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Teen Survival Guide

Hair and skin care

Beauty magazines show tons of beautiful girls and women in ads for hair and skin products. But, don't be fooled into thinking you need these products to look your best. Instead, try these time-tested beauty basics, which will keep you looking naturally beautiful!

Don't compare yourself to models. They have a team of stylists as well as camera tricks to make them look so perfect.

Skin care 101

1. Wash your face regularly using a mild cleanser and warm water. Be gentle—don't scrub hard! Avoid astringents, which can dry out and irritate skin.
2. Use only light, water-based moisturizers. Look for one that has SPF 15 or a higher number sunscreen.
3. For sensitive skin, try products that say "fragrance-free" or "without perfume."
4. If you're allowed to wear makeup, use only water-based products that say "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" on the label. Make sure to take off your makeup before going to bed.
5. To control acne, try over-the-counter products that you can buy without a doctor's order. These products come as gels, lotions, creams, and soaps. Your doctor can treat more serious acne problems.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. Always wear "broad-spectrum" sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days. SPF alone does not protect against these two types of harmful rays. Follow the directions on the bottle to put more on after a while. Wear lipscreen with at least SPF 15. And, your skin needs more than just sunscreen.
   • Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, and a hat.
   • Stay in the shade.
   • Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day, when rays are strongest.

Hair care 101

1. Wash your hair regularly, but only as often as you need to. Washing too often can strip away the natural oils that give hair shine and body.
2. If you see white flakes in your hair or on your shoulders, try a shampoo that treats dandruff. These shampoos are sold near other hair-care products.
3. Use shampoo, conditioners, and styling products that are right for your hair type.
4. Try different styles and looks. But beware of products that perm, relax, or color hair at home. They have chemicals that can damage your hair. Also, over styling with hairdryers or curling and flattening irons can cause your hair to dry out or break.
5. Protect your hair and face from sun damage by wearing a hat or scarf that covers the back of your neck and face.
6. Protect your hair from chlorine (found in pool water) by wearing a swim cap or rinsing out your hair right after swimming. Soaking your hair with regular water before you put on your swim cap can also help.

Beauty Do's and Don'ts

• DO look your age. Heavy make-up hides your young, natural beauty—the beauty older women try so hard to get back!
• DON'T pop zits. This can cause infections and scars that are hard to get rid of.
• DO wear sunscreen. Protect your skin from the sun to help stop early wrinkles.
• DON'T be hard on yourself. Instead of thinking about what you don't like about your body, love the things that make you unique.

Content last updated February 12, 2008

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