These 6 Tips Will Help You Get the Clear Skin You've Always Wanted

Is clear skin even possible?

First, let’s acknowledge that acne is a very common problem. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), about 50 million Americans struggle with acne yearly — including about 85% of people ages 12-24. There's no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed if you have acne. Besides, we have good news: It’s possible to learn how to get clear skin naturally at home.  

Many factors impact acne, including genetics, hormone levels, stress, and diet. And every year, people spend hundreds (even thousands) of dollars looking for the secret to acne-free skin. But too often, their skincare "solution" involves harsh products and complicated routines that do more harm than good. Punishing your skin with abrasive processes likely won’t combat the factors that contribute to your acne. You’ll simply irritate and dry out your already struggling skin.

But to answer your question: Yes, clear skin is possible. It usually takes some patience and a solid routine. 

How to get clear skin 

Wondering what will help? Read on to learn how to get clear skin with these six tips. 

1. Wash your face twice a day

Your skin protects your other organs from bacteria, chemicals, and really anything that could damage them. And every day, you put it to the test. 

Just by walking out your door, you expose your skin to dirt, debris, pollution, bacteria, body oils, and a host of other stuff. All that grime gets stuck in your pores and creates build-up that causes acne. You need to get the dirt off your face ASAP — which is why most experts suggest washing your face twice a day. 

Dermatologists recommend that you wash your face in the morning to remove any dead skin cells or dust that transferred from your pillowcase to your face. Then, rewash your face before bed to remove any makeup, dirt, or other contaminants your skin collected during the day. 

The process doesn't have to be complicated. Use a small amount of facewash (about the size of a nickel) and scrub your skin in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water, and you're ready to go. If you have dry skin, skip the cleanser in the morning, but rinse your face with warm water to start the day with a blank canvas. 

2. Do NOT pop your pimples

Even when you're on top of your skincare routine, there's always a chance that a rogue pimple might emerge. It may be tempting to pop that whitehead and make it disappear but keep your hands off. 

There are two main reasons why you should avoid popping your pimples. First, pimples contain oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. When you pop a pimple, all that gunk spills onto your skin, which could cause further infection and more pimples. Second, popping pimples can scar your face and permanently damage your skin.

The "hands off" approach doesn't just apply to pimples. If you want clear skin, it's best to avoid touching your face as much as possible. Keeping your hands away from your face isn't easy (studies show that the average person touches their face as much as 23 times an hour), but keeping your hands away helps avoid getting loads of bacteria and dirt on your skin.

3. Use the right products for you

Learning how to clear acne is about changing your habits, like washing your face more and avoiding touching it. But it's also about changing your products. As we mentioned earlier, too many people resort to harsh products that hurt rather than help your skin.

No matter your skin type, it's important to use gentle cleansers on your face. This will effectively remove dirt and bacteria without removing the healthy oils in your skin. Remember to wash your face in lukewarm water only. Hot water strips natural oils from your face, making it drier and more acne prone. A hot shower will only further irritate conditions like eczema or rosacea, and the dryness could contribute to more acne.

In addition to face wash, all your skincare products should be as gentle as possible. To exfoliate, try a natural physical exfoliant like jojoba beads or gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs. If you use an acne spot treatment, look for creams and acne serums that contain natural ingredients like vitamin C, salicylic acid, or bentonite clay. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum is also a great choice, as it helps control excess oil and reduces breakouts. These products help remove acne-causing bacteria and excess oil without irritating chemicals.

We also recommend using gentle makeup products that won't clog your pores and increase your risk of acne. There are many affordable makeup brands that offer excellent coverage and light formulas. Some products are even made specifically for acne-prone skin. Take a little extra time to check the ingredients and find products that work for your skin. 

Lastly, always keep your makeup brushes and pillowcases clean. Trust us — the extra work is well worth it. 

4. Facial skincare in your gym routine

Dirt, pollution, and other nasty stuff touch your skin every day, but those aren't the only things that cause acne. Sweat and your body's oils also clog your pores, especially if you aren't cleansing after you hit the gym. 

Washing your face should always be a part of your post-workout routine. You don’t need to wait until you get home — just clean your face right there in the locker room. Use a light facial cleanser (maybe your twice-daily wash in a travel-sized container) and a clean towel (not the one you used to wipe your sweaty brow), and your face will be clean, fresh, and sweat-free.

5. Moisturization sensation

One of the biggest problems we see with most acne cleansers is the way they dry out your face. This is a real problem for acne-prone folks, even if they have oily skin. Dry skin causes your body to increase oil production. The excess oils settle on your skin, increasing your risk of clogged pores and breakouts. 

To avoid this problem, we recommend investing in a quality daily lotion. Look for a "non-comedogenic" moisturizer. These products are specially formulated so they won't clog your pores, meaning you won't have to worry about them leading to blemishes. Instead, give your skin the moisture it needs without worry.

6. Lifestyle changes

You've got the right products and a great skincare routine. By now, you should have glowing, acne-free skin, right? 

Not always. Remember, many elements impact your skin — including your daily habits. Things like diet, sleeping patterns, hormones, and stress levels can all lead to notable changes in your skin, so it's best to be as healthy as possible. 

If you know you're prone to acne, it might help to avoid sugars and processed foods as much as possible. You might even want to avoid dairy products. According to one study from the Harvard School of Public Health, there was a correlation between acne and increased milk intake. For some, this won’t affect them — but for others, it’ll make a world of difference.

It's also important to get plenty of sleep and avoid stress. According to research from Harvard Health, stress can disrupt your epidermal barrier and leave your skin at risk for acne, eczema, or other skin conditions. Avoid stress by prioritizing self-care, exercising regularly, and getting support from loved ones when you need it. 

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Getting started

If you follow these tips, you won't just have clearer skin — you’ll have a beautiful, glowing complexion and improve your overall wellness. What’s a great first step toward feeling happier and healthier all around? Explore acne-prevention product reviews on Flip and discover the perfect addition to your skincare routine.