SUMMER SKIN CARE BASICS

Summer's heat can really aggravate teen skin, especially if you're already prone to the greasies. Myjellybean.com has some tips for how to prevent a shiny face and keep your skin looking healthy.

Keep It Clean.

Cleanse your face with an acne-medicated cleanser morning and night, and use a gentle toner after cleansing to further lift out oils from the skin. Don't cleanse more than twice a day though, or you'll overstimulate your oil glands and cause even more greasies!

Pick the Right Products.

If your face is naturally oily, use an oil-free cleanser, like Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash. It’s tough on pimples, but not on your skin, even if you don’t have acne-prone skin.

Carry Wipes.

Hit the drugstore to buy some refreshing, oil-removing facial wipes or cloths (Biore makes great ones) and carry them with you in your purse. Use them throughout the day whenever your skin feels shiny - like after a sweaty game of beach volleyball - to freshen your complexion and keep it clear and clean.

Take a Powder.

Wearing oil-free translucent powder on your face can do a lot to prevent that oily shine. Carry a powder compact with you in your purse and reapply after using the facial wipes.

Face It.

Keep your hair and hands off your face. Oils from your hair and your skin can rub off on face, making it more shiny. If your hair is on the oily side, keep it tied back in a ponytail or braid, pulled into a bandana or clipped up in barrettes. Wash your hair often too!

Wear Protection.

Be sure to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 every day (even when it's cloudy) to protect from ever-present UVA and UVB rays.

Be Sun Smart.

Despite what you may have heard, catching rays will NOT clear up acne. Yes, a suntan can temporarily dry up some of the oil, but the drying factor could actually encourage your skin to produce more oil... making your acne worse! Rely on sunless tanners or bronzing powders for a healthy glow, and remember to wear that sunscreen!

Read Product Labels.

If you use acne treatments, keep in mind that some products increase the skin's sensitivity to light and may increase the risk of skin cancer if you bask in the sun. Ask your dermatologist if you should be especially careful.

Wash Up At Night.

Don’t even think about going to bed without washing your face! Stick to your regular nightly cleansing habit. If you have trouble spots, slap on some medicated lotion before bedtime to help blast those zits while you get your beauty sleep.

Masks Are a Must.

Use a pimple-zapping mask twice a week at night, until zits disappear. Biore makes a great mask, or you can make one yourself by mixing some brewers yeast (from the grocery store) and plain yogurt - leave on your face for 15 minutes before rinsing well.