Your body naturally produces oils that keep your skin protected and prevent drying out. However, you do lots of things throughout the day that remove these natural oils. The biggest threat to your skin's natural protectant is your bathing routine. Soaps which remove to much oil from your skin and water which is too hot both put your skin at risk. Lower the temperature of your showers as low as you can stand and use only soaps which contain moisturizers or are marked for "sensitive skin". You should also be sure not to bathe too often or for too long. Both can also wash away too much of your natural oil. Shower for no more than 10-15 minutes and no more than once a day. If you can, bathe only every other day. You have probably seen the advice to exfoliate dry skin. This removes the dead skin, preventing infection and allowing moisturizing products to absorb properly. This is good advice but you should follow it carefully. You don't want to exfoliate too often, first of all. Once or twice a week can be plenty, especially for sensitive areas like the face. You also shouldn't use harsh exfoliants, like a loofah or pumice stone. Instead, baking soda paste or a clean washcloth will get the job done without causing damage. It is also important to make sure the washcloth you use is clean. One of the reasons why things like loofahs cause problems is because items like that easily harbor germs and bacteria. Using a clean washcloth can help keep that problem from happening. When you dry your skin, be careful. Vigorous rubbing with a towel can not only irritate your skin, it can also remove too much moisture and oil. This can cause dryness or make an existing problem worse. Instead, air dry when you can and otherwise lightly pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel or cloth. After you bathe or get your skin wet, you should always apply a layer of moisturizer to help lock in moisture and return the natural oils that you may have removed. This basic layer does not need to be thick, necessarily. Just a basic layer of protection can make a difference. Lanolin cream is one of the best products for protecting your skin and maintaining moisture. This is a natural product which is produced by animals to protect their own skin. The most common US brand is called Bag Balm and can be found in most drug stores. For your face, however, lanolin can be a bit much and should be used only occasionally and in very severe cases. Otherwise, you should use a lighter product which is oil free and designed not to block pores or cause other skin problems. If you can, try to apply a thicker layer of product at night, and then cover the area in clothing to protect the product. This will give your skin more to absorb and more time to absorb it. Be aware, however, than most of these skin moisturizing products stain, so be sure to cover the skin with clothing that you don't worry about, like an old pair of sweats or pajamas.
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One-sentence summary -- Maintain your natural oils. Exfoliate gently. Dry your skin carefully. Apply a moisturizer. Apply a thicker layer at night.

Q: If home remedies and over-the-counter medicines aren't giving you the results you want, don't worry! Your doctor or dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications that may help. Talk to your doctor about trying a prescription topical treatment, such as a cream, lotion, or gel that you can apply directly to your acne. Your doctor may prescribe a retinoid cream, such as Retin-A. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that fight acne by preventing clogged pores and hair follicles. You may need to start by using the product 3 times a week, then work your way up to once a day. Other prescription topical treatments include antibiotic creams with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, prescription-strength azelaic acid, or dapsone 5% gel (an antibiotic that also has anti-inflammatory properties). Oral drugs are medications that you take by mouth, so they work systematically (throughout your entire body) rather than directly on your skin. Before trying one of these medications, give your doctor a full list of any medications you are currently taking and tell them about any medical conditions you might have. This will help them choose a safe medication for you. Some common options include oral antibiotics (usually combined with topical medications, like benzoyl peroxide creams or retinoids) and medications that regulate your hormones, such as birth control pills or spironolactone. One of the most effective oral medications for acne is isotretinoin. However, while it's very good at fighting acne, it can also cause serious side effects, such as ulcerative colitis and severe depression. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits. Never take isotretinoin if you're pregnant or trying to conceive, since it can cause birth defects. Dermatologists and estheticians use chemical peels to help remove certain types of acne. Blackheads and papules are the main forms that benefit from this treatment, and it may result in smoother skin for you. Chemical peels can also help reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and discolored areas on your skin. Ask your skin care specialist if this option is a good one for you. Ask your doctor or skin care specialist how to care for your skin before and after the peel. Your skin may be red, sensitive, or inflamed for a while after the treatment. Let your doctor know before the procedure if you're using any other treatments, such as retinoids, which could cause serious irritation if you combine them with a chemical peel. If you have scars from acne, laser treatments can help soften them and reduce their appearance. Ask your doctor or dermatologist if this is a good option for you. Since some people experience breakouts after a laser treatment, your doctor may recommend combining the laser treatment with a course of antibiotics. Other options for minimizing scars include using injected skin fillers, getting a professional exfoliation procedure (such as microdermabrasion or a chemical peel), or having surgery to repair severe scars.
A: Discuss prescription topical drugs with your doctor. Inquire about prescription oral drugs if your acne is severe. Look into chemical peels to help even out your skin. Ask about laser and light treatments to minimize scars.

Article: An oatmeal mask is a great substitute for bleach on your skin. Oatmeal helps exfoliate the skin. This exfoliation gets rid of old skin cells. Getting rid of these old cells is the best way to encourage growth of new skin cells that will lighten and brighten your skin. To make your mask, you'll need a teaspoon of oatmeal powder, a pinch of turmeric and a few drops of lemon juice. Simply use a blender to blend oats for oatmeal powder. If you don't have a blender, use a tablespoon of raw oats instead. Mix your oatmeal powder (or oatmeal), turmeric powder, and lemon juice in a small bowl. If you plan on putting it on more than just your face, evenly multiply the measurements as necessary. Mix it into a thick paste. Apply the paste evenly over your face. Let it dry. This will take up to 15 minutes so make sure you give yourself enough time. Once your mask has dried, use warm water to wash it off. While you're washing it off, scrub it over your face. The dried oatmeal will exfoliate your skin. This scrub is very effective but takes time to work because it is much less harsh than bleach. It will take patience to reach your desired goal, but continue using this mask daily and you'll see a noticeable difference.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Gather your ingredients. Create your mask. Apply and let it sit. Scrub while you wash it off. Repeat once daily.