A: It sounds to me like you need a skincare routine overhaul. If your skin is dried out and flaky after you wash, your cleanser is probably too drying. Try using a clean-rinsing lotion cleanser like Neutrogena Extra Gentle, Herbal Cleansing Lotion or Tony & Tina Herbal Cleanser. If you like a gel, try Chanel Precision Gel Tendre or Biore Non-Foaming Cleansing Gel, or a gentle soap like Ole Henriksen Clear and Gentle Primrose Soap. Once you stop drying out your skin with the wrong cleanser, you'll start having fewer dry patches and flakiness.

As far as a moisturizer, look for something lightweight that is non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. What does that mean in plain English? Basically, something that is unlikely to clog your pores or cause a breakout. You can usually find this information on the product label. You can either try a lotion or a gel, as long as it doesn't contain alcohol, which can be drying. L'Oreal's new Hydra Fresh line has two great cream-gel formulas that are worth trying. I also like Ole Henriksen Vitamin Plus Balancing Creme, Calvin Klein Protective Moisture Lotion, and Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Herbal Botanical Supplement.

If you feel like you need oil control, try oil blotting papers. They look like thin tissues in a matchstick-style envelope. They are great to reduce shine, they don't dry your skin like oil control lotions can, and they don't add extra makeup to your face like a pressed powder. Garden Botanika, Shiseido, and The Body Shop all carry them.