Follow these 17 clear skin tips to give your skin a healthy boost and get rid of any skin issues that you’re dealing with.
Some people are naturally blessed with clear skin, but for common folks like us, the idea of a clear skin is nothing less than a dream.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re struggling with issues like acne, scarring, pigmentation, or maybe all of them.
Maybe you’re feeling defeated every time a new breakout pops up. Trust me, I’ve been there. Acne and I had a long-standing (and unwanted) relationship for years.
But after managing it for so long, I’ve become a bit of a clear-skin expert.
This post is going to be all about 17 clear skin tips that are no-fluff and all magic.
There are some important skincare tips that really changed the game for me, and I want to share them with you.
If you’re ready to end your skin struggles and get one step closer to a healthy and glowing complexion, then read on.
17 Tips For Clear Skin
1. Make Sure You’re Using The Right Cleanser
I’ve made many mistakes during my skincare journey, and the worst of them was using the wrong cleansers.
Not only that, I’d also never stick to one cleanser, and that was something my face did not take kindly to.
Your cleanser sets the tone for your skincare routine, so don’t just grab whatever your favorite influencer is hyping.
A good cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin’s natural oils. It should also be according to your skin type.
- If you’re oily or acne-prone, look for a gentle foaming cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, like the CeraVe renewing salicylic acid cleanser.
- For dry/sensitive skin, go for a hydrating cleanser with ingredients like ceramides or glycerin, like Cetaphil face wash.
- If you have combination skin, then pick something balanced like a gel-based cleanser. My choice: Neutrogena hydro boost cleansing gel
Also, if you wear makeup every day, then try double cleansing at night. Use an oil-based cleanser first to break down makeup, then follow with your regular cleanser.
2. Never Skip Moisturizer
This is perhaps the most important skincare tip I can give you today, i.e., to use a moisturizer twice a day without fail (once in the morning and once before bed).
I used to think, “My skin is already oily. Why on earth would I add more moisture?” Oh, how wrong I was!
Skipping moisturizer can actually make your skin overcompensate by producing even more oil. So, even if you have oily skin, you still need a moisturizer. People with every skin type do.
A good moisturizer will repair your skin barrier, lock in hydration, and help your skin heal.
If you’re oily, go for for a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer. If you got dry skin, then reach for something richer.
And if you have sensitive skin, then look for fragrance-free and calming ingredients.
3. Put On Your Sunscreen
If you’re not wearing sunscreen daily, you’re sabotaging your skin.
Sun damage not only accelerates aging (causing wrinkles and dark spots) but it also makes existing acne scars and pigmentation worse.
So, please, for the sake of all things skincare, choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and use it as if your life depends on it, even if you’re staying indoors.
Apply it every single morning, rain or shine, indoors or outdoors.
And never ever fall asleep with sunscreen still on your face as it can really clog your pores.
My favorite: UV Doux Suncreen
4. Level Up Your Water Intake
You’ve probably heard this a million times, but I can’t stress it enough. If you want your skin to clear up, then start drinking loads of water!
Your skin reflects your body’s internal state, and dehydration shows up on your face faster than you can say “moisture barrier.”
When your body lacks water, your skin may produce more oil to compensate, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and if you’re feeling fancy, toss in some lemon slices or cucumber to make your water more colorful and interesting to drink.
Buy a cute water bottle and keep it with you at all times. You’re way more likely to stay hydrated if it feels fun!
5. Use Non-Comedogenic Products Only
There was a time when I had no idea what non-comedogenic even means, and now it’s the first thing I check before picking any kind of skin product.
Non-comedogenic means a product won’t clog your pores.
If you have skin issues like acne, then this is the term you need to check for in the product labels before buying anything.
Even your makeup products should be non-comedogenic.
If you’re not sure whether a product is truly non-comedogenic, do a quick online search for reviews or ask google/chatGPT.
Sometimes, even products marketed as “safe” for acne-prone skin can be misleading, so this little test will give you peace of mind before putting anything on your face and keep it safe from breakouts.
6. Keep Your Gut Happy
Clear skin starts in your gut. Sounds weird? Let me explain.
Your gut microbiome directly impacts inflammation levels in your body, and inflammation is a huge acne trigger.
When I am taking care of my eating habits, my skin glows and any scars on my face start clearing up too.
Here’s how to keep your gut clean and happy:
- Eat more fiber like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
- Probiotics are your friends, people. Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha can help restore balance to your gut. I drink a bottle of Yakult after breakfast and dinner.
- Cut back on sugar and processed foods. These can mess with your gut health and spike your insulin levels, leading to breakouts.
Please note that if you suspect deeper issues (like food intolerances or hormonal imbalances), it’s worth consulting a professional to get to the root cause.
7. Drink Face-Cleansing Smoothies
Okay, this one is an extension of the previous point, and it’s the best clear skin hack ever.
As we’ve already established, what you put into your body shows up on your face, and a nutrient-packed smoothie can do wonders for your skin health.
Whenever I am actively pouring into my skin, I drink a smoothie every single day.
My go-to recipe is simple, refreshing, and packed with skin-loving ingredients:
- 1 cucumber (hydrating and anti-inflammatory)
- A thumb-sized piece of ginger (great for digestion and reducing inflammation)
- A handful of fresh mint leaves (detoxifying)
- Water or coconut water as your base
Blend it all together and drink up! Know in advance that the taste isn’t the best, but you can toss in a banana to make it more palatable.
You can also add chia seeds as topping to give yourself extra fiber and weight-loss benefits.
8. Do Not Touch Your Face
Okay, ladies, time for some tough love. I know it’s tempting to poke your pimples or touch your skin to feel the progress, but do not do this!
Seriously, stop touching your face.
Every time you rest your chin on your hand or absentmindedly pick at a pimple, you’re transferring bacteria and oils to your skin.
It can really irritate your skin and and worsen inflammation.
A helpful trick is to keep your hands busy. Fidget toys, stress balls, and just clasping your hands together can stop you from unconsciously reaching for your face.
9. Use A Clean And Soft Face Towel
Do you use the same face towel for days on end? Guilty as charged.
When you use the same towel, it starts accumulating bacteria and dirt, which will end up on your face.
Change your face towel every two days, and stick to soft, gentle fabrics to avoid irritation.
If you’re someone who forgets to swap towels regularly, then just set a reminder on your phone or keep a stack of clean towels within reach.
10. Keep Your Face Sweat-Free
Sweat can mix with oil and dirt, clogging your pores. So, letting it sit on your skin is never a good idea.
Whether you’re working out or getting sweaty because of the hot weather, wipe your sweat reglarly.
Gently dab your face with a clean towel or blotting paper to keep your skin fresh.
Also, five minutes after you’re done with your workouts, cleanse your face to remove the sweat.
11. Change Your Pillow Covers Every Week
Just like your face towels, your pillowcase is also a breeding ground for bacteria, oil, and sweat.
Changing it weekly is a good rule of thumb, but if you’re acne-prone, you should swap it out twice a week.
This is a tip I never took that seriously and thought would be least helpful, but since I’ve started doing it diligently, I’ve noticed real difference in my skin health.
Wash your pillowcases with a fragrance-free detergent to avoid potential skin irritants.
You can also use silk pillowcases as they’re gentler on your skin and hair.
12. Don’t Use Too Many Products
Those 7-step skincare routines that wellness girlies practice on reels seem so fancy, right?
But does you skin really need all those products? I don’t think so.
Using too many products can overwhelm your skin and disrupt its natural balance.
Also, the more products you use, the more chances there are of you using something unsuitable for your skin.
And that can make it really hard to find the culprit when your skin health starts do go bad.
So, in my opinion, it’s always always best to stick to a minimal skincare routine. A cleanser, treatment (if needed), moisturizer, and sunscreen. That’s it.
If you do need to introduce new products for some reason, do it slowly and one at a time to avoid irritation.
13. Hold Back On Makeup
I know, I know, going bare-faced can feel intimidating, especially if you’re dealing with breakouts.
But heavy makeup can clog your pores and make acne worse. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it.
So, please, give your skin some room to breathe. There are ways to look pretty without makeup, you know.
But in any case, if you do wear makeup, stick to lightweight and breathable formulas labeled as non-comedogenic.
And always, always remove your makeup thoroughly before bed. Micellar water followed by a gentle wash will do that for you.
That being said, you should try to embrace your natural beauty whenever you can. Your skin will thank you for the break.
14. Get Enough Sleep
If you’re not getting enough sleep, it’s going to show on your face.
Your skin does most of its repair and regeneration while you sleep, so skimping on rest no healing time.
Lack of sleep can lead to increased cortisol levels, which triggers inflammation and…breakouts (ugh).
To maximize your beauty sleep, give yourself 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, even on the weekends.
Ditch the screens an hour before bed, dim the lights, and do some reading or meditation to prepare your body for rest.
Getting enough sleep isn’t just good for your skin. It’s vital for your overall health and mood.
Think of it as the ultimate free skincare hack that works from the inside out!
15. Treat Your Skin Issues ASAP
The longer you leave your skin issues untreated, the worse they can get.
Over the years, there were many times when I just waited for a breakout to heal on its own, and it never really did.
So, it’s best to treat it as soon as you see it.
Here are some products that have worked wonders for me over the years:
- Benzoyl peroxide: Great for reducing pimples.
- Azelaic acid: The best thing ever for acne breakouts and redness.
- Clindamycin and adapalene gel: A powerful combo for acne (but consult your dermatologist first!)
Many treatments take weeks to show results, so you gotta be patient with whatever treatment you are under.
Now, as for how to pick the right treatments for your skin…
16. Consult a Dermatologist
See, I love all things skincare and have learned a great deal from my fellow beauty influencers, but none of us can replace expert advice. DIY remedies can’t do that either.
So, if you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, it’s time to see a professional.
And even if you’re just at the beginning stages of a skin issue, I’d still recommend you go see a dermatologist.
A dermatologist can help you identify the root cause of your acne and recommend targeted treatments like prescription-strength topicals or medications.
They can also help with treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy if you’re dealing with stubborn scars and pigmentation.
Don’t hesitate to ask about your options and clear any doubts that you have.
17. Manage Stress
Every time I see my dermatologist for an emerging skincare issue, one of the things she asks me is, “Are you stressed about something?”
Stress might not directly cause acne, but it can make existing skin issues worse.
When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production and inflammation. These are the two things that your skin doesn’t need.
Your mental well-being is just as important as the products you put on your skin. A relaxed mind often translates to healthier and glowing skin, and I’ve seen this in practice.
I’d suggest you add 10 minutes of meditation to your routine. Do some journaling, exercise to get rid of stress, and set mental boundaries to avoid unnecessary drama.
Self-care is a form of skin care too, friend, don’t ever forget that.
Final Thoughts On Clearing Your Skin
I would like to make it clear that none of these tips are magical overnight solutions. I don’t think such things exist.
Healthy skin comes a combination of consistent habits, patience, and listening to your skin’s needs.
These 17 clear skin tips will help you do all of that. These are the tips that I personally use day in and out, and the same tips that keep me safe from my recurring skincare issues.
Now, start with your favorite tip from this post and show your skin some love!
