Achieving clear, glowing skin isn’t just about using the right products—it’s about maintaining the right habits and avoiding skincare mistakes that could sabotage your progress. Whether you’re struggling with acne, dullness, or irritation, this guide will help you build a skincare routine that works.
✅ What to Do for Clear Skin
1. Cleanse Your Skin Twice a Day
Dirt, oil, and sweat accumulate on your face throughout the day. Washing your face in the morning and evening with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser helps keep your pores clear without stripping away natural moisture. If you wear makeup, make sure to use a oil cleanser or micellar water first in order to remove your makeup before cleansing your skin.
🔹 Recommended Cleansers: Skin1004 Centella Ampoule Foam Cleanser, La Roche Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
2. Stay Hydrated & Eat Skin-Friendly Foods
Your diet plays a huge role in your skin’s health. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamins. Dairy (cow more so, goat and sheep less so) and soy can cause cystic acne or “under-the-skin pimples” so its best to avoid them to prevent pimples.
🥑 Best Foods for Clear Skin: Avocados, salmon, blueberries, spinach, and green tea.
❌ Foods to Limit: Dairy, soy, processed sugars, and excessive caffeine.
3. Use Non-Comedogenic Skincare & Makeup
Non-comedogenic products won’t clog your pores, reducing the risk of breakouts. Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers and foundations labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” Before buying any makeup, I always use the Acne Clinic Pore-Clogging Ingredients tool to check if the products contain ingredients that will make acne worse.
🔹 Try These Products: Milk Hydro Grip Primer, Kosas BB Tinted Moisturizer, Ami Colé Skin Melt Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder
4. Moisturize Daily (Even if You Have Oily Skin!)
Skipping moisturizer can lead to increased oil production, which can cause more breakouts. Opt for a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
🔹 Check Out These Moisturizers: KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream, Torriden DIVE IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream
5. Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, early aging, and worsen acne scars. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is essential, even on cloudy days.
🔹 Top Sunscreen Pick: Tizo Ultra Zinc Body & Face Non-Tinted
❌ What NOT to Do for Clear Skin
1. Don’t Sleep with Makeup On
Sleeping with makeup clogs your pores and leads to breakouts. Always double cleanse at night to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
2. Don’t Over-Exfoliate
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, but too much can strip your skin barrier and cause redness or breakouts. Stick to 2-3 times per week using a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid.
3. Don’t Pop Pimples
As tempting as it is, popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into your skin, causing inflammation and scarring. Instead, use a pimple patch or a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil.
4. Don’t Touch Your Face Frequently
Your hands carry bacteria that can transfer to your skin, leading to breakouts. Try to keep your hands off your face throughout the day.
5. Don’t Skip Your Nighttime Routine
Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. A consistent nighttime routine with cleansing, treatment, and moisturizing will help you wake up with fresh, healthy skin.
Recommended Skincare Routine
- Cleanse with a Sulfate-free Cleanser
- Spray Mineral Mist/Toner
- Apply Water Based Serum with Humectant
- Gently exfoliate with an Exfoliating Serum twice to three times a week
- Apply non-comedogenic oil (if you have dry skin) or lightweight moisturizer (if you have oily skin)
- Protect with SPF 30+ Sunscreen (preferably either mineral or a mix of mineral and chemical)
Final Thoughts
Clear skin isn’t just about using the right products—it’s about consistency and healthy habits. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can build a skincare routine that helps you achieve glowing, blemish-free skin. To learn more about my personal journey, check out this blog post.
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