Sometimes, getting clear skin is easier said than done. And, of course, those who are blessed with blemish-free skin simply don’t understand. They’ll freak out over one tiny zit, while the rest of us are sitting here rolling our eyes as we re-apply concealer.
The truth is, skin can be finicky. And while we all have different skin types, there are still some tried-and-true tricks that are proven to work for a variety of types. If you’re wondering how to get clear skin, give these skincare routines a go to see what works for you.
How to Get Clear Skin
1. Clean your makeup brushes
Dirty particles stay on your makeup brushes each time you don’t wash them, which increases your chance of clogging your pores when you apply makeup. One of the best makeup tips out there is to make sure you wash your brushes periodically. In this article, LA-based dermatologist Jessica Wu says, “You should wash loose powder brushes every two to three weeks, and those used to apply foundation once a week.” Cleansers are usually just a few dollars per bottle, and you can always get new brushes if yours have reached their life spans.
2. Treat early but don’t overdo it
As soon as you see a little pimple popping up, use a spot treatment to catch it early. The trick here is to make sure you don’t overdo it and dry out your skin. Drying out your skin will prompt it to overproduce oils, hurting your progress in the long run.
3. Wash your face systematically
We’ve all been there: you come home from the bar and really don’t feel like washing off your makeup. However, you need to force yourself to do it. Establishing a cleansing routine is paramount to getting–and keeping–clear skin. Zoe Draelos, professor of dermatology at Duke University, says leaving your makeup on traps free radicals against your skin.
4. Use retinol
Don’t shy away from this stuff because you have nightmares of regimens past. When used correctly, retinol can greatly improve the appearance of your skin, removing blemishes and increasing collagen production which works to keep you looking youthful. Score. Check this retinol guide to see what’s best for you.
5. Exfoliate
It’s recommended to exfoliate every once in a while to ensure you’re getting deeper into those pores of yours. Just don’t scrub too hard–you’ll damage your delicate skin. Many women also swear by clay masks at least once a week to draw out impurities, get rid of blemishes, and keep skin smooth.
Using the above tricks will definitely help you clear up your skin, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what your skin can handle. If you are using a regimen that your face isn’t responding well to, don’t force it. Listen to what your body is telling you and try something else until you find a harmony that works for you.
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