How to get clear skin: tips for achieving clearer skin

Nothing gives quite the same confidence boost as looking in the mirror and seeing clear and radiant skin. It can make anyone feel youthful and fresh.

That said, achieving clear skin doesn’t happen by luck alone. It’s helped along by a consistent skin care regimen. This can include proper cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing as well as protection from harmful external factors. Skin is also nourished by a balanced lifestyle, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise and sufficient rest.

While the journey to clear skin may take some work, the rewards make it worth it. Read on to learn about the factors that contribute to clear skin and some of the products and practices that can help make skin clearer.

In this article:

• What factors lead to clear skin?
• What kinds of products help with clear skin?

What factors lead to clear skin?

Let’s face it, everyone’s complexion is different. A number of factors are completely within your control, however. Here are some of the main determinants of clear skin:

Genetics and clear skin

Dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD,¹ who teaches at Yale School of Medicine, explains that a big part of skin health is determined by DNA. That means everyone is born with a disposition to have their skin look a certain way. “That being said, just like any other organ, you can make lifestyle — or in this case, skin care — choices that help things along,” she says.

Nutrition, hormones and clear skin

Acne is a major barrier to clear skin. Acne happens when natural oils and dead skin cells start to clog up pores.² Three main factors that lead to breakouts are thought to be diet, fluctuating hormones and emotional stress.

As far as diet is concerned, the culprits are pretty well known. “Cow’s milk, particularly skim milk, foods with high sugar loads, whey protein and vitamin B12 supplements all have been associated with acne breakouts,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.³ Meeting with a dermatologist can help you learn about foods that might be triggers.

The influence of hormones, however, is tougher to control. “Testosterone is the main androgen hormone in both men and women, and it is known to stimulate your oil glands,” says Dr. Zeichner. “As hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, this explains why women develop cyclical breakouts,” he adds.

Stress and clear skin

The same hormones that prepare you for a stressful situation also impact skin, Dr. Zeichner notes. In other words, stress acne is real, and it has been well documented. He explains that studies have shown students are more likely to develop acne breakouts during testing⁴ as compared to other times of the school year.

So, on the lifestyle front, the road to healthier skin is all about “minimizing stress, maintaining a healthy low glycemic index diet, and getting plenty of sleep and exercise to keep down inflammation in all organs — including skin,” Dr. Gohara says.

What kinds of products help with clear skin?

To help keep skin clear, Dr. Gohara recommends building a trusty stockpile of skin care products that include cleansers, moisturizers, spot treatments, sunscreens and others.

Cleansers to help with clear skin

Do some research before choosing a cleanser. A cleanser specifically formulated for acne-prone skin may help keep skin clear. An effective acne cleanser might have tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities;⁵ salicylic acid, which can also reduce swelling;⁶ or benzoyl peroxide, which combats acne-causing bacteria.⁷

When used regularly — morning and evening — a cleanser can help remove dirt and excess sebum from the skin’s surface.⁸ This can help prevent pore blockages and keep breakouts to a minimum. It can also contribute to a more balanced skin pH level and provide a clean foundation for other acne-fighting treatments, such as topical medications or spot treatments.

Cleansers for clear skin include Dr. Zeichner’s pick, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser, and Dr. Gohara’ pick, Dove Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Beauty Bar. Dr. Gohara also likes La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser, which is also made with sensitive skin in mind.

Exfoliants to help with clear skin

The goal of an exfoliant is to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells. These cells can clog pores and contribute to acne formation.⁹ There are two main types of exfoliants: physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants.

Physical exfoliants, including brushes, loofahs and scrubs, work by physically removing those cells, revealing fresh skin underneath.

To do the same, chemical exfoliants use chemicals like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic acid, or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), including salicylic acid. Chemical exfoliants work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, effectively dissolving them and promoting their shedding.¹⁰ Chemical exfoliants can penetrate deep into the pores, helping to unclog them and reduce the occurrence of acne breakouts. They may also help to even out skin tone and texture.¹¹ (Be careful, however, to avoid over exfoliating.)

A physical exfoliant to try is e.l.f. Gentle Peeling Exfoliant, which is a mild liquid formula that helps to remove dead skin. A chemical exfoliant that’s suited for acne-prone skin is Neutrogena Skin Perfecting Exfoliant, which removes dead skin cells using glycolic acid.

Toners to help with clear skin

Toners are products that can help balance the skin’s pH levels. When the skin’s pH is out of balance, it becomes more susceptible to bacterial growth, inflammation and breakouts.¹²

A few toners to try include Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner, which hydrates as it cleanses pores, and No B.S. BHA Salicylic Acid Toner with Witch Hazel.

Retinoids to help with clear skin

Retinoids are a class of vitamin A derivatives that have been widely used in acne treatment for many years.¹³ They are known for helping clear skin by targeting multiple factors that contribute to acne development.¹⁴

For someone that predominantly has blackheads and whiteheads, Dr. Zeichner suggests looking for adapalene. “This is a topical retinoid that acts like a pipe cleaner,” he says. “It prevents cells from sticking together within the pores, which leads to blockages.”

Dr. Gohara enjoys La Roche-Posay Effaclar adapalene gel while Dr. Zeichner likes Differin Gel 0.1%.

Note that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use retinoids.¹⁵

Spot treatments to help with clear skin

A spot treatment is a must. “If you have red, angry pimples, use a product that contains benzoyl peroxide,” Dr. Zeichner says. “This compound helps lower levels of acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation in the skin.”

Alternately, for those with oily skin, look for products that contain salicylic acid, he adds. “It can help treat blackheads and whiteheads, and it is a great option for people who cannot tolerate benzoyl peroxide.”

Sulfur¹⁶ is another ingredient that has long been used in dermatology, because it boasts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Dr. Zeichner. “It’s not the most powerful tool in the shed, but it can be used across all skin types, even people who are very sensitive,” he says.

Zeichner likes La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo and Dr. Gohara notes Neutrogena On-the-Spot treatment is a good choice.

Moisturizers to help with clear skin

Some acne products can lead to dryness or skin irritation, which means that incorporating a moisturizer into your routine may be in order. Moisturizers can play a crucial role in managing acne despite the misconception that they will worsen breakouts.¹⁷ And some products are specially formulated to give an added kick of acne-fighting ingredients.

For acne-prone skin, oil-free formulas like Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer and CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skincare Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturizer are the ones to go for.

Sunscreen to help with clear skin

Sunscreen is part of a broader sun protection strategy. No one wants to do all the work of preventing acne breakouts only to see dark spots develop because of sun damage.¹⁸ And the solutions go beyond skin care products — staying out of the sun and wearing a hat or other protective clothing¹⁹ can help keep skin fresh and healthy.

For sunscreen, Dr. Gohara recommends Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Serum. “Visible signs of aging and skin cancer come from unprotected daily exposure to UV light,” she says.²⁰ “Use of sunscreen daily is imperative for clear skin.”

Serums to help with clear skin

Serums, particularly those with vitamin C,²¹ are a good addition to an acne-prone skin care routine. These products are applied sparingly on the face and deliver ingredients that can help nourish and protect skin. Some are formulated with other concentrated active ingredients, such as salicylic acid,²² that can target specific acne concerns.

Dr. Gohara likes La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum with Salicylic Acid. “This antioxidant helps to protect the skin against pollutants while evening out skin tone and minimizing fine lines,” she says.

While all these products can help keep skin clear, a balanced approach that incorporates diet and stress management will work best. It’s also a good idea to consult a dermatologist for a comprehensive treatment plan.

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.