Dascha Polanco on Skincare, Homemade Hair Masks, and Productivity
Watch the Orange Is the New Black star on Masked and Answered.


Actress Dascha Polanco needs no introduction. Netflix's Orange Is the New Black star is all about self-love. Her "selflovery" and "ismellgood" hashtags on Instagram include A+ content of her masking, dancing in her kitchen post-workout, and bathing. Since she's no stranger to feel-good beauty habits, Polanco shared a masking moment with MC for the latest episode of Masked and Answered. She talked beauty while doing a bit of spirographing, a quarantine activity she picked up, and shared some of her skincare and hair secrets, below.
A post shared by DASCHA POLANCO (@sheisdash)
A photo posted by on
Polanco tried the Treatmint Skincare Mask ($30), a deeply penetrating product that works to remove impurities, like bacteria and blemishes, from the skin. Speaking of acne, Polanco is diligent about her skincare routine, morning and night, to keep her blemishes at bay. She incorporates retinol into her P.M. routine and never travels without an eye cream. And to keep her skin protected at all times, she swears by CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face SPF 50 ($15). "It's a matte ultra-light moisturizer that I love, because I don't like heavy stuff on my skin," Polanco says.
"I feel most beautiful after I'm bathed or showered, my skin is glowing, my hair, nails, and feet are done, and I've had a great workout," she shares. "Whenever I fulfill my to-do list and my tasks are complete, I feel the most beautiful. Can't nobody tell me nothing!" Two snaps for all the women like Polanco who get it done and look good while doing it.
When an occasional pimple does arise, you'd never guess what she puts on top of it: Vicks VapoRub ($5). And she's team lip balm over lip gloss—Blistex ($2) stays in her bag. For her hair, she likes creating hydrating cocktails as hair masks in the kitchen. "I'll add avocado with eggs and rosemary oil, then leave it on my scalp as a hot oil treatment," she says."
A post shared by DASCHA POLANCO (@sheisdash)
A photo posted by on
Watch Polanco's full video above for even more details on her skincare routine. Don't forget to subscribe to Marie Claire's YouTube Channel to catch up on the latest episodes of Masked and Answered and share your favorite mask in the comments.
•••
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point.
-
I Tried Kate Middleton's Surprisingly Simple Morning Routine
My results were hit or miss—but the princess is on to something with one step.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Shares Photos of Archie and Lilibet's Vibrant Red Hair
The little royals most definitely take after dad Prince Harry.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Former Royal Nanny Opens Up About George, Charlotte, and Louis
"You see how grounded they really are."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Here's the Skinny on Fat Grafting Skincare Treatments
Here's the skinny on the cosmetic treatment taking over plastic surgeons' offices from coast-to-coast.
By Fiorella Valdesolo
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair Awards
Could your brand survive an editor testing session?
By Ariel Baker
-
People Always Compliment My Flawless Skin—These 6 Steps Are Why
From sunscreen and essences to moisturizers, it's all here.
By Hannah Baxter
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker
-
Sulwhasoo’s New Concentrated Ginseng Cream Is a Wrinkle-Erasing Time Machine for My Skin
This Seoul-based brand is the key to plump skin.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker