Photo: Stockbyte1. I'm breaking out-everywhere.
"Summer heat stimulates the oil glands to produce more oil, plus sweat can cause dead surface skin cells to swell and clog pores," says Lupo. As a result, even women blessed with clear skin the rest of the year may struggle with breakouts in the summer-not only on the face but also the back, chest, and even butt.
Related: Flawless skin in 3 steps
To keep those bumps at bay, dermatologists recommend salicylic acid. "It's lipophilic-attracted to the oily areas that are more likely to break out," says Lupo. "It's also an exfoliator, so it keeps your pores clean." Switch to salicylic acid cleansers (try SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser for the face and Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash for the body), but resist the temptation to overwash. Morning and evening is plenty. (Lupo sanctions one extra, postworkout wash-but use a milder cleanser.) Skip moisturizer, and use just a noncomedogenic sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (they provide a more matte finish). At night a layer of benzoyl peroxide (try Proactiv Advanced Blemish Treatment) on problem areas will also help reduce breakout-causing bacteria.
Related: How to get rid of acne
2. Every sunscreen I've tried looks like a greasy white mask.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are great broad-spectrum sunblocks, but they can look a little chalky-and the higher the SPF, the more likely you'll resemble a Marcel Marceau impersonator. There's no need to go above SPF 30, says Ciraldo, who also recommends choosing a tinted formulation (we like Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 15 Sheer Tint). Or you can look for sunscreens that contain Parsol 1789 (often listed as avobenzone), which might feel a little greasier than the mineral blockers but won't have a whitish cast.
Related: What's the right sunscreen for you?
3. The bottle of self-tanner said "subtle glow," but what I got is a streaky mess.
Next time: Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate before you even get near self-tanner, and make sure your skin is completely dry. Tinted formulations are easier to apply because you can see the spots you missed. We can't say enough great things about slow-build self-tanners (like our new golden girl, Victoria's Secret Bare Bronze Daily Glow Moisturizer). They really are subtle (it'll take a few days to get a truly tanned look). If you've gone overboard with a self-tanner, all you can do is scrub off the streaks, says makeup artist Julie Hewett. For more concentrated stains around the ankles or wrists, she recommends cuticle remover.
Related: The best makeup for summer
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