Clear skin is something everyone wants. Unfortunately, it’s not the easiest to achieve. For one, everyday environmental factors, like dirt and bacteria, constantly come into contact with your skin and can cause issues. Not to mention, acne can be genetic. If you have a parent who struggled with breakouts, there’s a good chance you will too.
But don’t worry. While acne won’t go away overnight, there are things you can do to achieve clear skin. From washing your face at least twice a day to finding the right product, here are a few things you can incorporate into your routine:
1. Get Treatment
There are hundreds of over-the-counter skin care products that advertise themselves as a solution for achieving clear skin. And while those products might work for some, they don’t work for everyone. If you’ve been using these products to no avail, it might be time to try prescription acne treatment.
Unlike over-the-counter products, these treatments are prescribed by a medical professional based on your specific symptoms. Some of the most common types of treatment are antibiotics, birth control, and retinoids. The first two work from the inside out, reducing the bacteria and hormones that are likely causing your acne. Retinoids, on the other hand, are topical. They break through dead skin cells causing pimples and inflammation.
All three prescription options can be incredibly beneficial to helping you achieve flawless skin. However, it’s important to remember there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to treating acne. That’s why you should make time to explore your options, and let a professional help.
2. Wash Your Face Before Bed
Washing your face before bed can sometimes feel like a chore, especially if you get home late after an exhausting day. However, washing your face before bed is an absolute must. During the day, your skin comes into contact with many things that could cause acne. From bacteria to dirt and oil, it’s important you take time to clean your skin before laying down to rest.
Remember, you don’t just want to only wash your face at night. According to experts, you should be cleansing your skin at least twice a day. When exactly you should wash your face can vary from person to person. As mentioned above, aiming to wash your face before bed is a good call. But what about the rest of the day?
Some people prefer washing their faces in the morning. That can work. However, if you’re someone who exercises mid-morning or afternoon, you might want to hold off washing until after your workout. Sweat can have a positive impact on your skin, but it can also cause bacteria build-up. So, make sure you take a few minutes after working out to cleanse.
3. Don’t Forget To Moisturize
If you don’t moisturize your skin after washing it then you’re not washing your skin correctly. Moisturizing is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Not only can using a good moisturizer help balance your skin, but it can reduce the appearance of blemishes and fight wrinkles.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should buy the first moisturizer you see at the grocery store. You want to make sure the moisturizer is ideal for your skin type. If it’s not, you might experience negative symptoms rather than positive ones.
To ensure you’re using the right moisturizer, you need to first determine your skin type. Do you have dry, oily, or combination skin? Is your skin sensitive or acne-prone? Make sure your moisturizer addresses those concerns. As a rule of thumb, read the ingredient label on a product before using it. If you’re unfamiliar with an ingredient, go ahead and Google it to learn more.
You should also do a skin test for a product before using it. To do so, simply apply a small amount of the product to your hand or wrist. If you don’t notice any reaction after 24 hours, that probably means it’s safe to use on your skin. Also read about 4 Unique Toys That Can Keep Your Kids Active.
4. Be Gentle With Your Skin
Your skin might seem indestructible, but it’s not. Chances are, you’ve seen proof of that in your day-to-day life. Have you ever noticed skin redness after scrubbing your skin too hard with a washcloth? Exactly. Your skin needs extra care and attention, regardless if you’re applying sunscreen or moisturizer.
To protect your skin, one of the first things you should do is ensure your hands are clean prior to touching your face. Then, when applying a product, do your best to gently rub it into your skin. There’s a common misconception that using a washcloth is the best way to clean your face. Turns out, washcloths are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. Meaning, using a washcloth could actually contribute to your skin breaking out.
Speaking of things you shouldn’t touch to your skin, it’s a good idea to keep your phone far away from your face. Cell phones are riddled with bacteria. Holding them against your skin transfers that bacteria from your phone to your face, resulting in acne. Do your best to keep your phone and other electronics from your face. If you can’t, at least make sure you’re regularly wiping your gadgets with a cleaner.
Flawless skin isn’t easy to achieve, but it’s not impossible. Often, people see results simply by making a few lifestyle changes and incorporating different products into their routines. If you’re ready to take back control of your skin, use the tips above to guide you.
