by Lauren Ullmann

Created on: September 19, 2009

We all love to look our best. That means making sure our skin is nice, clean, and clear. It's actually really simple to take care of your skin. All you have to do is find the right products for you. However, there are some steps I believe everyone should follow.

1. Washing your face everyday, day and night:

I wash my face in the shower with just a gentle cleanser (I use Sheer Cover Conditioning Cleanser) to get rid of makeup, dirt, and oil. I also do this in the morning to have a clean palette to work with. Make sure you find a gentle cleanser right for you. If you have sensitive skin, try Liquid Neutrogena (yep, that's what its called). Its a very gentle cleanser. Whenever I breakout (like most teenagers do) I use the Oil-free Acne Wash from Neutrogena. (Believe me, when in doubt about buying skin care products, go Neutrogena, they are the best you can get for a low price). Use an exfoliating scrub in the morning; it can give your skin a nice glow. (I adore St.Ives Apricot Scrub) Also, don't spend $50 for a cleanser that's going to be on your face for 10 seconds, it's not worth having the fancy designer label. Make sure you don't over wash and scrub your face, you can actually strip away your face's natural oils it needs to stay healthy.

2. Moisturize with an SPF

I'm 14. I am in that stage where I think looks are everything. (Yeah, I just admitted it) So I read the magazines and watch the makeover shows. I've learned that the earlier you start to moisturize and protect your skin with an SPF, your skin looks younger and healthier. And I burn easily with my lovely Irish skin, so I have to wear SPF anyway everyday. I use Sheer Cover Moisturizer with SPF 15. (I also use Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation with an SPF 15). Make sure you find one that fits you. In addition, you only need a dime size amount; less is more when it comes to moisturizing. Make sure you also use a lip balm with an SPF to protect your lips too.

3. NEVER EVER POP ZITS!

Popping pimples can result in scars and more pimples! Popping it actually spreads all that oil in the pimple on your face that can lead to more zits you must deal with. Treating acne can be a difficult task. I suffer from acne but never pop my pimples. I go to a dermatologist and get chemical peels to help my acne. They hurt, but they really do help. Therefore, if you do suffer from acne problems go see your dermatologist. You can also buy OTC products that help a lot. I use Avon's Professional 3 step acne Treatment System. It works very well! DIY tricks also can help zits fast. Try putting toothpaste on your pimple over night. The toothpaste helps reduce redness. Another trick is to mash an aspirin and mix it with a little water to make a mini mask for your zit. Aspirin actually contains Salicylic Acid, which is a main ingredient in acne products.

It takes only these three simple steps to take care of your beautiful face! For added benefits, use a mineral foundation. It delivers antioxidants to your skin, lets your skin breathe, and from my experience lasts longer than liquid foundation. I used to use Cover Girl TruBlend Liquid Foundation but switched to Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation and fell in love with it. It never caked and it lasted all day, even through P.E. However, the most important thing to find products that are right for YOU. Look on the shelves of your Target or Wal-Mart, you can find great skin care products there without burning a whole in your wallet.

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