Skin & Hair Care For Girls

ONSTER ZIT Problem: The big dance is hours away, and you’ve got an drupting volcano on your nose.
Solution: Don’t pop! Picking at a pimple will only make it more glaring. Wash with a gentle cleanser and use a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cream. Apply a lighter layer of oil-free, “noncomedogenic” cover-up, which won’t block your pores and cause more eruptions.

PEELING SKIN Problem: You meant to get a tan, but you burned instead. Now your skin is red and peeling.
Solution: A moisturizer containing aloe may help ease the pain and make your flaking skin less noticeable. Peeling generally lasts a few days, as your body removes the damaged skin. For your skin’s health and to avoid burning in the first place, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you go outside.

FRECKLE FACE Problem: The freckles dotting your nose make you so cute — just like a little kid.
Solution: To prevent new (and darker!) freckles, always wear sunscreen. For quick and easy fix, try a concealer. Freckle should fade as you get older. If they really bother you, reach for face creams with natural brightness, such as Mulberry or Vitamin C. Best bet? Embrace your cuteness.

HAIRY ARMS Problem: Your arms look like your mom’s fur rug!
Solution: First, ask your mom or aunt whatever you truly have too much arm hair. Teens can obsess about body features that others consider quite normal. If you still want to take action, try a depilatory, which removes hair is best for you. Use a moisturizer afterward to prevent irritation. Don’t shave arm hair — it will grow in stubbly.

FRIZZY HAIR Problem: The humidity rises, and you look like you stuck your finger in an electric socket.
Solution: If you don’t like the look, you can tame the frizzies with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Before you style, smooth and anti-frizz serum or cream on wet hair. Use a brush with natural oils in the bristles — boar’s head brushes work well. For extra smoothness and shine, massage a few drops of Vitamin E into your scalp once a week.

SPLOTHY SKIN Problem: It’s picture day, and you’re red, splotchy face is nowhere near photo ready!
Solution: You can smooth uneven skin tone with noncomedogenic concealer. Or for a lighter touch, try a tinted moisturizer. If you have a rash that doesn’t go away, see a dermatologist. You could have eczema or an allergic reaction to your detergent, shampoo, or moisturizer. You may need a medicated cream to clear it up.

CRACKED LIPS Problem: He’s going in for the big first kiss when your dry, chapped lips stop him in his tracks.
Solution: Don’t lick your lips. Instead of adding moisture, it will dry them out even more. Drink eight glasses of water a day to keep your whole body hydrated. Protect your most kissable asset with a layer of lip balm containing sunscreen and moisture-rich ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or petrolatum.

COLD SORE Problem: Your friend leans in and asks, “What that thing on your lip?” You’re horrified.
Solution: That red, blistery bump on your lip is a cold sore, caused by the herpness simplex virus 1. It should go away on its own in about a week. To ease the pain and burning, try a cool compress or put ice on it. Use lip balm to keep the area soft and prevent cracking. Hold off on kissing anyone — cold sores are contagious.

UNIBROW Problem: You feel like there’s a big furry caterpillar stuck in the middle of your face.
Solution: Plucking is an easy, precise way to get rid of overgrown eyebrows. Use sharp, slanted tweezers to grab hairs without pinching your skin. Follow the natural line of your brow. Exfoliate to get rid of any ingrown brow hairs.

OILY SKIN Problem: Your skin is so shiny it looks like you coated it in baby oil.
Solution:Don’t scrub your skin — it will only lead to more oil production and breakouts. Wash with a gentle cleanser every day and exfolicate twice a week. To control greasiness, use an oil-free moisturizer and water-based makeup labeled “noncomedogenic,” meaning that it won’t clog pores.
CRACKED, UGLY FEET Problem: It’s sandal season but you’re still in sneakers. You don’t want anyone to see your dry, cracked heels.
Solution: Your hand moisturizer may not be enough to heal scaly feet. Try this overnight treatment: Before bed, smear your feet with a thick cream containing glycerin. Put on cotton socks and leave the cream on your feet while you sleep.

DRY SKIN Problem: Your once healthy glowing skin is now rough, scaly, and itchy.
Solution: Turn down the heat! Hot water can rob your skin of the essential oils that keep it moisturized. Keep showers short. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and don’t scrub. After your shower, rub on an ointment or cream moisturizer that contains urea or lactic acid, which will help your skin hold water and stay moist.

HAIRY LEGS Problem: You shave, and the next day thick, dark hair is sprouting up again!
Solution: To keep hair off for longer, try waxing. It hurts a little and can irritate the skin, but it lasts up to six weeks. Be careful: Hot wax can cause burns if not used properly. You have to grow out your hair at least a quarter inch before you wax, so prepare to wear jeans.

THE PITS! Problem: You can’t raise your hand in class because everyone will see the ugly wet stains under your arms!
Solution: An antiperspirant will plug up your sweat ducts and stop some of the embrrassing wetness. Choose a product that includes deodorant to prevent your sweat from stinking, too. Apply it in the morning after you get showered and your skin has dried. But remember, sweating is an important body function to help you cool down when you’re hot.