20 smooth-skin solutions: how to banish everything from rough skin to ingrown hairs - Beauty in Action

Shape, Oct, 2002 by Gisela Williams

Doctor's Rx Warts can be burned or frozen off or cut out. Freezing is done with liquid nitrogen; the minus-200[degrees] F temperature kills the virus and the wart dies. Burning has a similar effect. "Sometimes, depending on the architecture of the wart, simply cutting them out is the best option," Gross says.

You may also want to ask your dermatologist about a treatment reported in the Archives of Dermatology-Researchers found that injecting a single wart with antibody-building protein helped to stimulate the body to get rid of, and prevent, warts.

RELATED ARTICLE: favorite ways to get smooth

If you don't have skin tags or bumps but your skin seems a little rough or dull, exfoliate regularly. Follow this guide from Cornelia Zicu, head aesthetician at The Peninsula Spa in New York City, to find the right exfoliant for your skin.

FACE

* normal skin A mild facial scrub helps keep skin soft and smooth; try Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub ($7; at drugstores) with moisture-rich soy.

* acne-prone skin Wash your face with a beta-hydroxy-acid cleanser (which penetrates pores, removing dirt and oil) like Biore Blemish Fighting Cleanser ($6; at drugstores).

* skin with fine lines Alpha-hydroxy acids digest the "cement" that keeps dead skin cells attached to one another and makes lines more visible; we like Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Face & Body Polish, $30; 800-PTR-SKIN).

* sensitive skin Products containing lactic acid are gentle exfoliators; opt for Chanel Maximum Radiance Delicate Exfoliator ($30; gloss.com).

BODY

* normal skin Because body skin is thicker than facial skin, rough exfoliants like salt scrubs and crushed natural ingredients (like nuts) are most effective; try Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa There's the Rub Salt Scrub ($24; 800-395 1001) or Les Elixirs Sweet Orange Exfoliating Cream ($16; 800-884-5944).

* rough skin Use AHA body products on rough areas like elbows, knees and feet; we like Estee Lauder Body Smoother Exfoliating Creme ($18.50; esteelauder.com).

* sensitive skin Body exfoliators with jojoba beads are gentle; Murad Exfoliating Body Cleansing Gel ($20; murad.com) also includes chamomile and calendula, both anti-irritants. -- Beth Janes

Shape giveaway rub yourself smooth with a FREE SCRUB!

We're giving away 500 Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa There's the Rub Salt Scrubs (a $24 value)! Log on to Shape.com/bbw beginning Aug. 20 for your chance to win this sea-salt body scrub. The salts slough dull, dead Skin cells, while glycerin moisturizes and eucalyptus extract invigorates -- leaving you feeling refreshed and your skin radiant and soft. Log on, and good luck!

Gisela Williams is a freelance beauty writer in New York City.