There are countless ways to help you get the skin you’ve always wanted. You may not be able to prevent every blemish from ever occurring, but clear and beautiful skin is likely in reach.
Here’s a quick look at how to get clear skin using some of the many techniques for giving your skin a fighting chance against acne and blemishes.
Use the right cleansing products & methods
Find medicated washes
We probably all understand the concept of using a face wash to remove the dirt and oil from our skin, but if we’re trying to treat actual acne, a simple and non-medicated soap won’t cut it.
Although acne is not usually a severe health condition, you can be internally experiencing more problems than you’re aware of and the ever-persistent blemishes can be a side effect of other circumstances going on. If you’re on any prescription medications that may be making you break out, talk with your doctor to identify any possible alternatives.
You can find over-the-counter washes with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur, ingredients known to effectively combat acne breakouts. If you suffer from severe acne and worry that a non-prescription treatment isn’t strong enough for you, talk with a medical professional about more concentrated products and solutions that might work for you.
Identify additional treatments as needed
In conjunction with using a face wash twice a day, you may find it helpful to use a spot treatment every now and then to help clear up specific breakouts and a toner to help minimize the appearance of your pores.
If you have really oily skin, you may also benefit from using a weekly exfoliating treatment, skin mask or do-it-yourself facial. If you have dry skin, you should be extra careful about minimizing the number of treatments you use in a week so you don’t dry out your skin even more.
Use gentle motions
When using cleansing products, be gentle and avoid the temptation to scrub hard. Use soft, circular motions to apply a face soap or treatment.
Often we think that being serious about getting clear skin needs to translate into being rough with the skin cells as we go to wash them, but this thought couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’re too rough in the washing process, you can damage and tear the skin, leaving areas susceptible to irritation, bacteria, oil and future breakouts.
Get some good products and let them do the intense deep cleaning while you play it cool at the surface.
Take care of your skin in between washes & treatments
Moisturize every day
Part of having smooth and clear skin is having hydrated skin because blemish-free skin that’s dry and flaky isn’t likely your ideal. If you want beautiful skin, don’t go a day without moisturizing. You can use an all-day moisturizer in the morning, and if you’re really on the ball, you can apply a night cream before you go to bed.
Stay away from makeup and skin products that clog pores
Opt for water-based, oil-free cosmetics and lotions that are non-comedogenic and are clinically tested to not increase acne. Ideally, you’ll locate and use makeup products that not only cover blemishes but also heal them.
Part of making sure your skin remains free to breathe, so to speak, is diligently removing your makeup every night no matter how tired you are and how much you’d love to already be curled up under the covers.
Another cosmetics note when it comes to skin care is making sure you throw out makeup when it’s old rather than continuing to use a spoiled product. Regularly clean your makeup brushes as well to ensure they don’t act as a breeding ground for bacteria growth and dirt awaiting to harm your skin.
Wear sunscreen
Protecting against the sun is important, yes, but sunscreen can also keep you safe from all sorts of environmental toxins and damage, helping your skin to stay clear and healthy.
When applying sunscreen to your face, make sure to use a product specifically designed for your face and neck rather just grabbing a body version and liberally applying it everywhere. Even if you don’t plan on being out in the sun, using an SPF 15 product can be a great option to keep you protected in the everyday.
Don’t pick at your face
Resist the temptation to pick at your blemishes. Don’t even touch your face without washing your hands first and, even then, minimize contact at all costs. Incorrect attempts at squeezing out oil can result in scarring, worse breakouts and more sensitivity. Be careful and use wisdom.
Keep your surroundings clean
Be mindful of everything that touches your face and wash accordingly. Clean your pillow case once a week, use a fresh face towel every time you wash your skin and disinfect your cell phone regularly. Be proactive in preventing sources of dirt and oil to come in contact with your precious skin.
Lead a conducive lifestyle for having clear skin
Get the right nutrition
No, I’m not perpetuating the myth that “eating pizza will give you acne” because there is no scientific proof of such a cause or connection. However, your body needs the right nutrients in order to have healthy skin cells and normal production cycles as well as the abilities to fight against inflammation and to naturally heal from within.
To give your skin its best chance of being clear and blemish-free, start by eating right, which means maintaining a healthful diet full of nutritious fruits, vegetables and other vitamin- and mineral-rich foods. Keep your long-term goals in mind and commit to daily drinking the recommended intake of water. If needed, put up reminders around the kitchen or in your calendar so that you can’t use the excuse “I forgot” when it comes to not getting in enough of the vital liquid.
Learn how to de-stress
Easier said than done, I know. Even the fact that you’re trying to get clearer-looking skin than you already have may be a huge source of your current stress, but you have to keep things in perspective in order for your body to function well and not breakout as a side effect of being overwhelmed.
Get enough sleep and schedule in time to exercise as well as relax. Many wise people like Jeffrey Holland have shared this sentiment: if you don’t make the time to be well, you’ll surely have to take time later on to be ill. Being stressed to the max can affect much more than just your skin and hair so try to take care of yourself to enhance the characteristics of both what you can and can’t see.
Visit a dermatologist if needed
If you feel like you’re at your wit’s end when it comes to having imperfect skin, go ahead and make an appointment with a dermatologist to see if there’s any professional advice that could be helpful in clearing up your face.
As always, good luck!
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