Ingrown hairs — Comprehensive overview covers causes, treatment, and prevention of this painful skin condition

Definition

An ingrown hair occurs when a shaved or tweezed hair grows back into the skin, causing inflammation and irritation. Ingrown hairs are most common among black males ages 14 to 25. But an ingrown hair can affect anyone with tightly coiled hair who shaves, tweezes, waxes or uses electrolysis to remove hair.

The result of ingrown hairs is localized pain and the appearance of bumps in the hair removal area. The bumps can be embarrassing.

Not removing hair is one way to avoid an ingrown hair. When that isn't an option, you can use hair removal methods that lessen the risk of developing ingrown hairs.

Symptoms

Ingrown hairs most commonly appear in males in the beard area, including the chin and cheeks and, especially, the neck. They can appear on the scalp in males who shave their heads. In females, the most common areas for ingrown hairs are the armpits, pubic area and legs. Signs and symptoms include:

• Small, solid, rounded bumps (papules)
• Small, pus-filled, blister-like lesions (pustules)
• Skin darkening (hyperpigmentation)
• Pain
• Itching
• Embedded hairs

When to see a doctorAn occasional ingrown hair isn't cause for alarm. See your doctor if:

• Ingrown hairs are a chronic condition. Your doctor can help you manage the condition.
• You're a woman with ingrown hairs as a result of excessive unwanted hair growth (hirsutism). Your doctor can determine whether your excess hair is a result of treatable hormonal abnormalities, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Causes

When you pull your skin taut during shaving, the newly cut hair draws back into the skin, causing it to re-enter the skin without first growing out (transfollicular penetration). Using a double-edged razor also causes hair to re-enter the skin — the first blade pulls the hair out and the second blade cuts it, which allows the hair to retract. Transfollicular penetration also occurs with tweezing, which leaves a hair fragment under the skin surface.Hair structure and direction of growth play a role in ingrown hairs. A curved hair follicle, which produces tightly curled hair, is believed to encourage the hair to re-enter the skin once the hair is cut and starts to grow back. Shaving creates sharp edges in this type of hair, especially if the hair is dry when shaved. When the shaved hair starts to grow out, it curls back to re-enter the skin (extrafollicular penetration).

When a hair penetrates your skin, your skin reacts as it would to a foreign body — it becomes inflamed.

Risk factors

Having tightly curled hair is the main risk factor for ingrown hairs, so the condition is more common among blacks and Hispanics.

Complications

Chronic ingrown hairs can lead to:

• Bacterial infection (from scratching)
• Skin darkening (hyperpigmentation)
• Permanent scarring

Preparing for your appointment

To get the most from your appointment, it's good to prepare. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. In some cases, you may be referred to a dermatologist.

What you can do

• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For ingrown hairs, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
• Do I need tests?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What is the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions, as well.

What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• What type of razor do you use?
• How often do you shave?
• What shaving or other hair removal technique do you use?

What you can do in the meantimeIn the days before your appointment with your doctor, if possible, stop shaving or using any form of hair removal. Ingrown hairs may worsen at first as they regrow, but eventually they'll improve.

Tests and diagnosis

Your doctor can usually diagnose ingrown hairs with a physical exam and a discussion of your hair removal habits.

Treatments and drugs

To inhibit ingrown hairs, stop shaving, tweezing or waxing. If you must remove hairs, consider laser hair removal, which removes the hair deeper in the follicle and inhibits regrowth better. It may take several treatments to prevent regrowth.

MedicationsYour doctor may prescribe certain medications to help manage your condition. They include:

• Retinoids. Your doctor may prescribe creams that help remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin (exfoliation), such as tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A, others). Retinoids can help alleviate the thickening (hyperkeratosis) and darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin that often occurs on dark skin prone to ingrown hairs.
• Corticosteroids. A topical steroid ointment can help control inflammation.
• Antibiotics. A topical antibiotic ointment can prevent infection caused by scratching the affected area. For more severe infection, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Wash the affected area using a washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush, using a circular motion, for several minutes before shaving and at bedtimeTo release ingrown hairs, you can:

• Use a sterile needle, inserting it under hair loops, to gently lift hair tips that are embedded in your skin

Prevention

If you shave:To help prevent ingrown hairs, use hair removal methods that make ingrown hairs less likely.

• Wet the hair to be removed with warm water
• Avoid close shaves and consider using an electric razor
• Use a lubricating shave gel
• Use a single-blade razor
• Use a sharp blade
• Don't pull your skin taut while shaving
• Shave in the direction of hair growth
• Rinse the blade after each stroke
• Apply cool compresses to the shaved area when you're finished

Other methods of hair removal include:

• Electric razor. Avoid the closest shave setting.
• Chemical hair remover. The chemicals may irritate your skin, so test on a small area first.
• Eflornithine hydrochloride cream (Vaniqa). Not actually a hair remover, this prescription cream decreases hair regrowth in women when combined with another hair removal method.

How to minimize your pores

Do you have enlarged pores? Read on to find out how you can minimize large pores and smooth your complexion.

CONSISTENT CARE

Your heredity and skin type could be part of the reason for enlarged pores. Individuals with dry skin tend to have smaller pores, while people with oily skin often have larger pores. Regular cleansing and appropriate moisturizing -- yes, even oily skin needs moisture -- will reduce the appearance of large pores.
A facial cleanser that contains glycolic acid and salicylic acid will help unclog the pores. Choose one that's gentle enough for daily use and wash your face with it morning and night. Adding a toner often helps, too. Toners and astringents are great for clearing away any residue the cleanser might leave behind. Being scrupulous about keeping your face clean is the number one way to reduce the look of large pores since it keeps them unclogged and free of excess oils.
Dr Ronald May of the UCLA School of Medicine agrees that cleansing is key. In addition, steaming the face to open pores prior to cleansing can accelerate the results of your skin care regime and help you fight the appearance of enlarged pores.

HANDS OFF

Don't ever squeeze pores! Squeezing can cause trauma to the surrounding tissue. You will end up with the same enlarged pores and an ugly red mark.

REFINE

There are pore-refining creams that can speed up cell regeneration. These topical treatments stimulate cell turnover to bring new layers of skin to the surface faster. They also help keep the pores clean. As the new cells form, the skin takes on a smoother look and over time the pores appear to be noticably reduced.

MAKEUP

If you wear makeup on a regular basis, choose a lightweight oil-free or oil-contol formula. You may notice that your foundation makeup sinks into your pores, causing them to look larger. One easy solution is to apply a face primer before adding your foundation. The primer forms a barrier that gives you a smooth surface and prevents the makeup from migrating into pores and wrinkles.

Acne — Comprehensive overview covers causes, acne treatments, and prevention

Definition

	Common acne
	Cystic acne

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne most commonly appears on your face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Acne can be distressing and annoyingly persistent. Acne lesions heal slowly, and when one begins to resolve, others seem to crop up.

Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and lead to scarring of the skin. The good news is that effective treatments are available — and the earlier treatment is started, the lower your risk of lasting physical and emotional damage.

Symptoms

	Common acne
	Cystic acne

Acne typically appears on your face, neck, chest, back and shoulders, which are the areas of your skin with the largest number of functional oil glands. Acne can take the following forms:

Noninflammatory lesions

• Comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) are created when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil secretions, dead skin cells and sometimes bacteria. When comedones (koe-muh-DOE-neez) are open at the skin surface, they're called blackheads because of the dark appearance of the plugs in the hair follicles. When comedones are closed, they're called whiteheads — slightly raised, skin-colored bumps.

Inflammatory lesions

• Papules are small raised bumps that signal inflammation or infection in the hair follicles. Papules may be red and tender.
• Pustules (pimples) are red, tender bumps with white pus at their tips.
• Nodules are large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin. They're formed by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles.
• Cysts are painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin. These boil-like infections can cause scars.

When to see a doctorAcne usually isn't a serious medical condition. But you may want to seek medical treatment from a dermatologist for persistent pimples or inflamed cysts to avoid scarring or other damage to your skin. If acne and the scars it may have left are affecting your social relationships or self-esteem, you may also want to ask a dermatologist if your acne can be controlled or if your scars can be diminished.

Causes

How acne develops

Three factors contribute to the formation of acne:

• Overproduction of oil (sebum)
• Irregular shedding of dead skin cells resulting in irritation of the hair follicles of your skin
• Buildup of bacteria

Acne occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Hair follicles are connected to sebaceous glands. These glands secrete an oily substance known as sebum to lubricate your hair and skin. Sebum normally travels up along the hair shafts and then out through the openings of the hair follicles onto the surface of your skin. When your body produces an excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells, the two can build up in the hair follicles and form together as a soft plug, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive.

This plug may cause the follicle wall to bulge and produce a whitehead. Or, the plug may be open to the surface and may darken, causing a blackhead. Pimples are raised red spots with a white center that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected. Blockages and inflammation that develop deep inside hair follicles produce lumps beneath the surface of your skin called cysts. Other pores in your skin, which are the openings of the sweat glands onto your skin, aren't normally involved in acne.

Factors that may worsen acneThese factors can trigger or aggravate an existing case of acne:

• Hormones. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives can also affect sebum production.
• Certain medications. Drugs containing corticosteroids, androgens or lithium are known to cause acne.
• Diet. Studies indicate that certain dietary factors, including dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods — such as bread, bagels and chips, which increase blood sugar — may trigger acne.

Acne mythsContrary to what some people think, these factors have little effect on acne:

• Greasy foods and chocolate have proved to have little to no effect on the development or course of acne.
• Dirty skin. Acne isn't caused by dirt. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse. Simple cleansing of the skin to remove excess oil and dead skin cells is all that's required.

Risk factors

TeenagersHormonal changes in your body can provoke or aggravate acne. Such changes are common in:

• Women and girls, two to seven days before their periods
• Pregnant women
• People using certain medications, including those containing corticosteroids, androgens or lithium

Other risk factors include:

• Direct skin contact with greasy or oily substances, or to certain cosmetics applied directly to the skin
• A family history of acne — if your parents had acne, you're likely to develop it, too
• Friction or pressure on your skin caused by various items, such as telephones or cellphones, helmets, tight collars and backpacks
• Stress doesn't cause acne, but if you have acne already, stress may make it worse

Preparing for your appointment

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.If you have acne that's not responding to home and over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment with your doctor. Early, effective treatment of acne reduces the risk of scarring and of lasting damage to your self-esteem. After an initial examination, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions (dermatologist).

What you can do

• Write down your key medical information, such as other conditions with which you've been diagnosed and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you're taking, including vitamins and supplements.
• Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.

Below are some basic questions to ask your doctor about acne. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.

• What treatment approach do you recommend for me?
• If the first treatment doesn't work, what will you recommend next?
• What are the possible side effects of the medications you're prescribing?
• How long can I safely use the medications you're prescribing?
• How soon after beginning treatment should my symptoms start to improve?
• When will you see me again to evaluate whether my treatment is working?
• Is it safe to stop my medications if they don't seem to be working?
• Are there any self-care steps I can take to improve my symptoms?
• Do you recommend any changes to my diet?
• Do you recommend any changes to the over-the-counter products I'm using on my skin, including soaps, lotions and cosmetics?

What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. Your doctor may ask:

• When did you first develop acne?
• Does anything in particular seem to trigger an acne flare, such as stress or — in girls and women — your menstrual cycle?
• What medications are you currently taking, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs as well as vitamins and supplements?
• In girls and women: Do you use oral contraceptives?
• In girls and women: Do you have regular menstrual periods?
• In girls and women: Are you pregnant, or do you plan to become pregnant soon?
• What types of soaps, lotions, hair products or cosmetics do you use?
• How is acne affecting your self-esteem and your confidence in social situations?
• Do you have a family history of acne?
• What treatments have you tried so far? Have any been effective?

Treatments and drugs

Your doctor or dermatologist may recommend a prescription medication you apply to your skin (topical medication) or take by mouth (oral medication). Oral prescription medications for acne should not be used during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.Acne treatments work by reducing oil production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infection, reducing the inflammation or doing all four. With most prescription acne treatments, you may not see results for four to eight weeks, and your skin may get worse before it gets better.

Types of acne treatments include:

• Over-the-counter topical treatments. Acne lotions may dry up the oil, kill bacteria and promote sloughing of dead skin cells. Over-the-counter (OTC) lotions are generally mild and contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur as their active ingredient. These products can be helpful for very mild acne. OTC acne medications may cause initial side effects — such as skin irritation, dryness and flaking — that often improve after the first month of therapy.
• Topical treatments available by prescription. If your acne doesn't respond to OTC treatments, consider seeing a doctor or dermatologist to get a stronger prescription lotion. Tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, others), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage) are examples of topical prescription products derived from vitamin A. They work by promoting cell turnover and preventing plugging of the hair follicles. A number of topical antibiotics also are available. They work by killing excess skin bacteria.
  Often, a combination of such products is required to achieve optimal results. A number of benzoyl peroxide and antibiotic combination medications are available, including different dose combinations of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin (Benzaclin, Duac, Acanya) and benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin (Benzamycin). Dapsone gel (Aczone) is a newer acne treatment that's particularly effective in treating inflammatory acne. Prescription topical treatments for acne may cause skin side effects, such as stinging, burning, redness or peeling. Your doctor may recommend steps to minimize these side effects, including using a gradually increased dose, washing off the medication after a short application or switching to another medication.
• Antibiotics. For moderate to severe acne, you may need a short course of prescription oral antibiotics to reduce bacteria and fight inflammation. Since oral antibiotics were first used to treat acne, antibiotic resistance has increased significantly in people with acne. For this reason, your doctor likely will recommend tapering off these medications as soon as your symptoms begin to improve, or as soon as it becomes clear the drugs aren't helping — usually, within three to four months. In most cases, you'll use topical medications and oral antibiotics together. Studies have found that using topical benzoyl peroxide along with oral antibiotics may reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics may cause side effects, such as an upset stomach, dizziness or skin discoloration. These drugs also increase your skin's sun sensitivity and may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
• Isotretinoin. For deep cysts, antibiotics may not be enough. Isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret) is a powerful medication available for scarring cystic acne or acne that doesn't respond to other treatments. This medicine is reserved for the most severe forms of acne. It's very effective, but people who take it need close monitoring by a dermatologist because of the possibility of severe side effects. Isotretinoin is associated with severe birth defects, so it can't be safely taken by pregnant women or women who may become pregnant during the course of treatment or within several weeks of concluding treatment. In fact, the drug carries such serious potential side effects that women of reproductive age must participate in a Food and Drug Administration-approved monitoring program to receive a prescription for the drug.
  Isotretinoin commonly causes side effects — such as dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose and skin, as well as itching, nosebleeds, muscle aches, sun sensitivity and poor night vision. The drug may also increase the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood and may increase liver enzyme levels.
  In addition, isotretinoin may be associated with an increased risk of depression and suicide. Although this causal relationship has not been proved, doctors remain on alert for these signs in people who are taking isotretinoin. If you feel unusually sad or unable to cope while taking this drug, tell your doctor immediately.
• Oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives, including a combination of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Previfem, others), can improve acne in women. However, oral contraceptives may cause other side effects — such as headaches, breast tenderness, nausea and depression — that you'll want to discuss with your doctor. The most serious potential complication is a slightly increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and blood clots.
• Laser and light therapy. Laser- and light-based therapies reach the deeper layers of skin without harming the skin's surface. Laser treatment is thought to damage the oil (sebaceous) glands, causing them to produce less oil. Light therapy targets the bacteria that cause acne inflammation. These therapies can also improve skin texture and lessen the appearance of scars. More research is needed to understand the most effective use of light and laser therapies in acne treatment, and experts currently recommend these approaches as stand-alone therapy only in people who can't tolerate approved acne medications. These therapies may be uncomfortable and may cause temporary skin problems that mimic a severe sunburn.
• Cosmetic procedures. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion may be helpful in controlling acne. These cosmetic procedures — which have traditionally been used to lessen the appearance of fine lines, sun damage and minor facial scars — are most effective when used in combination with other acne treatments. They may cause temporary, severe redness, scaling and blistering, and long-term discoloration of the skin.

Acne scar treatmentDoctors may be able to use certain procedures to diminish scars left by acne. These include fillers, dermabrasion, intense light therapy and laser resurfacing.

• Soft tissue fillers. Collagen or fat can be injected under the skin and into scars to fill out or stretch the skin, making the scars less noticeable. Results from this acne scar treatment are temporary, so you need to repeat the injections periodically.
• Chemical peels. High-potency acid is applied to your skin to remove the top layer and minimize deeper scars. Some stronger peels reach even deeper into the skin.
• Dermabrasion. Usually reserved for more severe scarring, dermabrasion involves removing the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating wire brush. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable. Dermabrasion may cause pigmentation changes for people with darker skin.
• Microdermabrasion. This newer acne scar treatment involves a hand-held device that blows crystals onto skin. These crystals gently abrade or "polish" the skin's surface. Then, a vacuum tube removes the crystals and skin cells. Because just the surface cells are removed, the skin isn't damaged. However, results are subtle and scars may still be noticeable, even after several sessions.
• Laser, light source and radiofrequency treatments. In laser resurfacing, a laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis). As the wound heals, new skin forms. Less intense lasers (nonablative lasers), pulsed light sources and radiofrequency devices don't injure the epidermis. These treatments heat the dermis and cause new skin formation. After several treatments, acne scars may appear less noticeable. This means shorter recovery times, but treatment typically needs to be repeated more often and results are subtle.
• Skin surgery. A minor procedure (punch excision) cuts out individual acne scars. Stitches or a skin graft repairs the hole left at the scar site.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser. Products such as facial scrubs, astringents and masks generally aren't recommended because they tend to irritate skin, which can worsen acne. Excessive washing and scrubbing also can irritate skin. If you tend to develop acne around your hairline, shampoo your hair frequently.You can avoid or control most acne with good basic skin care and the following self-care techniques:

• Try over-the-counter acne lotion to dry excess oil and promote peeling. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredient.
• Avoid irritants. You may want to avoid oily or greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, hairstyling products or acne concealers. Use products labeled "water-based" or "noncomedogenic." For some people, the sun worsens acne. Additionally, some acne medications can make you more susceptible to the sun's rays. Check with your doctor to see if your medication is one of these, and if so, stay out of the sun as much as possible and anytime you have to be in the sun, use sunscreen that doesn't clog your pores.
• Watch what touches your face. Keep your hair clean and off your face. Also avoid resting your hands or objects, such as telephone receivers, on your face. Tight clothing or hats also can pose a problem, especially if you'll be sweating. Sweat, dirt and oils can contribute to acne.
• Don't pick or squeeze blemishes. Picking or squeezing can cause infection or scarring. If you need aggressive treatment, see your doctor or dermatologist.

Alternative medicine

Tea tree oil. Gels containing 5 percent tea tree oil may be as effective as are lotions containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, although tea tree oil might work more slowly. Tea tree oil may cause a skin reaction known as contact dermatitis. There's also some concern that topical products containing tea tree oil might cause breast development in young boys. Don't use tea tree oil if you have acne rosacea because it can worsen symptoms.Some studies suggest that taking the following supplements may help treat acne:

• Alpha hydroxy acids. These natural acids — found in foods such as citrus fruits, sugar cane, apples and grapes — help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores when applied topically. Alpha hydroxy acids may also improve the appearance of acne scars. Adverse reactions to alpha hydroxy acids include redness, mild stinging and skin irritation.
• Azelaic acid. This naturally occurring acid is found in whole-grain cereals and animal products and has antibacterial properties. A 20 percent azelaic acid cream seems to be as effective as many other conventional acne treatments, including 5 percent benzoyl peroxide and oral tetracycline.
• Zinc supplements. The mineral zinc plays a role in wound healing and reduces inflammation, which could help improve acne. Taking a zinc supplement with food may reduce side effects, including a bad taste in your mouth and nausea. Zinc can also be added to lotions or creams and may reduce acne breakouts.
• Brewer's yeast. A specific strain of brewer's yeast, called CBS 5926, seems to help decrease acne. Brewer's yeast may cause migraines in susceptible people and may cause intestinal upset.

More research is needed to understand the potential role of these and other dietary supplements in the treatment of acne.

Always talk with your doctor before trying a natural remedy. Dietary supplements can cause side effects and may alter the safety and effectiveness of certain medications.

Prevention

Once your acne improves or clears, you may need to continue your acne medication or other treatment to prevent new acne breakouts. In some cases, you might need to use a topical medication on acne-prone areas, continue taking oral contraceptives or attend ongoing light therapy sessions to keep your skin clear. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent new eruptions.

You can also prevent new acne breakouts with self-care measures, such as washing your skin with a gentle cleanser and avoiding touching or picking at the problem areas. Other acne-prevention tips include:

• Wash acne-prone areas only twice a day. Washing removes excess oil and dead skin cells. But too much washing can irritate the skin. Wash areas with a gentle cleanser and use oil-free, water-based skin care products.
• Use an over-the-counter acne cream or gel to help dry excess oil. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredient.
• Avoid heavy foundation makeup. Choose powder cosmetics over cream products because they're less irritating.
• Remove makeup before going to bed. Going to sleep with cosmetics on your skin can clog tiny openings of the hair follicles (pores). Also, be sure to throw out old makeup and clean your cosmetic brushes and applicators regularly with soapy water.
• Wear loosefitting clothing. Tightfitting clothing traps heat and moisture and can irritate your skin. Also, whenever possible, avoid tightfitting straps, backpacks, helmets or sports equipment to prevent friction against your skin.
• Shower after exercising or doing strenuous work. Oil and sweat on your skin can trap dirt and bacteria.

Celebrity skin care secrets revealed

Celebrities don’t just wake up looking that good, do they? With a few rare exceptions (think Heidi Klum), no, they don’t. In fact, they have a team of make-up pros dedicated to giving them the flawless skin we lust after. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get fabulous skin, too. We asked top make-up and skin care experts to share their favorite celebrity skin care secrets.

GET YOUR TAN ON

Which celebrity has the best skin? Anne Hathaway Halle Berry Heidi Klum Lucy Liu View Results

According to celebrity make-up artist Raquel Castaneda, hot celebrity skin begins with a dose of healthy color. Castaneda, whose celebrity client list includes Paris Hilton, Heather Locklear, P. Diddy and more, the spray tan is a celebrity's best friend. "But, if holding your nose in the spray booth gets a little stuffy, try one of Victoria Secret's self-tanners or NARS' bronzing powder in Laguna. I wore it all over my body and it lasted 24 hours!" she said.
Speaking of getting a nice tan, you rarely see celebrities with sunburns or tan lines, right? That's because they're serious about sun care. Castaneda recommends never leaving the house without SPF. Her favorite products include Chanel's UV Essentiel SPF 50, or one of Neutrogena's all-over SPF sprays.
Get a perfect bronze glow with these self-tanning tips >>

THINK THIN

After flipping through the latest gossip magazines, it's hard to imagine that celebrities even know what cellulite is. Don't let yourself be fooled by their fit and firm appearance, though. One trick to their super tight skin? Castaneda suggests trying Rodial's Tummy Tuck Sticks. "It's adietary supplement to help speed up digestion for a skinnier waistline," she said.
Say buh-bye to cellulite with these 6 Tips to fight cellulite >>

DRINK UP

One of the most important factors in the battle for flawless celebrity skin is hydration. That includes hydrating your body by drinking plenty of water, in addition to hydrating your skin withmoisturizer. According to Castaneda, hydration is the key to Heather Locklear's amazing skin. "I use Embrioles All-in-One Moisturizer on her, and it was stunning! I applied it before airbrushing foundation," she said.
Check out these low-calorie ways to stay hydrated >>

REVIVE YOUR FACE

Does your face feel dull and tired? Wake it up with this simple and free celebrity skin care secret from Hollywood make-up artist and health and fitness pro, Loa Blasucci. Her clients have included Courteney Cox, Matthew McConaughey and Raquel Welch, amongst others.
Blasucci says her signature skin care technique brightens the face by involving "skin patting." According to Blasucci, the surface and texture of a celebrity's face is the most cared-for part of her body. "The surface is the canvas or backdrop for the face. All other features -- eyes, lips, cheek bones, nose -- springboard from the skin's surface. If the skin's not smooth and clear, all other features will pale," she said.
As Blasucci discovered, if one of her celebrity clients was tired, overworked or not sleeping well, her skin appeared dull, so in order to brighten the face, Blasucci recommends ensuring ample blood circulation by using the soft pads of your fingertips and gently, but firmly, patting the face.

Here's how to do it: Step 1: Since the eyes are prone to fluid retention (those annoying under-eye bags), begin at the top of the cheek bones and pat with your fingers quickly towards the nose, then back to the cheek bones in an upward motion, coming around to the temples and upward across the brows. Step 2: Next, apply a tiny amount of light daytime moisturizer using upward, smoothing strokes, moving up the neck to the jawline. Step 3: Purse your lips as you tap at the outside corners of the mouth and out to the cheeks. "A few moments of patting will bring a flushed pink color to the skin. This is oxygen coming to the rescue, and voila', the face is brighter and appears tighter," Blasucci said.

THE INSTANT FACELIFT

Who doesn't want an instant, pain-free facelift? Skin care expert Vera Kantor, proprietor of Verabella Skin Therapy Spa and Verabella Bevery Hills skin care products, says she has an at-home remedy to help you achieve Kristen's Bell's flawless skin. In addition to Bell, Kantor also treats celebrity beauties like Vanessa Hudgens, Kerry Washington, Lindsay Lohan and Diane Lane.
"When my clients need an instant facelift, but can't come to the spa for my signature Perfect Lift Treatment, I suggest that they make this amazing and effective double mask, using ingredients that they can usually find in their kitchens," she said

Double mask ingredients: 1 egg (separated) 1/8 tsp. honey A few drops of olive oil 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice Step 1: Mix the egg yolk with honey and a drop of olive oil. Apply to a clean face. Relax and think about your next vacation while it dries and tightens the skin. Once it dries, wait an additional five minutes before removing. This mask nourishes, exfoliates & moisturizes the skin. Step 2: Wash off thoroughly. Step 3: Mix the egg white with a few drops of lemon. Apply to face, and relax again. Once the mask is completely dry, wash off and apply your favorite serum and moisturizer. This second mask will tighten and brighten the skin.