There’s always going to be something about yourself that gets on your nerves. Sometimes it’s just the little things like a zit that just seems to be so big it’s like a second face, or dry, cracked lips. But have no fear! There are tons of simple solutions to these minor annoyances.

I consulted the critically acclaimed self care specialist Norah Laughter on this topic and she brought forth marvelous suggestions.  

We’ve all had those days where everything gets to be too much and once you get home, you just have to let it all out. Afterwards you feel SOOOO much better, only downside is that the next day your eyes are red and puffy.

There is a simple way to solve this dilemma. Place a cold compress over your eyes for two to three minutes, dab aloe vera under your eyes and on your eyelids so your skin absorbs it, then place cucumber slices over your eyes for five to fifteen minutes. Now that the puffiness is gone, just blink in some eye drops to get rid of the redness. Now you’re ready to start a brand new day!  

Red undertones are the most common undertone. Obviously there is color correcting makeup to cover it. To lessen it, you can tap in aloe vera on the affected areas. If you have dry skin, use an oil based moisturizer followed by some Aquaphor healing ointment. This only lasts for a day, so it might have to become a part of your morning skincare routine.  

Now that this colder weather is starting to creep up on us, lips are becoming chapped more frequently. To properly take care of this, make sure your lips are clean, and add a lip scrub to get rid of dead skin flakes. Finally, add chapstick (or any lip product that works for you). If you’re going out it would be better to add a lighter product, and a thicker one if you’re staying at home.  

One of the biggest problems us teenagers face is acne. Make sure to use a petroleum based moisturizer before this. Apply Clearasil1. Finally, apply a retinoid2 that fits your skin condition. Avoid any alcohol based products and make sure you drink plenty of water. 

Clearasil1 – a brand of a gel or water based cream

Retinoid2 – vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin—sometimes in as little as four weeks.