Article: The key to healthy skin is treating your skin well. Be gentle when caring for you skin. This will improve its appearance and reduce the risk of skin problems in the future.  Limit the time you spend showering or bathing. Overexposure to water can dry out skin and cause damage. Try to take warm, rather than hot, showers and baths.  Avoid harsh soaps. Strongly acidic soaps and detergents can dry out skin and remove oils. Stick to mild cleansers without many added ingredients and chemicals.  Pat your skin dry with a towel after bathing. This allows moisture to remain on your skin. Rubbing can dry out and irritate skin.  Moisturize. Get a mild, non-scented daily moisturizer and use it after showers and exercise and also before bed if the weather is dry or cold or if your skin tends to get dry. Pick a brand that contains SPF for added protection against the sun for daytime hours. Keeping your hands clean can help with your skin. Touching your face when you have bacteria on your hands can cause acne to develop.  Wet your hands with clean water and add soap. Lather your hands and then scrub for about 20 seconds. It can help to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice to keep track of time. Make sure to wash between your fingers, under your fingernails, and the backs of your hands.  Rinse your hands under clean, running water and then dry them with a towel. Tanning beds are dangerous for skin, especially vulnerable teenage skin. Some states and countries have even banned the use of tanning beds by people under 18. Tanning using natural sunlight can also increase your risk of a variety of skin conditions, including melanoma (skin cancer) and premature skin aging. If you want to improve the look of your skin, consider spray-on tan or tinted moisturizers. If you're out in the sun, make sure your skin is protected. Overexposure to sunlight increases your risk of cancer and can cause other skin problems with time.   Use sunscreen. Look for a brand of at least SPF 30. If you're going to be out in the sun for a day, reapply sunscreen every two hours.  Sunlight is most damaging between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. During this timeframe, seek shade and wear protective clothing like hats, scarves, and long-sleeved shirts. . If you're prone to acne breakouts, figure out how to treat them effectively. You may have to experiment with several different types of acne products before you find the brand most effective for you.  When considering treatment options, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. She can recommend an over-the-counter cream or prescription medications considering your skin type and medical history. You may need to try several different products before you find one that's effective for you.  Certain lifestyle changes can help with acne as well. Try to wear less makeup during breakouts, as this can lengthen their duration. Always wash your face after exercise. Try to avoid having your hair, hats, or clothing come into contact with your face as this can trap sweat leading to breakouts. You should never pop pimples or pick at zits. This can cause scarring. Look for brands of make-up that are light, oil-free, and claim to be non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic, meaning they won't contribute to breakouts. Mineral-based and water-based makeups tend to be better for acne-prone skin. You should also wash makeup off at the end of the day, before bed, or before exercise. This reduces the risk of makeup clogging your pores. Wash your hands before applying makeup and store application brushes in safe, clean areas.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Be gentle with your skin. Wash your hands regularly. Stay away from tanning. Protect yourself from the sun. Treat acne Choose the right makeups.