MANILA, Philippines?Have you taken a good look at yourself in the mirror recently? If the stressful school year left you with a complexion that?s a cross between Casper the Friendly Ghost and a piece of sandpaper, it?s time to start a summer skincare regimen that will allow you to show off a fresh face to the world after summer.

We?ve prepared a guide for you to get good skin, now. However, keep in mind that this is just a general guide?take note that your skin has different needs, too.

1. Pick the right cleanser for your skin type
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
3. Wear sunscreen every day, even when it?s cloudy outside
4. Remove every trace of makeup before sleeping
5. Avoid the sun from 9 a.m-4 p.m.
6. Have a monthly facial
7. Get at least seven hours of sleep daily
8. Have healthy helpings of fish and vegetables
9. Spritz your face with a water spray every few hours
10. Keep your hair away from your face

Good skin guide

Since different factors affect the condition of your skin (environment, stress levels and genetics, among others), always consult with a dermatologist before trying out a completely new skincare regimen, especially if you?re using prescription products or taking oral medication.

OILY SKIN

If your face already looks shiny an hour after you wash your face, chances are you?ve got oily skin. You?re also prone to breakouts and often have large pores.

Cleanser

According to Dr. Stephen Lacson of the Philippine Dermatological Society, you should choose a water- or alcohol-based cleanser to combat the oil in your skin. Make sure it?s non-comedogenic, that is, it does not block pores.

To get rid of oil, you can try gel or foaming cleansers with ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or tea-tree oil that can also prevent new pimples. You should also wash your face twice or thrice a day, and exfoliate at least once a week. Try Glytone Facial Cleanser with two-percent Salicylic Acid.

Moisturizer

Contrary to popular belief, you do need moisturizer even if your skin is oily. Go for a light, oil-free formula that will keep your skin nourished without adding unnecessary shine. Try looking for formulas that contain vitamins to make your complexion more radiant. We like Nivea Sun Refreshing Fluid SPF30.

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Sunscreen is essential in any summer skincare routine, so pick one that doesn?t feel heavy on your skin. Try Beach Hut One Touch Clear Spray Sunblock, which goes on as a mist and doesn?t feel sticky. For a more radiant complexion, slather on Kiehl?s Overnight Biological Peel to slough off dead skin cells.

DRY SKIN

You know you?ve got dry skin when your complexion is rough and scaly, and most moisturizers disappear from your face immediately. You don?t usually break out, but your skin is easily irritated and is prone to rashes.

Cleanser

Foaming cleansers are usually more drying than other formulas, so look for cream or oil-based facial wash, which can help deposit moisture to your parched skin. Exfoliate once in a while, but look for a scrub with calming ingredients and smaller granules. We like L?Occitane Apple Scrub.

Moisturizer

According to Dr. Luci Fores of the Philippine Dermatological Society, you should use a product that is oil-based (like creams as opposed to gels) so that it stays longer on the skin. Calming antioxidants such as green tea and vitamin E can also help your skin glow. Try Godiva Green Tea moisturizer.

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A toner such as Shu Uemura White Recovery Ex Whitening Lotion will add a boost of antioxidants and moisture to your skin. Here?s a tip: keep the bottle in the fridge for an on-the-spot spa experience.

COMBINATION SKIN

Maybe you?ve got an oily T-zone, while your cheeks remain dry. Or you could be experiencing flaking in some areas, and excessive oil patches in others. That means you?ve probably got combination skin.

Cleanser

You don?t have to use two separate facial washes to get your skin in order. A balancing wash that contains 0.5-1 percent salicylic acid (for your oily patches) is just enough to control breakouts without drying out the other areas. We like the Philosophy Purity Made Simple cleanser. Otherwise, you can use a cleanser like Dove Moisturizing Wash and swipe your T-zone with oil-free toner.

Moisturizer

Go for an oil-free moisturizer with sunscreen that can lessen the amount of products on your face. We like VMV Hypoallergenics SPF 15 Spring Fresh moisturizer.

Extras

Oral supplements, such as glutathione or protein pills (like Imedeen) can help improve your skin. Consult with your dermatologist before taking any medication.

E-mail the author at biancaconsunji @yahoo.com.