Pimple Portal Offers Tips for Boo-tiful Skin! 
(ARA) - Between all the ghosts, goblins and gags, Halloween is scary enough without having to worry about zits and other skincare issues. Even though October 31st is the one time of year that it's officially OK to wear a mask, you don't want to spend the evening hiding a zit! 

While a dermatologist cannot help you choose a costume, he/she can offer insight on how to avoid any scary skincare scenarios. Sandy Swanson, M.D., a general and pediatric dermatologist from North Carolina, offers some tips for trick-or-treaters on how to keep your complexions clear this Halloween. For additional Halloween skincare tips, visit www.pimpleportal.com. 

- Candy Cans 

Despite common myths, no controlled study has ever proven that food (even chocolate or candy) affects acne. So while pigging out on sugar isn't good for your teeth, it shouldn't lead to breakouts. If you feel that a certain food leads to acne, use common sense and stay away from it! 

- Prep with Powder 

Before applying makeup or a mask, try this pre-trick treatment. For oily skin, prepare your face with a prescription or over-the-counter product to absorb oil, brush loose powder all over the face and apply pressed powder to keep your skin dry and shine-free. 

- Eye Know! 

The eye area contains the most sensitive skin on the face. In fact the eye-lid is usually the first place to break out in an allergic reaction to a product applied over the entire face. Be extra careful applying products around the eye, you may want to test a new product in advance of Halloween to avoid irritation. 

- Hair Do's and Don'ts 

If you're thinking of dying your 'do, test a small patch of hair before Halloween. The chemicals present in some hair colorants can be irritating and lead to contact dermatitis (a skin irritation or allergic reaction). If you are planning to use an oil-based hair pomade to look like a "greaser" - you will look, well, greasy, and risk breakouts on the hairline. Keep the hairline clean and wipe the area down with an astringent as necessary. 

- Costume Caper 

When choosing a costume, the last thing you want to think about is body acne, but remember that the heat caused by a heavy costume can increase oil production that may lead to breakouts on the back and chest. Prepare yourself by applying an oil-absorbing product on the back and chest and wear a t-shirt to absorb sweat and oil. If your skin is sensitive to wool, wear a cotton tee under the woolen witch's cloak you've been dying to wear, to avoid irritation. 

- Take It All Off 

Whether your night consists of tricks or treats - be sure to remove ALL your makeup before your head hits the pillow. Mask-wearers should be sure to wash their face with a cleanser and a mild astringent to clean up any sweat and oil that has built up over the evening. 

You probably won't do any serious damage in one-night, after all, you will only be made-up for the length of time it takes for you to hit all the good houses in the neighborhood and make an appearance at a friend's Halloween party. Be sure to keep these tips in mind all year-round to avoid breakouts any night of the year! 

www.pimpleportal.com is dedicated to helping teens cope with, cover up and conquer zits through skincare tips, and advice from dermatologists and other experts. The site features an "Ask the Expert" section, where visitors can ask a panel of dermatologists questions about acne, make-up, and subjects ranging from skin to nails to hair. One new question is featured every week and all questions are archived. In addition, the site includes special interactive features, such as an acne-themed adaptation of the "retro" videogame "Face Invaders," and an "Acne Scope" that allows viewers to get a close-up view of how pimples form. 

Pimple Portal is sponsored by Ortho Dermatological, makers of RETIN-A MICRO, a prescription medication for the treatment of acne. 

In clinical studies, the RETIN-A MICRO irritation profile was found to be similar to a mild, local irritant. The most common adverse reactions to RETIN-A MICRO were limited to mild or moderate irritation of the skin. Severe cutaneous irritation occurred infrequently. 

For additional skin care information, check out www.caringforyourskin.com, which offers helpful information about a variety of conditions affecting the skin, and how to control, treat, and/or prevent them. 

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com, e-mail: info@aracontent.com 

###