Readers Respond: What Is Your Best Skin Care Tip?

While dealing with breakouts, you've probably amassed a few good skin care tips of your own. It's time to let us in on your best kept secrets!

Do you use a killer cleanser that cuts through oil and makeup? Or maybe you have a fool-proof way to carefully shave around those pesky pimples. Share your best skin care tips, and tell us why they work so well.

Oral Contraception (Birth Control Pills)

I've done lots of stuff mentioned here to help my skin (eating healthier, taking supplements, drinking water, exercise, lots of sleep, de-stressing techniques), and I'm sure it has helped. However, what has undoubtedly helped me most significantly was taking Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo. I began taking this because I wanted to prevent pregnancy, but after a few months my skin (which had been resistant to any prescriptions or medications before) began clearing up. Now I rarely get a zit, when I used to have cystic acne all over my face. It took time and patience, but I really think that this will help a woman whose acne is hormone-related.

—Guest Gabby

Skincare Schedule

AM Wet face with LUKEWARM WATER and wash with my mild Murad Clarifying Cleanser then rinse off with cool (not cold) soothing water. then pat my face dry. Dampen a cotton ball with water then drip ONE DROP (is all u need, really) of Tea Tree Oil onto it and swipe gently over face like a toner. I really want a new bottle of TTO b/c mine is not 100%, wah. LEAVE ON ur face till it is all absorbed into ur skin (about 6-10 min about) Then makeup (i dont do powder or foundation or whatever bc it makes me feel like my skin cant breathe and will make me worse. PM routine is the same as the morning except in the morning WHEN I NEED IT ONLY, i moisturize and PM when i need it, like usually ev. 3 days. I drink a mug of green tea (IS AMAZING FOR U--AND UR SKIN LOL) like every other day or everyday, depending. Also water is a MUST, but i have found that my diet doesnt affect my skin negatively ....... so yeah i am 12 female have had acne for 2 years

—Guest SmileLikeItsNotThere

Be Gentle

Using gentler products like QV gentle wash has really helped my skin become less inflammed and irritated.

—Guest Rachael

Be Patient

I use to have acne prone & oily skin. So I try to use the mild cleanser twice a day. Don't forget to use a pre-cleanser to wipe off the dirt & impurities. Remember to put on toner (pat on acne area) before using light weight lotion. Clay mask is must. Try Natio Face Mask Purifier 3 times a week to deep clean your pores. Next, I will use the Kose Seikeisei Lotion Mask several times a week to make sure my face stay hydrated. I also use sleeping mask a few times a week too. Lastly, don't forget your sunscreen before you head out. Now I'm free of acne & look more fresh.

—Guest Kim

Clear skin

I used every moisturizer there was for my acne prone skin but nothing worked. I began using Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer. also, I am using extra virgin olive oil mixed with pure aloe vera gel in the night. My skin is beautiful now. I also have warm water and a lot of green tea. This seems to be really cleaning the system. Most important, I believe skin problems are a result of impure blood. I am having one 'Neem' tablet a day and that is taking care of me internally. I am not using any more fancy lotions on my face. I wish there was a great spf alternate as well. As of now, I am loving this.

—Annie2086

Make Your Own Face Mask

I suffer a lot with oily skin and my friend told me to use fuller's earth mixed with rose water at least twice in a week. It works wonders. Even people with dry skin can use fuller's earth to remove all dead cells. Instead of mixing fuller's earth in rose water, use milk.

—Guest salma

Go Organic

I used to have acne for years, I tried every lotion and potion, then an article I read on a magazine about 'natural skincare from within' made me change my daily routine and what I eat. I have clear skin now and its all thanks to aloe vera gel (organic) and eating lots of seeds and nuts such as pumpkin,sunflower and almonds, taking an omega 3 supplement. Most importantly cleansing my skin with organic honey and a touch of lemon every day. It works wonders.

—Guest MELANIE

Healthy Eating

My best skin care tip is taking fruits daily and drinking alot of water (6-8) glasses a day.

—Guest joy

For Oily/Dry Skin

If you have oily skin, try a mixture of sugar and lemon juice. Use as an exfoliant twice a week and notice a difference in softness and the oil is controlled. If you have dry skin, use sugar and face lotion, mix both and exfoliate, being gentle around sensitive areas.

—Guest martini

Handmade Mask

Basan (basil) is the most easy and the best. First of all take milk and basan then mix it in the bowl and try it on your face then look at the magic.

—Guest noor

Stridex and Witch Hazel

Stridex works great but just isn't doing the trick for me so my mother told me that a cheap alternative was Witch Hazel and it works great!

—Denae

My Acne Solution

Nothing I do seems to work for washing my sensitive, dry, acne face so I started to just use luke warm water and started eating almonds and spinach and wallah! My face is crystal clear and smooth. I still need lotion but it's never been like this since 4th grade. All I really need to do now is cover up the scarring! :(

—Guest

Go Natural

I don't use any special OTC cleansers. I use A steam bath (head wrapped in towel over hot water in sink), then an exfoliating cornmeal/honey rub. Rinse. Next is a tomato sliced thin and rubbed over the face. Rinse. Lastly, a mask of egg whites whipped til foamy, apply, and let set til annoying. Rinse, pat dry, and smile! I usually do this once or twice a week. My skin is very sensitive, commercial products cause breakouts. These came from a book I have since lost (sigh) .

—Guest Angie

Know Your Skin

Exfoliants are all fine and dandy but I noticed when I exfoliated I would break out worse than ever, due to the grains in the wash. I use mild cleansers, drinking water, and a good diet, sun screen are very important.

—Guest frances

Acne Almost Gone!

I always used to pop my pimples but now my skin looks better without popping them. My acne is nearly gone!

—Guest kim

Exfoliate

I recently started using an exfoliating facial scrub, and I noticed the difference right away! My face is softer than ever before.

—Guest Kimberly

Dont Pop Pimples

I always used to pop my pimples, even if they didnt have a white head. I finally realized pimples heal faster if you just leave them alone, and they dont look so big and red either. Best thing to do is not touch them at all.

—Kaitlyn