1. Pimples. This is no doubt the most common pesky problem – and surely the most irritating. Fortunately, while we can’t eliminate all acne from our skin, we can prevent and treat most breakouts.
• What to do: Invest in an effective spot treatment that contains 2.5 percent of bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide or 2 percent of skin-exfoliating salicylic acid. Higher concentrations typically dry out and irritate the skin. Plus, lower concentrations of these ingredients seem to work just as well as the stronger stuff.

If your acne is a regular nuisance, use a cleanser with salicylic acid – which breaks up sebum – along with a softening ingredient like glycerin, according to Good Housekeeping. Have sensitive or very dry skin? Just rotate the anti-acne wash with a gentle cleanser. If your pimples seem to be hormone-related, apply a benzoyl peroxide treatment on acne hot spots a week or two before your menstrual cycle starts. Oily skin an issue? Apply a sulfur mask several times a week to push out excess oil.

If over-the-counter treatments don’t seem to be working, see a dermatologist, who can prescribe anti-acne solutions such as antibiotics, retinoids or even birth control.

For a comprehensive look at treating acne, see our handbook of 25 articles here.

• Product picks: Neutrogena On the Spot Acne Treatment (with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide), Murad Acne Spot Treatment (with salicylic acid), Philosophy On A Clear Day Oil-Free Foaming Acne Cleanser, DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser.

2. Oily hair. The natural oil in our hair can be a good thing. It hydrates the hair and gives it shine. But too much oil or sebum can create greasy locks, making strands look – and feel – like an oil slick.

• What to do: Shampoo daily, alternating between a gentle formula and one with salicylic acid to exfoliate the scalp, New York City dermatologist David E. Bank, M.D., tells Allure. He also advises against using shampoos with strong detergents because they’ll backfire and only boost oil production. Try sulfate-free formulas, which are gentler on the scalp.

Other tips from the magazine include misting thickening spray over sections of moist hair; avoiding pomade and shine-infusing formulas; opting for shorter, layered cuts without the bangs, especially if you have oily skin; and skipping straightening irons. For a quick fix to sop up the oil, apply dry shampoo or baby powder to a hair brush and then apply it to your strands, going from root to end.

• Product picks: Phyto Phytosylic Exfoliating Shampoo, Caudalie Gentle Conditioning Shampoo, Alterna Caviar Anti Aging Volume Shampoo, Ojon Rub Out Dry Cleanser.

3. Weak nails. Got nails that easily break, split or peel? In addition to being unsightly, broken nails can hurt, and even invite infections.

• What to do: Fortunately, there are many things you can do to fortify your nails and help them get back to tip-top shape. Kori Ellis on SheKnows suggests the following: Every day for one month, soak nails in extra virgin olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes, and after that, continue to soak twice a week; always apply a cuticle cream; don’t use acetone nail polish removers; and find a protein- and antioxidant-rich formula designed to strengthen weak nails.

Also, avoid biting or picking at your nails or using them as “tools to pick, poke or pry things” as the Mayo Clinic puts it. Regularly trim, file and moisturize your nails. For a hydration boost, apply hand cream overnight and seal in the moisture by wearing a pair of cotton gloves. Be sure you’re regularly cleaning under your nails, too.

A bad manicure or pedicure can also ruin your nails. If you’re getting your nails done at a salon or spa, here’s how to have the best – and safest – experience.

• Product picks: SpaRitual Protein Boost Nail Fortifier, Barielle Clearly Noticeable Nail Thickener, Dermelect Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail and Cuticle Treatment.

4. Puffy eyes. No one wants to wake up looking like a boxer after a losing fight. Yet, puffy eyes are a common – and annoying – occurrence. The particularly pesky part about puffy eyes is that, unlike dark circles, they’re tougher to cover up. You can pack on the concealer, but your eyes will still look swollen and inflated.

• What to do: Most often puffy eyes are the result of lymph buildup, explains dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., on her blog The Skin Guru. Lymph is a waste-removing and infection-preventing clear liquid in the body. Sometimes it can get stuck and cause puffiness.

Dr. Baumann’s solution? She writes: “ To fight puffy eyes, you need to help get the lymph moving again. To do this, apply lotion under your eyes and on your eyelids. Starting from the outer corner of the lower lid, gently massage with your fingertips toward your nose.” She notes that it doesn’t matter what lotion you use.

Other puffy eye remedies you might not think of: If you love salt too much, reduce your intake, because excess sodium can cause swelling. Also, drink plenty of water to reduce water retention. And try deep breathing and exercise, which Dr. Baumann says can be tremendously helpful. To prevent fluid buildup, use two pillows to prop up your head while you sleep, suggests Real Simple.

• Product picks: Colorescience Eye Treatment – Eyes Wide Open, La Roche Posay Hydraphase Eyes, RoC Firming Complete Lift Eye Cream.

5. Ingrown hairs. We’ve saved the best – or rather worse – for last. Ingrown hairs are the result of shaving or tweezing. The hair gets stuck just below the skin’s surface, causing irritation and inflammation. So not only do they look unpleasant, but ingrown hairs can be downright painful, showing up on your most sensitive spots – like your bikini line.

• What to do: The best thing you can do to prevent ingrown hairs is to regularly exfoliate the skin, so there’s no buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to ingrowns. Try a cleanser with glycolic acid, an excellent exfoliating ingredient. You can also treat the area with an anti-acne spot solution with 2 percent salicylic acid, which also helps to exfoliate. Is your skin super-sensitive? Use Neosporin instead.

Other preventative measures simply include good shaving practices: Take a hot shower before shaving to unlock pores and make the hairs softer; apply a hair-softening lotion; use a moisturizing shaving cream and a sharp razor; and shave in the opposite direction of hair growth.

Sometimes bacteria from your razor can cause an infection, so if your skin is irritated, apply a warm compress to release the hair.

• Product picks: DDF Glycolic 10% Body Lotion, Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash, Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Peeling Pads.

While the above skincare concerns are certainly annoying, fortunately, you can find effective solutions to keep your skin, nails and hair healthy and happy!

See also:

Boost Your Night-time Routine for Great Skin

5 Surprising Beauty Resolutions that Boost Your Skin

Hairstyles, Hair Products and Acne