Skin

This information is solely for informational purposes only. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Any action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

CATEGORIES FOR SKIN TIPS:
Acne	Sun and Skin
Bruises	Boils
Burns	Ingrown Hair
Cold Sores	Foot Problems
Cuts, Wounds, Scrapes	Ringworm
Heat Rash	Ingrown Toenail
Poison Ivy	Pimples
Scars	Bed Bugs
Stretch Marks	Itching
Wrinkles	Dry Skin
Tanning	Make-up

Sometimes it may seem like your skin is impossible to manage, especially when you wake up and find a huge zit on your nose or a cold sore at the corner of your mouth. The good news is that there are ways to prevent and treat common skin problems — read on for some tips.

Step 1: Know Your Skin Type

Who doesn't want great-looking skin? Start by knowing your skin type. Then you'll know how to take care of it.

• Dry skin is flaky, scaly, or rough.
• Oily skin is shiny, greasy, and may have big pores.
• Combination skin is dry in some spots (cheeks) and oily in others (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Sensitive skin may sting, burn, or itch after you use some makeup or other products.

Normal skin is balanced, clear, and not sensitive.

Step 2: Cleaning Normal/Combo Skin

Don't just grab whatever soap is in the shower or at the sink to wash your face. You don't have to buy fancy, expensive products. You just need to find skincare that works for you.

Use a gentle cleanser or soap and wash -- don't scrub your face. Rinse with plenty of warm water, then pat dry. If you find your skin dries out or gets oily, try a different cleanser.

Step 3: Cleaning Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, use a gentle cleanser that doesn't have alcohol or fragrance. Those ingredients can dry your skin out even more. Gently wash your skin, then rinse with plenty of warm water. Don't use hot water because it removes the natural oils from your face faster.

Try exfoliating once a week to get rid of flaky skin cells. It will make your skin look clearer and more even. 

Cleaning Oily Skin

If your skin is oily, use an oil-free foaming cleanser to wash your face. Rinse with plenty of warm water. You may want to use a toner or astringent after you've washed your face, but be careful because it might irritate your skin. They can remove extra oil, making your face less shiny, and help keep skin clean.

Cleaning Sensitive Skin

If your skin is sensitive, wash it with a very gentle cleanser and rinse with warm water. Be sure to pat -- don't rub -- dry. Exfoliating may irritate sensitive skin. Try not to use products that have alcohol, soap, acid, or fragrance. Instead, look on the label for calming ingredients like aloe, chamomile, green tea poly phenols, and oats. The fewer ingredients in a skincare product, the happier your face may be.

Moisturize

You may think you're too young to need moisturizer -- or your skin is too oily -- but all skin needs moisture. Moisturizers help keep your skin from drying out. Use it every day, no matter what skin type you have. Apply it while your skin is still damp from washing or rinsing to help seal in moisture. If you have acne or your skin is oily, find a moisturizer that is lightweight and oil-free, so it doesn't block your pores.

Step 4: Put on Sunscreen

Your moisturizer may already have sunscreen in it. But it's a good idea to use a separate sunscreen, too. The sun can damage your skin in only 15 minutes. Even though you're young, you can get skin cancer. Look for sunscreen that works against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 30. Wear it every day, even if it's not sunny and even if it's cold. The sun's rays can reflect off water, sand, and snow. Reapply every two hours.

When Should You Wash?

You can dry your skin by washing it too much, so once a day is fine for most people. In the morning, rinse your face with lukewarm water. Use a soft towel to pat it -- not rub it -- dry. At night, washing with a cleanser or gentle soap helps get rid of the day's dirt and makeup. If you exercise, play sports, or have PE, you may want to wash your face afterward with a gentle cleanser. Sweat can clog your pores and make acne worse.

Don't Wear Makeup to Bed

When you're tired, it can be tempting to go to bed without washing your face. But leaving makeup on your skin can clog your pores and cause acne. So use a gentle cleanser or makeup remover to wash it off. Use a soft wash cloth or cotton pads. If you use acne medicine, now is a good time to put it on -- when your face is clean and when you're not going to be putting on makeup.