How to solve your skin problems

Reveal a healthy, gorgeous glow with our easy fixes for sun spots, stretch marks, scars and other nagging nuisances.

Taking care of your skin is a little like playing a pop-up arcade game. The minute you squelch one eruption, a sun spot appears. And when that splotch fades, another mark shows up—uninvited. Yes, 84 percent of women have at least one complexion complaint, indicates a survey by Obagi Medical Products in Long Beach, California. Ready to take control of the action? These at-home tips, pro treatments and camouflaging how-tos will arm you with strategies to outsmart unwanted guests and get the smooth skin you deserve.
Skin saboteur: scars

Fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after injury

Conceal! Wait until your scar has done some initial healing, which typically takes about a month. To camouflage a mark that is red, your best bet is to mix two concealers—one that matches your skin tone and one that's a few shades darker—and use a foundation brush to tap the concoction over the scar. For marks that are raised or textured, stick to matte powders (a new one: BareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation, $28).

Conquer! Most scars are fully developed after six months, "but formation can occur until then, which is why marks change color from red to brown to white as they heal," says Joely Kaufman, M.D., a dermatologist in Miami. "You have a window of time of about three weeks to make any scarring less dramatic. Keeping the wound moist and covered for the first few weeks has been shown to speed healing for a less noticeable spot." Dab antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment, $6) on the area, then lock in hydration with a silicone bandage, which Kaufman says is particularly effective at healing thicker scars that typically itch.

source: http://shine.yahoo.com