The Solution to Your Top 10 Skin and Body Issues

It's easy to talk about the fun side of beauty -- the makeup trends, hot hairstyles and new products -- but what about the less-than-scintillating side of beauty? You know, stuff like bacne, calluses and flaky skin. They're not as enjoyable, but when you're dealing with one of these issues, you want all the help you can get, right?

That's why we delved into the underbelly of the beauty world to bring you solutions to your biggest skin and body problems. So take a moment, make sure no one is peeking at your monitor, and finally get the answers to the questions you were too embarrassed to ask:

Problem: Blackheads

Solution: Blackheads are a combination of your sebum (oil), dirt and dead skin cells trapped in often dehydrated pores -- and squeezing is not the best way to get rid of them. Instead, drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day and exfoliate once or twice weekly with a gentle scrub or brush. If desired, dab a salicylic or glycolic acid based astringent directly on blackheads after cleansing with one of these best facial cleansers, then follow with moisturizer.

Problem: Flaky Face/Lips

Solution: Flaky skin is usually a result of dead skin cells and dehydration. In addition to increasing your water intake, combat it by washing once or twice a week with an exfoliating cream cleanser, then using a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe off product, dirt and makeup. Rinse, then apply a rich moisturizer or lip balm. (Tip: If your skin is oily, look for a water-based moisturizer. If your skin is dry, look for an oil-based one.) For best results, don't fully dry skin before moisturizing.

Problem: Back/Chest Blemishes

Solution: Some heavily fragranced body washes can irritate skin instead of thoroughly cleaning it, contributing to body acne. So instead, opt for a body wash or soap formulated for sensitive skin, then lather up a back scrubber (try the mesh cloth kind found in most Asian grocery stores) and gently scrub your back and chest. If desired, swipe a salicylic acid pad directly on blemishes after skin is dry, then follow with moisturizer.

Problem: Dull, Dry, Rough Skin

Solution: To restore radiance, slough off dead skin cells by coating your just-washed body with a top-rated sugar, salt or microbead scrub. Rub it in well on rough areas like knees and elbows, then rinse and moisturize. (Tip: Steer clear of scrubs made with rough, sharp granules like nut particles or seeds; they can leave tiny tears in your skin.)

Problem: Sweaty, Stinky Underarms

Solution: Dermatologists suspect that odor may live in the top layer of your skin, so in addition to using soap and water to wash sweat and product residue off your underarms, exfoliate with a mesh sponge, loofah or body scrub to ensure removal of dead skin cells, which contribute to odor. (Plus, find a deodorant that really works.)

Get help for five more body issues here!

• Think your skin is clean enough? This quiz may just prove you wrong.
  
• Is it time you simplified your beauty routine? Find out here.
• Got a beauty issue that we didn't cover? Ask about it here.

Keep up with the latest in beauty -- follow us on Twitter and friend us on Facebook.