10 Pitfalls that keep us from having GREAT SKIN!

Sure, we all want to have glowing radiant, blemish-free skin -- Here, 10 of the pitfalls that prevent us from getting it!

1.The mistake: Roughly cleansing acne prone skin.
Using harsh, abrasive products or tools (such as a loofah) can contribute to the breakout cycle. According to Dr. Warren Shapiro, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Neutrogena, they set up an irritation that makes it harder for acne to clear and heal.

The solution: Stay away from abrasive cleansers and scrubbing tools.

2.The mistake: Dabbing acne medication only on pimples.
Acne medications not only speed the healing of existing pimples, explains Sergio Nacht, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Science and Technology for Advanced Polymer Systems, they also help prevent new pimples.

The solution: To keep skin in the clear, apply a thin layer of acne medication (one containing benzoyl peroxide will help kill the bacteria) over the entire area where pimples occur.

3. The mistake: Smoking.
"Nicotine constricts blood vessels, including those which feed your skin," states Dr. Nacht. The complexion consequence? Your skin becomes deprived because it doesn't receive proper nourishment from your blood.

The solution: Don't smoke...ever. For clear skin as well as a dizzying host of other reasons!

4. The mistake: Squeezing pimples.
Picking at pimples can spread infection, making skin worse--not better. And, according to Dr. Nacht, the result can be scarring.

The solution: Use an acne medication, such as Neutrogena's Multi Vitamin Acne Treatment and don't touch!

5.The mistake: Not rinsing well enough.
When you rinse, you take away suds along with dirt and oil. "If you don't completely rinse the soap away," says Shulman, "it can be a potential irritant."

The solution: Be sure to rinse your skin thoroughly after sudsing.

6.The mistake: Skipping sunscreen.
"Even if the weather is cloudy, the UV rays get through, and every exposure adds up," says Darrell Doughty, Head of Investigative Skin Care for the Oil of Olay Skin Care Center. This can result in changes in your skin color and texture, wrinkles and fine lines appearing earlier and an increased possibility of developing skin cancer.

The solution: For optimum protection apply a facial moisturizer that contains sunscreen of SPF 15 or more every day. When it comes to daily use, Doughty suggests avoiding sunscreens that are designed for all-over, as they can be waterproof and contain a lot of waxes and polymers.

7.The mistake: Inconsistent use of acne medications.
Acne medication isn't as effective if you only apply it two or three times a week, offers Dr. Nacht. Alternately, trying to compensate by over-applying acne medication can irritate and damage the skin, resulting in redness and overdrying. Plus, pimples won't heal any faster: Skin can only absorb or utilize a certain amount of the product's active ingredients, regardless of how many times you apply it.

The solution: Since acne medication works for six to 12 hours, it should be applied consistently two or three times a day. Remember, you can't cure acne-- just control it.

8.The mistake: Not using moisturizer if your skin is oily.
If your skin is shiny or has an oily feel, it doesn't mean you should avoid moisturizing. After washing, your skin's relatively dry as a result of the cleansing process, explains Doughty. All cleansers, even water, take out some level of moisture. Using a moisturizer will replace this, protect your skin and prep it for makeup.

The solution: Go with a moisturizer that won't add oil or a greasy feel, such as Oil-Free Oil of Olay.

9. The mistake: Drying out the skin on your body.

Being in water that's too hot or staying in the bath or shower for too long won't hydrate your skin and can cause skin to lose vital ingredients that help to hold moisture in the skin, explains Dr. Shapiro.

The solution: "Your bath or shower water should be warm enough to be comfortable, but not overly hot," says Dr. Shapiro. "All you need is a few minutes in the shower. In the bath, you don't want to stay in the water long enough to get that 'prune' effect." Set a time limit--around 15 minutes--max. Also, you should use a gentle cleanser, such as Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Body Gel.

10. The mistake: Over-drying your skin in an attempt to control acne.
Using harsh soap can actually strip sebum from your skin, explains Dr. Brett Shulman, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. "Sebum helps give skin its flexibility and pliability. Without this the skin can 'crack' and you can lose the skin's barrier function. This increases the risk of irritation and infection."

The solution: : Always use a mild cleanser or cleansing bar followed by a not-too-drying acne solution containing a low percentage of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.