acne

Kim Kardashian was spotted wearing all black in Miami, a city where color is celebrated. The reality star has been on a colorless fashion streak lately, and while we love brights, we quite appreciate Kim's fashion-forward looks. For her latest ensemble, Kim tucked a long-sleeve collared Acne blouse ($423) into a flared black leather skirt, then finished off with her favorite ankle-chain Tom Ford sandals and a black clutch. For those days when you're feeling colorless, mimic Kim by pairing a black blouse with a leather skirt and finishing off with these equally smashing BCBGMAXAZRIA chain sandals ($195).

Have you ever tried out a new hair shampoo, gel, or serum only to be left with a head full of pimples? While your scalp is an awkward place to get acne, it's not unheard of. But there are many reasons beyond product irritation that have led to the development of bumps. To get tips on the how and why, just keep reading.

Dr. Brandt's Blemishes No More Exfoliating Cleanser ($25) will beat blemishes into oblivion, without sending your skin into a tailspin. Willow bark extract gently clarifies, flaxseed extract wipes out oil, and cucumber extract works to reduce inflammation. It's a winning formulation, especially for women with occasional breakouts who don't require constant medication for potential pimples. Plus, the jojoba-filled exfoliating beads disappear when it's time to stop scrubbing, so you don't have to worry about timing your face washing routine — or exacerbating already-riled up skin. But most of all, this cleanser proves that you don't need to use strong chemicals on your face to achieve clear results.

Ever notice how acne seems to clear up after a day of sunbathing? Although your pimples may have disappeared, you're actually putting your skin at greater risk from sun damage if you skip protection. But sometimes sunscreen causes an even worse breakout in the end. Sigh.

"While many acne patients seek the sun hoping to 'dry out' their skin, what they normally end up with is sunburned acne," explains Dr. Ava Shamban, board certified dermatologist and author of Heal Your Skin. Find out how to choose the right sunscreen, all while keeping your skin clear, when you read more.

Have you been searching for a natural alternative to help clear acne? Then black soap is the ingredient you want to use more of in your skin care regimen. This soap recipe has long been used by tribeswomen in West Africa, but now that its beauty benefits are out of the bag, black soap can be seen at your local beauty depot.

What is black soap?
Traditionally produced in West Africa, black soap is comprised of ash and oil. Some formulations even include plantain leaves, shea bark, cocoa pods, palm tree leaves, and coconut and olive oils.

The beauty benefits:
Not only does African black soap contain antioxidant-rich vitamins A and E, but its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent breakouts in acne-prone skin. Black soap is also a great, sulfate-free way to combat oily scalp.

The products:
Black soap has popped up on the skin care scene in a variety of formulations. Nubian Heritage, for instance, carries a Black Soap Bar ($4) for the body and face. And to hone in black soap's acne-blasting benefits, try Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Wash and Mask ($18) for the complexion. Finally, go with Shea Moisture Black Soap Dandruff Elixir ($10) for dry-scalp relief.

We're happy to present this story from our friends at Allure:

There's a lot of bad info out there surrounding breakouts — we're talking 1950s cliches that still seem to linger. Once and for all, acne isn't caused by chocolate or French fries; you can't scrub zits away by washing your face a zillion times a day; and you really shouldn't pop pimples, ever. But on the flip side, there are also some seemingly innocuous everyday items that just might be undermining your complexion, especially in the Summer. Find out what they are and how to stop them when you read more.

So you woke up this morning with a pimple that's less than discreet. Well, put your worries aside. This dermatologist-approved routine will actually treat that spot and cover it, too. Get the step-by-step guide to morning blemish obliteration when you continue reading.