to celebrate these anniversaries.

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Well+Good 

Like the wool-mohair blend scarves and cold weather-proof hats, the hardware you choose to put on during the winter is important if you want to keep warm and protect your body from literally freezing. If you’re not wearing the right gear, aka waterproof and wind-repellent accessories, you’ll likely find yourself in a wet and cold situation (it’s not hard to get frostbite if you’re exposed for long enough in cold enough weather). The same goes for mitts. Rather than put your hands through a grueling and volatile winter, you can invest in some waterproof gloves that repel snow and seal out frigid temperatures (brrrr, be gone).

The best waterproof gloves, at a glance: 

Best overall: The North Face Women’s Montana Ski Gloves, $45
Best budget: Carhartt Quilts Insulated Breathable Glove with Waterproof Wicking Insert, $28
Best fit: Burton Women’s Profile Gloves, $45
Best warming: Actionheat Women’s 5V Featherweight Heated Gloves, $180
Best touch-screen compatible: Andorra Waterproof Touchscreen Ski Gloves, $30
Best style: Hestra Gloves Voss CZone Gloves, $100

What to look for in waterproof gloves (like *actually* waterproof gloves)

Before we get to the good stuff, we have to caution you that all gloves that claim to be waterproof are not always in the clear. Before spending your hard-earned dollars, you have to look for waterproof materials like polyester—which is wind- and water-resistant. You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled on insulation. Between two and three layers are a good general rule to follow for maximum insulation.

Whether you need everyday gloves to keep you toasty or snow-proof ones to hit the slopes, check out these best waterproof gloves from the North Face, Carhartt, Burton, and more.

Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? Sign up to have the intel delivered straight to your inbox.

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Carscoops 

This story contains renderings by SRK Designs that are neither related to nor endorsed by Kia.

Kia is working on at least two pickup trucks and this rendering shows how one of them could look like were it to be inspired by the Telluride SUV.

This rendering has been brought to life by SRK Designs and a clip shared to YouTube shows the process in morphing the Telluride into a pickup truck. While we’re very fond of how the Telluride looks, it is unlikely that Kia’s pickup would look so similar to the SUV.

Indeed, a handful of spy images surfaced of the Kia pickup in early November and these showed that if anything, it could more closely resemble the Kia Mohave sold in Korea. The prototype that was snapped had headlights almost identical to those of the Mohave, complete with the same LED daytime running lights as well as the automaker’s latest iteration of its tiger nose grille.

Read: New Kia Pickup Truck Spied Wearing A Mohave Face

It is unclear if the similarities between the first Kia pickup and the Mohave will extend beyond the styling department. The Mohave is based on a ladder-frame chassis that could suit a pickup truck quite well. However, given that the two forthcoming pickups from Kia will be electric vehicles, it seems more likely that they will be underpinned by the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) underpinning the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60.

If this is the case then we expect the two pickups to be offered in a number of different guises with unique powertrain configurations. Range-topping variants will likely feature electric motors both front and rear while rear-wheel drive only versions are also possible.

Kia has remained tight-lipped about its two planned electric pickups but has confirmed they are among the 14 new BEVs it will introduce by 2027.

Screenshot via SRK Designs

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Carscoops 

The all-new 2024 Volvo EX90 has landed in North America for the very first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas that kicks off on January 4 with the press day.

Volvo’s EX90 isn’t only important as the brand’s latest electric SUV but also because it will be produced at the automaker’s South Carolina manufacturing plant starting later this year. Pre-orders have already opened in the U.S. and those interested can configure their cars in the fall and receive prioritization when deliveries begin in early 2024.

Read: 2024 Volvo EX90 Is A Polestar 3 Electric SUV Dressed For A Court Appearance

The car manufacturer is showing the EX90 at CES alongside Google and Luminar. It also plans to announce and demonstrate a number of new technologies later in the week.

Volvo EX90 Lidar

Volvo will sell two versions of the EX90, both underpinned by a 107 kWh battery pack that supports 250 kW DC charging and can be filled from 10-80 per cent in just 30 minutes. The entry-level variant has a pair of electric motors that combine to deliver 408 hp and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque while the Performance model lifts these figures to 510 hp and 671 lb-ft (910 Nm), meaning it can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in an impressive 4.9 seconds.

Like all other Volvo models, the EX90 has a keen focus on safety. Indeed, it features one long-range lidar, 5 radars, 8 cameras, and 16 ultrasonic sensors. The lidar featured comes courtesy of Luminar and is able to see small objects roughly two football fields ahead in both day and night and at highway speeds.

A comprehensive suite of technologies are also found in the cabin. These include a 14.5-inch central infotainment system with Google built-in, meaning it offers seamless integration of Google Assistant, Google Maps navigation, and a host of apps from Google Play. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay.

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The Points Guy 

With more than 7,000 hotels in 123 countries across 18 brands, Hilton likely has a property to suit your needs when you hit the road. When you combine this with a strong portfolio of Hilton Honors credit cards and points that are relatively easy to earn and redeem, Hilton Honors makes a strong case for being one of the best hotel rewards programs out there.

Here is an in-depth look into the Hilton Honors program for award travelers, including an overview of elite status and how to earn and redeem miles.

Hilton Honors elite status

Hilton offers four tiers within its Hilton Honors loyalty program. You’ll become a member just by signing up for the program. Plus, there are three Hilton Honors elite status tiers: Silver, Gold and Diamond.

Hilton Honors Member

Hilton automatically gives Member tier status to everyone who signs up for the Hilton Honors program. Member-tier guests get the following benefits:

Free standard internet in your room and the lobby during stays.
No resort fees on award stays.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Access to the Hilton Honors Member discount rate.
Choose your room from available rooms up to 24 hours in advance.
Use digital check-in and a digital key.

On top of these benefits, Hilton Honors Members earn 5 base points per dollar spent at Tru and Home2 brands and 10 base points per dollar spent at all other Hilton properties. TPG’s valuations peg the value of Hilton Honors points at 0.6 cents each. So, just by signing up for the Hilton Honors program, you’ll get a 3% return at Tru and Home2 brands and a 6% return at other Hilton brands as a Hilton Honors Member.

Related: Easy ways to earn hotel elite status before your next family vacation

Hilton Honors Silver

The Conrad Washington, DC. SCOTT MAYEROWITZ/THE POINTS GUY

You can earn Hilton Honors Silver status after four stays, 10 nights or 25,000 base points in a calendar year.

On top of the benefits available to all Hilton Honors members, Hilton Honors Silver members also get the following perks:

Fifth night free on award stays booked solely with points.
20% bonus on base points earned on every stay.
Elite rollover nights.
Two bottles of water per stay at select properties.
15% off spa discount at Hilton’s all-inclusive brands.

With the 20% bonus, Hilton Honors Silver members earn 6 points per dollar spent at Tru and Home2 brands (5 base points plus 1 bonus point) and 12 points per dollar spent at all other Hilton properties (10 base points plus 2 bonus points). Based on TPG’s valuations, Silver members get a 3.6% return at Tru and Home2 brands and a 7.2% return at other Hilton brands.

TPG values Hilton Honors Silver status at $60 per year, primarily due to the bonus earnings and fifth night free on award stays.

How to get Hilton Silver status with a credit card

Hilton gives cardholders of the Hilton Honors American Express Card Silver status as a card benefit. This card has no annual fee (see rates and fees) but currently offers 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.

Related: 5 ways Hilton Honors should improve its loyalty program

Hilton Honors Gold

Hilton Honors Gold members enjoy either a food and beverage credit or breakfast. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

You’ll earn Hilton Honors Gold status after 20 stays, 40 nights or 75,000 base points accrued in a calendar year.

On top of the benefits available to Hilton Honors Silver members, Hilton Honors Gold members also get the following benefits:

Daily food and beverage credit (U.S. hotels only) or continental breakfast (non-U.S. hotels).
Space-available room upgrades, all the way up to the executive level.
Milestone bonuses: Earn 10,000 bonus points every 10 nights after you’ve stayed 30 nights in a calendar year.
80% bonus on base points earned on every stay.

With the 80% bonus, Hilton Honors Gold members earn 9 points per dollar at Tru and Home2 brands and 18 points per dollar spent at all other Hilton properties. Based on TPG’s valuations, Gold members get a 5.4% return at Tru and Home2 brands and a 10.8% return at other Hilton brands.

TPG values Hilton Honors Gold status at $1,255 per year due to the bonus earnings, space-available room upgrades and breakfast benefit.

How to get Hilton Gold status through credit cards

Cardholders of the following American Express cards automatically get Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment is required) for as long as they keep their card account open:

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: $95 annual fee (see rates and fees).
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: $95 annual fee (see rates and fees).
The Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).

Additionally,  Hilton Honors American Express Card cardholders can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the following calendar year by spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year.

Related: Guide to Marriott and Hilton elite status with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum

Hilton Honors Diamond

Diamond status can sometimes get you much better upgrades, like this one at the Conrad New York Midtown. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

You can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status after 30 stays, 60 nights or 120,000 base points accrued in a calendar year.

In addition to Gold benefits, Hilton Diamond members also get the following perks:

Space-available room upgrades (up to a one-bedroom suite).
Executive lounge access for you and up to one other guest registered in your room.
Premium Wi-Fi.
48-hour room guarantee if you reach out at least 48 hours before your stay.
Elite status gifting: Typically, if you hit 40 nights in the calendar year, you can gift Gold status to any member, and if you hit 70 nights, then that gift is upgraded to Diamond.
100% bonus on base points earned on every stay.

With the 100% bonus, Hilton Honors Diamond members earn 10 points per dollar at Tru and Home2 brands and 20 points per dollar spent at all other Hilton properties. Based on TPG’s valuations, Diamond members get a 6% return at Tru and Home2 brands and a 12% return at other Hilton brands.

TPG values Hilton Honors Diamond status at $3,025 per year due to the bonus earnings, space-available room upgrades, milestone bonuses and food and beverage credit or continental breakfast benefit.

How to get Hilton Diamond status with a credit card

Some Hilton Honors credit cards that offer complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status as a benefit also allow you to spend your way to Hilton Honors Diamond status. Specifically, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offer an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the following calendar year when you spend $40,000 on your card in a calendar year.

Meanwhile, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status as long as you keep the card account open. The Hilton Aspire currently offers a welcome bonus of 150,000 Hilton Honors points (worth $900 by TPG’s valuations) after you spend $4,000 on purchases on the card within your first three months of cardmembership. The card has a $450 annual fee (see rates and fees) but includes many perks that may justify the annual fee.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: 3 reasons why Hilton should add a new elite tier above Diamond

Status match to Gold and challenge to Diamond

Hilton Honors frequently offers a status match to Hilton Honors Gold with a challenge to keep Gold or upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status.

HILTONHONORS.COM

You can currently request a status match to Hilton Honors Gold and experience how Hilton Honors Gold members travel for the following 90 days. If you stay seven nights within your 90-day trial period, you can keep Gold status through March 31, 2024. And, if you stay 12 nights within your 90-day trial period, Hilton will upgrade your status to Diamond through March 31, 2024.

However, you’ll want to time your status match carefully since the terms and conditions often state that only members who have not previously completed a status match challenge are eligible. Additionally, reward stays do not count toward the status match qualification.

Related: Hotel elite status match and challenge offers

Which bookings are eligible for Hilton elite benefits?

You usually won’t get access to elite benefits and earnings when you don’t book directly with a hotel brand. Luckily, the Hilton Honors terms and conditions state that bookings through the following channels will be eligible for on-property Hilton Honors benefits:

Any official Hilton hotel brand or Hilton Honors website.
Hilton Reservations and Customer Care phone line.
Hilton Honors or Hilton mobile application.
Directly at a hotel in the Hilton Portfolio.
Through an IATA-accredited retail travel agent that books through a Hilton channel or one of the following Global Distribution Systems: Amadeus, Apollo/Galileo, Worldspan and Sabre.

The Hilton Honors terms and conditions also note that you won’t get on-property benefits in the following circumstances:

Reservations booked through a non-Hilton direct booking channel, a non-designated GDS, a third-party website or any other channel.
Rates available on “opaque” websites where you don’t know the hotel brand and specific hotel until after booking.
Third-party hotel packages or travel packages not booked through one of the eligible channels.
Any ineligible stay, including but not limited to wholesale/tour operator packages, contracted crew rates and travel agency discount rates, as defined in the Hilton Honors terms and conditions.

So, if you’re looking to get elite earnings and benefits on a stay, you’ll want to book through an eligible channel.

Related: How I’m spending 4 million Hilton Honors points

How to earn Hilton points

La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton. BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY

As with most hotel loyalty programs, there are many ways to earn Hilton points. Although you can earn some points through Hilton Honors partners, many travelers earn most of their points by staying at Hilton properties or through credit card spending.

Here’s a quick overview of some popular ways to earn Hilton points.

Hotel stays

You’ll earn at least 10 Hilton Honors base points for every dollar you spend at most Hilton brands, although you’ll only earn 5 base points per dollar spent at Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton. You can earn base points on up to four rooms per stay, and you’ll earn base points on all eligible charges you make to these rooms.

You’ll also earn bonus points based on your Hilton Honors status tier. Specifically, Silver members earn a 20% bonus; Gold members earn 80% and Diamond members earn 100% bonus points.

Hilton Honors often offers promotions that can allow you to earn bonus points on hotel stays. For the first four months of 2023, Hilton has a Double Up & Explore promotion giving registered members double points on all stays. You’ll also earn 1,000 bonus points (worth $6 at TPG’s valuations) for each of Hilton’s 18 brands you stay at during the promotional period.

Even if you don’t have an upcoming Hilton stay in early 2023, register in case a trip comes up.

Related: How to get elite status benefits on more than 1 hotel room

Credit card spending

Credit card spending will likely be your best bet for earning a large sum of Hilton Honors points. Between sizable welcome bonuses and high category bonuses, it’s relatively easy to earn Hilton points quickly using Hilton Honors credit cards.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

My favorite Hilton Honors credit card is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Although the card has a $450 annual fee (see rates and fees), it comes packed with benefits that can justify this annual fee even if you stay with Hilton a few times each year.

The Hilton Aspire comes with a welcome bonus of 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases on the card within your first three months of cardmembership. Based on TPG’s valuations, the welcome bonus points are worth $900. Plus, the card offers the following bonus categories:

Earn 14 points per dollar at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio (8.4% return based on TPG’s valuations).
Earn 7 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants (4.2% return).
Earn 3 points per dollar on other eligible purchases (1.8% return).

Regarding card perks, you’ll get complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status and up to $250 in statement credits each year of cardmembership for use at participating Hilton Resorts. Plus, you’ll get one free night certificate with your new card and every year after renewal, as well as the ability to earn another free night certificate after you spend $60,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year.

Related: Worth the annual fee for the perks: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire credit card review

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

If you’re looking for a Hilton Honors credit card with a lower annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card may be a good option with its $95 annual fee.

The Hilton Surpass currently offers a welcome bonus of 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases on the card in the first three months of cardmembership. Based on TPG’s valuations, the bonus points are worth $780.

And when using the Hilton Surpass for purchases, you’ll earn the following:

Earn 12 points per dollar at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio (7.2% return based on TPG’s valuations).
Earn 6 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. restaurants (3.6% return).
Earn 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases (1.8% return).

Hilton Surpass cardholders get complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and the ability to earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the following calendar year after spending $40,000 in a calendar year. Once enrolled, you’ll get 10 Priority Pass lounge visits each Priority Pass membership year. And you can earn a free night certificate after spending $15,000 on your card in a calendar year.

Related: Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Aspire: Which card is right for you?

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

If you’re looking for a business credit card with similar benefits to the Hilton Surpass, you will want to consider the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. This card has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees). And you can earn a welcome offer of 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of cardmembership.

As a business card, the Hilton Honors Business Card offers the following bonus categories:

Earn 12 points per dollar at participating hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio (7.2% return based on TPG’s valuations).
Earn 6 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations and U.S. restaurants and on U.S. shipping purchases, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies (3.6% return).
Earn 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases (1.8% return).

As a Hilton Honors Business cardmember, you’ll get automatic Hilton Honors Gold status and up to 10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits yearly (enrollment required). You can earn up to two free night rewards and Hilton Honors Diamond status by meeting specific calendar year spending thresholds.

Related: Elite perks on a budget: A review of the Hilton Honors American Express Business card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Finally, if you’re looking for a no-annual-fee credit card, the Hilton Honors Card from American Express may be suitable (see rates and fees). This card currently offers 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of cardmembership. Based on TPG’s valuations, this bonus is worth up to $480.

Cardholders of the Hilton Amex get complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status as well as the ability to earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the following calendar year by spending $20,000 on their card in a calendar year. Plus, the Hilton Amex offers the following bonus categories for spending:

Earn 7 points per dollar at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio (4.2% return based on TPG’s valuations).
Earn 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations (3% return).
Earn 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases (1.8% return).

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Transferable points

You can typically get Hilton Honors points by transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio. The program occasionally offers transfer bonuses.

However, TPG values Amex points at 2 cents per point and Hilton Honors points at 0.6 cents per point. So, even transferring during a bonus period may not make sense.

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable points

Partners

You can earn Hilton points on Lyft rides. RGSTUDIO/GETTY IMAGES

Hilton Honors has partners through which you can earn and redeem Hilton points. For example, you can convert Amtrak Guest Rewards points, Hawaiian Airlines miles and Virgin Atlantic points into Hilton Honors points.

You can also earn Hilton Honors points by riding with Lyft. By linking your Hilton Honors account with your Lyft account, you can earn 3 points per dollar on Lyft rides (economy, luxury and extra seats) and 2 points per dollar on shared Lyft rides. You’ll earn points on your base fare, so bridge tolls, fuel surcharges and tips won’t accrue additional Hilton points. You can earn Hilton points on up to $10,000 of Lyft spending per calendar year.

You can also earn Hilton points on select Alamo, Enterprise and National car rentals. Specifically, you can earn up to 5,000 Hilton points for every completed qualifying rental reserved through Hilton. Based on TPG’s valuations, 5,000 Hilton points are worth $30.

Finally, by creating an account and linking a credit or debit card to Hilton Honors Dining, you can earn between 2 and 8 points per dollar at participating restaurants for a 1.2% to 4.8% return based on TPG’s valuations. Note that these points are on top of the points you might earn from your credit card or the restaurant’s loyalty program.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: 11 of the most generous airline and hotel dining rewards programs

Buy Hilton points

Hilton generally sells points for 1 cent each, allowing you to purchase up to 160,000 points for $1,600 per calendar year. However, during some Hilton promotions, you may be able to purchase a larger quantity of points for as low as 0.5 cents apiece.

Related: When does it make sense to buy points and miles?

How to redeem Hilton points

Conrad Punta de Mita. KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Generally, the best way to redeem hotel points is for free nights at the program’s participating properties. This is certainly true when it comes to redeeming Hilton Honors points. But here’s an overview of all of your options for redeeming Hilton points.

Award nights

Hilton doesn’t publish an award chart. But you can use the Points Explorer tool to search for properties based on location and the number of points you’re willing to spend per night.

HILTON.COM

Once you’ve searched by location and points amount, you can filter your results based on the brand. Here’s a sample search for Florida properties booked recently for 25,000 points or less per night.

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Although Hilton’s Points Explorer tool can be helpful for trip planning, the current redemption rates may vary from those shown in the Points Explorer. After all, the Points Explorer tool uses historical data. So, you’ll want to check the current points cost using Hilton’s standard booking search engine before getting too excited about a particular property.

Although Hilton doesn’t have a published award chart, the value you can get from your Hilton points when redeeming for a free night will vary. For example, let’s take the Conrad New York Midtown. On a random date I checked, the rate is $657 plus $102 of taxes for one night, or 95,000 Hilton Honors points.

Although 95,000 Hilton points is a lot to spend for a night in New York City, you would get a value of 1 cent per point. TPG values Hilton points at 0.6 cents each, so you’d still be getting more than TPG’s valuation.

HILTON.COM

But you may get a much worse value for your points on some redemptions. For example, a room at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji is $178 on a given date. However, Hilton wants 38,000 points for that same room, giving a redemption value of just 0.47 cents per point. That is incredibly low and likely not worth your hard-earned points.

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Note that you also can redeem your points for upgraded accommodations. When looking at Pay with Points options for a room, you’ll usually see that some rooms cost more than others.

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While redeeming for a premium room usually won’t provide great value, it can be excellent for those needing a larger room or who want an upgraded view.

Related: 8 ways to maximize Hilton Honors redemptions

Points & Money rewards

Redeeming for a free night award using Points & Money allows you to stretch your points. Instead of paying all points for a free night, you can use a combination of cash and points. Unlike with other programs, you can even adjust the ratio in increments of 1,000 points using a sliding tool.

HILTON.COM

In the case above, I’d be able to pay 30,000 points to save $129.71, which makes these points worth 0.43 cents each.

Related: 7 great ways to use a free night reward and 130,000 Hilton Honors points

Travel rewards

You can transfer your points to approximately 40 travel partners. But you’ll usually need to transfer at least 10,000 miles simultaneously, and the transfer ratios aren’t favorable.

You can also redeem your Hilton points toward car rentals, Shop with Points at Amazon and Lyft rides. But you’ll usually only get about 0.2 cents per point on these redemptions. So, I’d recommend avoiding all of these travel rewards options.

Related: How to earn and redeem points with Hilton Honors partners

Hilton Honors Experiences

MIRKO VITALI/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES

If you’re looking for a non-hotel award with substantial value, you can redeem points for various experiences through Hilton Honors Experiences. That’s how TPG’s Katie Genter enjoyed a 60-minute couples massage and four-course dinner for 20,000 Hilton points. You can purchase some experiences using a set amount of points, while Hilton sells other experiences in an auction format.

HILTON.COM

The options and types of experiences available tend to change often. So, it’s worth checking the website frequently to see what experiences may appear.

Related: VIP events access is back: Here’s how to unlock it with your credit cards

Donate

Finally, you can donate your points to charity through PointWorthy. For every 3,500 Hilton points you donate, a charity of your choice will get $10. Note that donating your points provides a value of 0.29 cents per point, well below TPG’s valuation of 0.6 cents per point.

Related: The 6 best credit cards to maximize your charitable donation

How to book Hilton Honors award nights

Booking award nights through the Hilton website is easy. From the homepage, type in your destination, dates and number of guests. But, before clicking “Find a Hotel,” click on “Special Rates” and check the “Use Points” box.

HILTON.COM

Once you click “Find a Hotel,” the award rates for your stay will appear in the search results.

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You can click on a specific property to compare rates for each room type. Then you can quickly decide whether redeeming points is worthwhile.

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You can also use the flexible date search to easily view a month at a time. When you enter the dates for your hotel stay, select “Shop by price,” and you’ll see a calendar view of how much a stay of your chosen length would cost per night for each check-in date.

HILTON.COM

I aim to use Hilton points only to get a redemption rate of 0.6 cents per point or higher. This is in line with TPG’s valuation of Hilton points at 0.6 cents each. Even if you’re willing to book awards that get a value of less than 0.6 cents each for your Hilton points, it’s generally best to aim for an award where the rate is no more than the maximum listed on the program’s Points Explorer page.

Related: From Prague to Manchester: My favorite European Hilton hotels for under 40,000 points per night

Maximizing Hilton Honors

Here are some strategies to get the most value out of your Hilton Honors experience.

Promotions

As mentioned, Hilton Honors frequently offers promotions that allow you to earn extra points. Be sure to refer to this page which we regularly update for the latest on Hilton Honors promotions.

Related: 6 reasons to get the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card

5th night free on awards

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

As mentioned above, Silver, Gold, and Diamond Hilton Honors members have access to a fifth night free on award stays. This benefit provides every fifth night free for standard room reward stays of five or more nights.

If Hilton prices some nights differently during your stay, the free night(s) will be subtracted from the average number of Hilton Honors points needed each night. There is no limit on how many times you can use this benefit annually, but Hilton will not award you more than four free nights per stay.

Related: I missed out on a free hotel night — reader mistake story

Price match guarantee

To incentivize you to book directly with Hilton, Hilton offers a price match guarantee.

Under this guarantee, if you find a lower price for the same accommodation and terms before making a reservation or within 24 hours of making your reservation through an official Hilton booking channel, Hilton will honor the lower price and take an additional 25% off the room rate for each night of your stay.

When multiple prices for the same accommodations are available through the official Hilton booking channel, you must book the lowest rate to qualify for the price match guarantee. Hilton’s claim process is easy to use since it auto-populates much of the required information using your Hilton confirmation number.

Related: How 1 phone call saved me hundreds of dollars on a hotel stay

Stretch your points at low-category Hilton hotels

You can get great value by redeeming your Hilton points at luxury properties. But you can also get significant value from your points at low-category Hilton properties. There are many low-category Hilton properties internationally, including 5,000- and 10,000-point-per-night properties in Egypt, Turkey and Indonesia that look impressive. Even some low-category Hilton properties in the U.S. cost as little as 10,000 points per night.

Related: High-low travel strategy: Mixing luxury and budget travel on the same trip

Frequently asked questions

How much are Hilton points worth?

The value of Hilton points depends on how you plan to redeem your points. However, TPG values Hilton Honors points at 0.6 cents each. TPG bases its valuation on the value you can get when redeeming these points and the cost at which TPG would be willing to buy Hilton points.

Related: Buying Hilton points saved me $1,000 — reader success story

How many points do I need for a free night at Hilton?

Hilton doesn’t have an award chart, so the number of points required for a free night varies depending on the hotel, time of year and room rate. A standard room usually costs between 5,000 and 95,000 Hilton Honors points but may cost as much as 150,000 points at select properties with specialty accommodations. And premium rooms are bookable for more points than standard rooms at most properties.

Related: Here’s how Hilton’s Points Explorer tool can help you plan a better award redemption

How do I get lifetime Diamond status with Hilton?

You can get lifetime Hilton Honors Diamond status by meeting both of the following requirements:

Earn Hilton Diamond status for 10 (nonconsecutive) years.
Complete a total of 1,000 paid and reward nights or earn 2 million base points.

You must have Hilton Diamond status for 365 days before it counts as a fully completed year.

Related: Is it worth pursuing lifetime elite status?

Which Hilton brands are best?

Hilton has 18 brands, ranging from luxurious Waldorf Astoria properties to practical, budget-focused Home2 Suites properties designed for extended stays. The best brand for you depends on your needs and preferred style. But many travelers believe that Hilton’s best brands are Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR and Curio Collection.

Related: Your ultimate guide to Hilton hotel brands

Do Hilton Honors points expire?

Hilton Honors points usually expire if you don’t have any eligible account activity for 25 consecutive months.

Related: How to keep your points and miles from expiring

Bottom line

As you can see, earning and redeeming Hilton Honors points is relatively easy. If you stay at Hilton properties at least a few times each year, I recommend getting a Hilton Honors credit card, such as the Hilton Aspire or Hilton Surpass. It will get enough value from the card’s perks to justify its annual fee. Having a Hilton Honors card will also let you spend to earn Hilton points if needed for an upcoming redemption.

When it comes to redeeming, you’ll get the most value from your Hilton points when you redeem for award nights and, in some cases, Hilton Honors Experiences. I usually stay in increments of five nights when using Hilton points since Hilton Silver, Gold and Diamond members get every fifth night free on award stays.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire, click here.

Additional reporting by Brett Holzhauer and Kyle Olsen.

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Well+Good 

During cold and dry winters, you may notice red, flakey patches of skin on your baby. Even though only one in thirteen adults experiences eczema, one in five babies has it. And while Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and mother of three, shares that eczema in babies can be tricky, it is totally manageable.

“My current baby definitely has much more eczema than my other two kids did. They had dry skin but he has visible red patches so we’re doing it all,” says Dr. Garshick, who practices in New York City. “Even though a baby may not be able to express themselves as much, if they are itchy it can impact sleep, it can impact their overall mood.” So getting on top of your baby’s eczema is key.

When managing eczema in babies, it’s important to know that it can show up in different ways than in adults. “As adults, we tend to see it more in the corners of the arms in front of the elbow, and behind the knees,” she says. “Whereas in babies, it can be more widespread—sometimes you can see it in general on the trunk or on the legs, and sometimes it can involve even the scalp or the face.”

Here’s how to soothe and treat eczema in babies

1. Limit bath time and keep it short

“A lot of people like having baths as part of a baby’s bedtime routine, but bathing may not actually be necessary every day,” says Dr. Garshick. “So especially if you’re potentially prone to eczema, if there’s a family history of eczema, or if you’re noticing dryness on your baby’s skin, reserve bath time for only two or three times a week instead of every day. And make sure to keep the bath time short.”

2. Use a gentle cleanser but only where it’s needed

“Babies don’t necessarily need to be washed with soap all over,” says Dr. Garshick. That’s because their skin is more sensitive and prone to dryness, and because soap can be drying, in some cases it can exacerbate eczema. “So we always say to limit your cleanser to just the dirty areas, like the underarms, the genital area, the face, the feet, or—of course—[anywhere] they’re visibly dirty.”

And make sure the soap you are using is gentle. “You want to make sure that the cleanser you’re using is not going to be stripping, and that it’s not going to have a ton of fragrance in it so that it minimizes any potential irritation or sensitivity,” says Dr. Garshick. Her favorites are Baby Dove Hypoallergenic Wash ($10), CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo ($16), and Vanicream Gentle Wash for Baby ($9).

3. Pat dry and immediately apply moisturizer

Once your baby is out of the bath, pat their skin dry. “Don’t feel the need to vigorously rub dry,” says Dr. Garshick. “Don’t feel the need to like vigorously rub dry,” says Dr. Garshick. Then, apply a thick layer of moisturizing cream or ointment.

“Usually, babies don’t mind having a layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor or something that’s a little bit thicker [on their skin], especially if it has dry patches,” she says. “There were some studies that showed applying Vaseline to babies’ skin within the first several months of life could actually potentially prevent the development of eczema in high-risk babies, acknowledging this idea that just by applying something to the skin barrier helps of support it and strengthen it.”

She says to reach for Vaseline Original Healing Jelly ($3), Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($7), CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($18), or Cetaphil Baby Soothe & Protect Cream ($10).

4. Protect the face and neck

Babies are messy eaters and they tend to drool. Both of these things are adorable, but they aren’t exactly great for eczema-prone skin. “A lot of that can cause irritation, especially on the cheeks or in the folds of the neck,” says Dr. Garshick. “Be sure to use moisturizing creams and ointments in those areas to lock moisture in but also protect from external irritants getting in.”

She always applies a layer of Vaseline to her baby’s cheeks and neck before meals. “When we eat, it’s a big mess, so putting a layer of ointment on protects the skin from getting the buildup of all the food, which has definitely been helpful.”

5. Keep fabrics soft and detergents gentle

When it comes to your baby’s clothes and blankets, be sure to stick with soft and breathable fabrics, like cotton, that won’t be harsh on their skin. And when you launder their clothes, use detergents that are free of dyes and fragrances like Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent ($13 to $19) and Arm & Hammer Sensitive Liquid Laundry Detergent ($10 to $14).

6. Keep a humidifier in the nursery

“If you’re noticing that your baby is experiencing dry skin, a humidifier can sometimes be helpful in your baby’s room for sleeping time,” says Dr. Garshick. Just be sure to regularly clean the humidifier so it’s free of mold and other buildups. The Canopy Humidifier ($150) is a great option.

7. Consult a dermatologist to learn about your options

“If you do notice any red flaky patches, it is worth checking in with a dermatologist, because sometimes there are prescriptions that can be helpful and that are safe and approved for babies as young as two months or even younger if necessary,” she says. “There are lots of different options, including both topical steroids and non-steroidal treatments.”

For example, she uses a topical steroid and cortisone cream on her baby. “At some point, the inflammation gets to a point where it’s so red and angry-looking that a moisturizer alone may not be enough,” she says. “When it’s your child, you obviously want to make sure you’re making the right decision, [which means] taking into account the potential risk of using medications versus the potential risk of not using medications and just letting the spot potentially brew.  Especially as kids get older, when they have a very itchy area and are scratching a lot, it can potentially trigger an infection in the area. In terms of treating skin in children, I do think it’s important to remember the value added of treatment.”

8. Know that it will likely get better with age

“The percentage of people with eczema is greater in childhood and then it pairs down,” says Dr. Garshick. “It can appear within those first six months, but as individuals get older, it oftentimes can go away. One study showed that 80 percent of childhood atopic dermatitis went away after eight years, and less than five percent persisted at 20 years after diagnosis.” So do the best that you can to care for your baby’s eczema now and know that what you do now (remember those Vaseline studies?) can impact how their eczema progresses throughout their lives.

Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Follow our Fineprint Instagram account for must-know tips and tricks.

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