A+ Acne Tips
by Krista Michelle Arrigo

Sorry girl, you can't cover that acne with a turtleneck! Your face is the ultimate fashion accessory, so you'll need to take action to make it look fresh, clean, and beautiful. Read on for some expert tips on how to rid your face and body of all that yucky muck!

Amy B. Lewis, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist, says the first step to preventing pimples requires taking an active role in keeping your skin clear. "Cleanse two times a day, and wash with something anti-acne to unclog pores." She suggests a cleanser that contains an acne-fighting ingredient like benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acid, or beta hydroxy acid.

Searching the Shelves
I know what you're thinking. You've been there. You've stood there. And you're completely overwhelmed and sometimes dumbfounded by those overstocked drugstore shelves filled with pretty packages, alluring labels, and enticing promises. How can you know which product is right for you?

Lewis suggests sticking to this rule: "If you have oily skin, use a gel-based wash; if you're dry, use a creamy wash."

And as long as the product you choose contains an active acne-fighting ingredient, the brand, package, label, or price won't make a difference, says Lorna Thomas, M.D., a Detroit, MI-based dermatologist. "They're all basically the same," she says. "The strength of the ingredient is not important -- if a product contains five percent benzoyl peroxide, you'll get just as good a result than if it contains 10 percent -- as long as it doesn't irritate your skin."

Prepare for the Storm -- and Sun!

That narrows it down for now, but once the seasons change, Lewis says, prepare to alter your face wash once again. "Skin tends to get dryer in colder weather, so you'll need to switch your creams and cleanser and moisturize all over."

Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, stick with an oil-free moisturizer. "Get hydrated from moisturizer, then put oil-free makeup on over it." Lewis suggests checking ingredient labels before you make a purchase. "Use stuff that doesn't have as much fragrance and preservatives, which can cause allergic or irritant reactions."

And while you check for oil-free, fragrance-free formula, look for lotions and foundations that contain SPF as well, like Olay Complete UV Defense Moisture Lotion. "The number-one cause of wrinkles later on in life is sun exposure," says Thomas. "It's not too early for a teen to start using sunscreen, especially if you're outside playing sports in the sun."

Active Skin Care Control
Speaking of physical activity, sweat can cause breakouts as well. "After working out, shower and change into dry clothes," suggests Thomas. "Damp T-shirts carry bacteria and will aggravate skin if you have a tendency to break out."

The clothes you wear can make a difference as well. "Don't wear skin-constricting things like a headband or spandex materials -- [sweat] will clog pores and you'll break out more," Lewis says. Instead, opt for cotton clothes that are light-weight and loose-fitting. And if pimples appear elsewhere on your body, Lewis says you can apply the same medication you use on your face to those areas as well. "Your back and chest can tolerate more heavy duty acne medications than your face, so smear it on all over."

Quick Zit-Zapping Checklist:

• Choose a face wash that contains an anti-acne ingredient, like benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acid, or beta hydroxy acid.
• For oily skin, choose a gel-based wash; for dry skin, a creamy cleanser.
• Alter your skin care products according to weather conditions.
• Always opt for oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer and makeup.
• When playing sports or working out, wear loose, cotton clothing. Change out of wet, sweaty clothes immediately.

See who won a bottle of Olay Complete UV Defense Moisture Lotion.