Let’s be honest, no one wants to look in the mirror and see acne. But unfortunately, blemishes are a normal part of life. And contrary to popular belief, teenagers aren’t the only ones who experience acne. Hormonal fluctuations, bacteria build-up, and not using the right products can wreak havoc on your skin regardless of your age.
But don’t worry. There are things you can do to combat acne and keep your skin glowing. In this article, we outline seven tips for clear skin:
1. Know Your Skin Type
One of the reasons why your skin might be struggling is because of the products you’re using. While all skin types can benefit from a skincare routine, every skin type needs something different. Oily skin, for instance, produces too much sebum and is usually prone to acne. You should avoid alcohol-based products, as they can increase oiliness and can harm your skin even further.
There are several other skin types, including dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin, and combination skin (both oily and dry). Determine your skin type and then double-check that your skincare products are designed for that type. If they aren’t, it’s time to make some changes.
2. Consult a Professional
The truth is, everyone’s skin is different. Your best friend might swear by clarifying mud masks, but your skin might not react the same. If that’s the case, you might want to consider speaking to a professional, especially if you’ve already tried multiple products.
A dermatologist can evaluate your skin and prescribe acne treatment solutions that are designed specifically for your skin type. For example, they might recommend antibiotics, retinoids, birth control, or another effective treatment.
It can be hard to get control of your acne. And while there are hundreds of products that claim to cure acne — they might not be a cure that works for you. Luckily, a dermatologist can help guide you in the right direction.
3. Wash Your Face
This might seem like a no-brainer. But chances are, you’re not washing your face enough. If you’re prone to blemishes and only washing your face in the morning, that might be playing a role in your acne.
Facial cleansing removes dirt, debris, oil, and bacteria that build up on your skin throughout the day. Dermatologists recommend washing your face at least two times a day — in the morning and at night. And while you can follow that guideline, you should also consider your lifestyle. For example, let’s say you take a kickboxing class on your lunch break. You should wash your face after you’re done exercising, rather than waiting until you go to bed.
4. Keep Dirt Off Your Skin
Do you touch your face throughout the day? Maybe you have a habit of rubbing your forehead when you’re stressed or picking your skin. Do your best to stop doing that!
You might not realize it, but your hands are dirty. They pick up bacteria during the day as you work, exercise, or drive from place to place. Every time you touch your skin, without washing your hands, you’re transferring that dirt.
The same is also true about electronic devices. The last thing you want to do is hold your phone to your ear. According to research, there are 25,127 bacteria per square inch on the average person’s phone. Yes, you read that right! So go ahead and opt for AirPods or another hands-free option.
5. Except When It’s a Mud Mask
These antibacterial and exfoliating masks can be incredibly beneficial to your skin. Mud masks can unclog your pores and absorb excess oil from your skin, making it harder for new pimples to form.
With that said, mud masks can be harsh on your skin, especially if it’s sensitive or you already have blemishes. It’s a good idea to steer clear of this mask during a breakout. Instead, use a mud mask when your skin is clear and you want to maintain it.
It’s important to note, not every mud mask is the same or designed for the same skin types. Luckily, most products say exactly who should use them on the product label. Make sure you always do your research before trying a new product and don’t forget to read the reviews!
6. Check Your Makeup Products
Not only should you pay attention to your skincare products, but you should also take a close look at your makeup products. That’s because some cosmetics are more likely to cause breakouts than others.
When shopping for makeup, make sure the product label says “non-comedogenic.” That means the product was designed to not clog pores. Meaning, you’re less likely to break out. With that said, even with the right makeup, you should take precautions. For example, wash your hands thoroughly before applying makeup. And make sure you remove all your makeup before going to bed.
7. Stay Calm and Relaxed
Stress doesn’t just impact your emotional well-being, it impacts your physical state as well. There’s a direct link between stress and acne. And chances are, you’ve seen that play out before. After all, how many times have you seen a pimple pop up during a stressful week of work?
While stress is a normal part of life, there are ways you can combat it to help keep your skin clean. You could spend more time outside and go on walks or play tennis. You could take exercise classes, meditate, or journal. You might also want to consider reducing your coffee intake, as too much caffeine can cause anxiety and stress.
We all want clear skin. But wanting it isn’t the same as putting steps in place to achieve it. To have perfect skin, you need to do some work. From swapping products to reducing stress, the tips above can help you keep your skin looking clear and feeling smooth.
