• Dry skin is flaky, scaly, or rough.
• Oily skin is shiny, greasy, and may have big pores.
• Combination skin is dry in some spots (cheeks) and oily in others (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Sensitive skin may sting, burn, or itch after you use some makeup or other products.
Normal skin is balanced, clear, and not sensitive.
Cleaning Normal/Combo Skin
Don't just grab whatever soap is in the shower or at the sink to wash your face. You don't have to buy fancy, expensive products. You just need to find skincare that works for you. Use a gentle cleanser or soap and wash -- don't scrub your face. Rinse with plenty of warm water, then pat dry. If you find your skin dries out or gets oily, try a different cleanser.
Cleaning Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, use a gentle cleanser that doesn't have alcohol or fragrance. Those ingredients can dry your skin out even more. Gently wash your skin, then rinse with plenty of warm water. Don't use hot water because it removes the natural oils from your face faster. Try exfoliating once a week to get rid of flaky skin cells. It will make your skin look clearer and more even.
Cleaning Oily Skin
If your skin is oily, use an oil-free foaming cleanser to wash your face. Rinse with plenty of warm water. You may want to use a toner or astringent after you've washed your face, but be careful because it might irritate your skin. They can remove extra oil, making your face less shiny, and help keep skin clean.
Moisturize
You may think you're too young to need moisturizer -- or your skin is too oily -- but all skin needs moisture. Moisturizers help keep your skin from drying out. Use it every day, no matter what skin type you have. Apply it while your skin is still damp from washing or rinsing to help seal in moisture. If you have acne or your skin is oily, find a moisturizer that is lightweight and oil-free, so it doesn't block your pores.
Put on Sunscreen
Your moisturizer may already have sunscreen in it. But it's a good idea to use a separate sunscreen, too. The sun can damage your skin in only 15 minutes. Even though you're young, you can get skin cancer. Look for sunscreen that works against both UVA and UVB rays with an
SPF of at least 30. Wear it every day, even if it's not sunny and even if it's cold. The sun's rays can reflect off water, sand, and snow. Reapply every two hours
Don't Wear Makeup to Bed
When you're tired, it can be tempting to go to bed without washing your face. But leaving makeup on your skin can clog your pores and cause acne. So use a gentle cleanser or makeup remover to wash it off. Use a soft wash cloth or cotton pads. If you use acne medicine, now's a good time to put it on -- when your face is clean and when you're not going to be putting on makeup.
How to Treat Acne
Don't pop those pimples! Squeezing can lead to infection and permanent scars. Instead, go to a store where you can find many acne-fighting products. They come as lotions, creams, gels, and cleansing pads. Be patient -- they can take eight weeks to work. And follow the directions carefully. Using too much or using them too often can irritate your skin and cause more blemishes. If your acne is really bad, get help from a dermatologist.
Hiding Blemishes
To make blemishes less noticeable, you can cover them with oil-free makeup. Foundation may help cover large patches of acne. Concealer covers smaller areas. Green-tinted color-correcting concealer may cancel out redness. You also can hide acne and treat it at the same time. Some tinted creams and concealers contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Stop using any product if it bothers your skin or causes more acne.
Choosing Makeup
If you wear makeup, choose products that have "nonacnegenic" or "noncomedogenic" on the label. They should be less likely to cause acne or clog pores. Look for makeup that is water-based and not oil-based. Some makeup has expiration dates, even though they're not required. In general, eye products should be replaced first. Mascara, for example, should usually be used no longer than four months.
Makeup Safety Tips
Don’t share makeup or makeup tools, and use fresh applicators when trying on makeup in stores. Germs from other users can make you sick. Don't apply eyeliner inside your lid because it may irritate your eye. And if you've had an eye infection, buy new makeup to avoid re-infecting yourself. Never put on makeup in a bus or car. A bump or swerve could cause you to scratch your eye or get makeup and germs in it.
Other Things That Bug Your Skin
To keep skin healthy, try to avoid habits that can cause acne, redness, and scars. Don't pick at your skin -- especially your pimples -- or you can have permanent scars. Keep hairspray and gel away from your face. They can clog pores. Don't wear tight headbands or wool hats that can irritate your skin. Don't smoke. It can age your skin and make it yellow and dry
