If you are perusing this, you are looking for help with Strands, the New York Times‘ clever word-search game.

Strands presents players with a distinctive twist on the classic word search. Words are formed from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, with the option to change direction, resulting in unique shapes and designs. Each letter in the grid is integral to an answer. A theme ties all solutions together, along with the “spangram,” a special word or phrase that captures the day’s theme, extending across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

By providing a vague hint and excluding the word list, Strands constructs a brain-teasing experience that requires more time to complete than similar games, such as Wordle and Connections.

If you find yourself at an impasse or don’t have 10 or more minutes to tackle today’s puzzle, we offer all the NYT Strands hints you require to continue at your own pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Rub it in, why not?

The words are related to skincare.

Today’s NYT Strands theme clearly described

These words refer to methods for hydrating the skin.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today’s NYT Strands spangram is positioned horizontally.

NYT Strands spangram answer for today

Today’s spangram is Moisturizers.