How to have an acne free summer

Those of us who have a tendency to break out on the back and decolletage areas dread warmer weather. Who wants to wear a strapless dress or a tank top or a halter with big ugly zits in all of the wrong places?

Well, there's a way to get those bastards under control. If you get boils, see your dermatologist about some medication that can help control the testosterone that causes those nasty, painful under-the-skin bumps.

If surface pimples and closed pores are more of a problem, here's what you do:

1. Get a good body scrub and use it at least a couple of times a week. Right now I love, love, love Soap & Glory's The Scrub Of Your Life body scrub. It's not too greasy and boy, does it work! Soap & Glory is available exclusively at Target.

2. Rub astringent on your back and chest every day. If you sweat a lot, use it twice a day or more. The best astringent in my humble opinion is good old fashioned witch hazel. It's inexpensive, you can find it anywhere, and unlike a lot of astringents, it's not too strong nor does it smell funny. Witch hazel doesn't smell at all.

3. Buy mark's Bacne acne liquid treatment from Avon. If any zits rear their ugly heads, aim and fire and within a day or two, they're on their way to disappearing. Visit avon.com/mark or go bug your local Avon lady.

These tips will leave your skin cleaner and clearer all summer long.