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"15 Easy Tips for Flawless Skin\\nBeauty editors reveal the tricks they use to treat their own skin.\\nSome of the most common skin complaints, like irritation and breakouts, are caused by using the wrong moisturizer. Here's how to find the right one:\\n\\n\u00B7 For oily skin: It may sound obvious, but what you want is an oil-free lotion, such as [DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/ddf-moisturizing-dew)\\n\\n \u00B7 If your skin is dry, try a thick cream with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which draw in water. We like [Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/clarins-hydraquench-mask)\\n\\n\u00B7 If you break out easily, choose a lotion or gel instead of a cream, and make sure it's noncomedogenic. It should say so on the bottle. Try __Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer.__\\n\\n\u00B7 If you have sensitive skin, use a fragrance-free product, such as __La Roche-Posay Toleriane Facial Fluide.__\\n\\n\u2014Victoria Kirby, *Allure* beauty editor\\nTo sample new creams without breaking into a rash, stick to testing one at a time. If the new product has ingredients that may cause irritation\u2014such as retinol or alpha hydroxy acids\u2014keep everything else simple: a basic cleanser like [Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser,](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/cetaphil-gentle-skin-cleanser) no exfoliation, no antioxidants, and a plain moisturizer like [Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/clinique-moisture-surge-cream) When you test it, slather the new product on the side of your neck rather than on your face so that you can cover any reaction with your hair. If it passes the neck test for three days, it's ready for your face.\\n\\n\u2014Linda Wells, *Allure* editor in chief\\n\u00B7 Choose a sunscreen that's marked \\\"broad-spectrum,\\\" meaning it fights both burning UVB rays and wrinkle- and skin-cancer-causing UVA ones.\\n\\n\u00B7 Go with an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis, and 45 when you're in the sun. Dermatologists say that women rarely apply enough sunscreen to get the full SPF listed on the bottle; a high SPF is a little extra insurance.\\n\\n\u00B7 Apply sunscreen right out of the shower instead of body lotion so you don't forget, and make sure to get every spot, including the tops of your feet, the crooks of your arms, and the backs of your hands. For your face, don't forget to coat your hairline, neck, ears, and earlobes.\\n\\n\u00B7 On days you'll be outside, pop an antioxidant supplement, like Heliocare, to give your sunscreen a little more protective muscle.\\n\\n\u2014Linda Wells, *Allure* editor in chief\\n\\n\\n\\nFor our favorite sunscreens, check out *Allure*'s [Best of Beauty](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/best-of-beauty/2010/best_of_beauty_skin) slideshow.\\n\u00B7 __Every morning:__ Slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen\u2014it's the best anti-aging product, period.\\n\\n\u00B7 __Every night:__ Dab on a lotion containing retinol, like the potent [DermaDoctor Poetry in Lotion.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/dermadoctor-poetry-in-lotion-retinol) If it ends up making your skin red or flaky, dilute it in your palm with some basic moisturizer, and be sure to apply it when skin is completely dry.\\n\\n\u00B7 __Every other night:__ Use a glycolic acid peel to speed up cell turnover. (We love the [Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/avon-anew-clinical-retexturizing-peel)) Just be sure to use it at least a half hour before the retinol\u2014because the two ingredients deactivate each other.\\n\\n\u2014Kristin Perrotta, *Allure* editorial projects director\\nThe trick is to prevent them from getting cracked in the first place. When you're going to be spending the day outdoors, especially in windy, sunny, or cold weather, apply a thick balm with SPF 30, like __Kiehl's All-Sport \\\"Non-Freeze\\\" Face Protector SPF 30.__ When you're back indoors, switch to a medicated goop with mostly petrolatum, such as [Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/aquaphor-healing-ointment)\\n\\n\u2014Linda Wells, *Allure* editor in chief\\nPores look big when they're clogged with dead cells and oil. To clear them, switch to an exfoliating cleanser that contains between .5 and 1 percent salicylic acid, and use it every other day. (We like [Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/neutrogena-acne-stress-control-cream-wash)) Once or twice a week, switch from the cleanser to a cream-based exfoliator, like [Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/facial-scrub/2012/dr-brandt-microdermabrasion-skin-exfoliant) Then disguise pores by swirling translucent loose powder over the areas where they're most noticeable. (Try [M.A.C. Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder/Pressed](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/makeup/powder/2012/mac-transparent-finishing-powder-pressed))\\n\\n\u2014Amy Keller Laird, *Allure* beauty director\\nA few key products can keep your skin from turning into an oil slick by noon.\\n\\n\u00B7 __A mattifying moisturizer with SPF.__ (The SPF is key because the sun can actually stimulate oil production.) We like [Vichy Normaderm Pro Mat Ultra-Mattifying Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15,](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/vichy-normaderm-pro-mat-lotion) which is oil-free and contains a form of vitamin C that helps control shine.\\n\\n\u00B7 __Powder foundation.__ This helps set your makeup. If you regularly use liquid foundation, dab just a bit of the powder on top. Try __Benefit Hello Flawless.__\\n\\n\u00B7 __Oil-blotting sheets.__ Try the plastic kind, like __Sephora's Matte Blotting Film.__ They soak up more than the paper ones, and can be used over makeup without messing it up.\\n\\n\u2014Alyssa Kolsky Hertzig, *Allure* beauty news editor\\nDab on an eye cream containing light diffusers, such as __Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Under-Eye Brightening Cream,__ and let it sink in for ten minutes. This prevents makeup from creasing. Make sure your concealer is emollient and easy to spread; __The Balm Time Balm Anti-Wrinkle Concealer__ fits the bill. And choose a color that matches your skin tone exactly. Going a shade lighter will just draw attention to the area\u2014and who wants that?\\n\\n\u2014Jolene Edgar, freelance writer and former *Allure* beauty features editor\\nIf your skin turns red and burns every time you slap on a product, it's sensitive. Switch to products that are free of fragrance (it's the top cause of skin reactions); [Eau Thermale Av\u00E8ne Extremely Gentle Cleanser](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/eau-thermale-avene-gentle-cleanser) and [Cream for Intolerant Skin](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2011/eau-thermale-avene-cream-intolerant-skin) are good. Instead of chemical sunscreen, go with mineral UVA/UVB filters, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. (Try __Burt's Bees Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 30.__) And instead of a scrub, exfoliate with a gentler lactic acid peel, such as [Philosophy The Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2011/philosophy-microdelivery-mini-peel-pads)\\n\\n\u2014Victoria Kirby, *Allure* beauty editor\\nDot the zit with a sulfur-based mask, such as [Proactiv Solution Refining Mask,](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/proactiv-refining-mask) and let it dry for five minutes before washing it off. This alone will diminish the pimple. Before you go to bed, dab on a cream with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, such as [Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment.](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/neutrogena-on-the-spot-acne-treatment) This low dose is just as effective as but less irritating than 10 percent benzoyl peroxide. Then keep your hands off: Untouched zits usually go away in a few days; picked ones can take up to two weeks to heal.\\n\\n\u2014Jolene Edgar, freelance writer and former *Allure* beauty features editor\\nThe trick is to start with a cleanser that doesn't strip your skin (one that's oil-based, such as [Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Oil,](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/nude-skincare-facial-oil) is good), and to gently exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells\u2014no moisturizer can penetrate a layer of flakes. Then double up on moisturizers: In the morning, try a light formula with sunscreen that absorbs well (like [Prevage Day Moisturizer SPF 30)](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/elizabeth-arden-prevage-day-protection-moisturizer), and top it off with a tinted moisturizer (try [Shiseido The Skincare Essential Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20)](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/makeup/2010/shiseido-tinted-moisture-protection-moisturizer). At night, go with a dense cream (I like [Cr\u00E8me de la Mer)](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2011/la-mer-creme-de-la-mer) to soothe while you sleep.\\n\\n\u2014Nicole Pearl, freelance writer and founder of [thebeautygirl.com](http://thebeautygirl.com/)\\nThe problem here is dead skin. And the solution: Lots of gentle exfoliation and a little bit of shine. Wash morning and night with a mild salicylic acid cleanser like __Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Skin Wash\u2014__your skin will look brighter the first time you use it. Once a week, remove any straggler dead skin cells with a glycolic acid peel. Finally, dab a teeny bit of [Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/aquaphor-healing-ointment) ointment onto your cheekbones, forehead, and the bridge of your nose to add a sheen.\\n\\n\u2014Danielle Pergament, *Allure* contributor and freelance writer\\n\u00B7 If you want extra moisture, look for a formula with hyaluronic acid. (Try __Avon Anew Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum.__)\\n\\n\u00B7 To smooth lines and keep skin firm, retinol or peptides are best. (Try __Rodan + Fields Anti-Age Night Renewing Serum__ or __Dr. Brandt Collagen Booster.__)\\n\\n\u00B7 To fade dark spots, try a serum with soy. (I like __Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Triple Boosting Serum.__)\\n\\n\u2014Mary Clarke, freelance beauty writer and former beauty director at *Modern Bride*\\nAvoiding ashiness is easy\u2014just exfoliate and moisturize correctly. Make sure you use a scrub with moisturizing ingredients, since rubbing the skin raw will make it look worse. ([Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care Botanical Buffing Beads Body Wash](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/peter-thomas-roth-botanical-buffing-beads-body-wash) contains jojoba oil.) Be sure to focus on your elbows and knees. Once you're out of the shower, slick on a body oil, such as [Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil,](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2011/vaseline-cocoa-butter-vitalizing-gel-body-oil) and top it with a rich body moisturizer, such as __C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream.__\\n\\n\u2014Tia Williams, [essence.com](http://www.essence.com/) beauty editor\\nGetting rid of brown spots takes patience\u2014and dedication to sun protection, as the slightest bit of exposure will bring on more trouble. Beyond that, here's how to fade them:\\n\\n\u00B7 __For mild discoloration:__ A cream with a hefty dose of retinol, such as [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream,](http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/2010/roc-retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-night-cream) will help fade spots over time. Apply a thin layer to your entire face, since spot-treating isn't as effective.\\n\\n\u00B7 __For serious spots:__ You need a prescription cream, so talk to a dermatologist. Hydroquinone products work, but if they irritate your skin, ask about a milder product like Ziana, which has retinoids and antibiotics.\\n\\n\u2014Kristen Oldham Giordani, [totalbeauty.com](http://www.totalbeauty.com/) senior editor"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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