Common skin problems solved

Photo: CN Digital Studio

Whether your skin is oily, tight, shiny or super-sensitive, we'll show you how to get your gorgeous glow back.

"My skin is oily and flaky."

Prevent: Use a face wash with 2 percent salicylic acid (the standard strength of the oil fighter) on forehead, nose and chin, says Meghan O'Brien, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. Skip cheeks and just splash them with warm water. Before bed, trace your T-zone with an exfoliating glycolic serum. Oil is less likely to take a shine to healthy skin.

We like: DDF Glycolic 10% Gel , $52, ddfskincare.com

Photo courtesy of Suntegrity Protect: Apply an oil-free sunscreen with SPF 30 and hyaluronic acid daily. It hydrates—you still need some moisture—without being greasy.

We like: Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer, Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $45, sears.com.

Photo: CN Digital Studio

"My face feels tight"

Prevent: Hot water and soapy detergents are good for laundry but bad for dry skin, leaving it a little too squeaky clean. Rinse with lukewarm H²O and a milky cleanser that won't strip your skin's natural oils, says Meghan O'Brien, M.D., a derm in NYC.

We like: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $8, Yahoo! Shopping.

(See also: Argan oil is the hot beauty trend )

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Arden

Protect: Pat a thick layer of ceramide-laced face cream on damp skin to hold in moisture—kind of like putting a top coat on your nail polish. In the morning, add a second layer of moisturizer with SPF 30+.

We like: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Premiere Activation Cream SPF 30, starting at $74, Yahoo! Shopping.

Photo: CN Digital Studio"I'm a shiny mess by 2 p.m."

Prevent: Try a gel-based cleanser (creamy is too heavy) with glycolic acid, a heavy-hitting exfoliant that penetrates deeply, washing away oil hiding out in pores. Then dab a mattifying gel all over to absorb shine, says Michael Gold, M.D., a dermatologist in Nashville.

We like: Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel, $34, endlessbeautycare.com.

Photo courtesy of La Roche-PosayProtect: Sunblock is still a must. Look for one with avobenzone, which is known to be a bit drying—in a good way. Before bed, apply a retinol serum; it signals the skin to produce less oil.

We like: La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV, $35, dermstore.com.

Photo: CN Digital Studio"I'm red, and I'm not blushing!"

Prevent: Supersensitive skin is quick to redden. Avoid sudsy cleansers with harsh detergents. Your best bet: a face wash labeled soap-free.

We like: Purpose Soap-Free Gentle Cleansing Wash, $6.50, drugstore.com.

Photo courtesy of NeutrogenaProtect: Safeguard your skin from UV rays with a cream that has SPF 30+ and zinc oxide, a natural anti-inflammatory that calms redness, says Meghan O'Brien, M.D., a derm in NYC. At night, use a lotion labeled hypoallergenic, meaning it's free of many irritants.

We like: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion 60+, $10.50, neutrogena.com.