How to help get clear skin: Tips to help achieve 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, as well as protection from harmful external factors. Healthy eating can also help keep skin healthy.

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

In this article:

What factors may lead to clear skin?

Let’s face it, everyone’s complexion is different. But there are a number of factors that are completely within a person’s control. Here are some of the main determinants of clear skin:

Genetics

Dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, 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, people can make lifestyle — or in this case, skin care — choices that help things along,” she says.

Nutrition and hormones

Acne is a major barrier to clear skin. Acne happens when pores become clogged. The type of acne a person may get depends on what clogged the pores. Three factors that may lead to breakouts are thought to be diet, emotional stress and fluctuating hormones.

As far as diet is concerned, the culprits are pretty well known. Cow’s milk, including whole, low-fat and skim options, as well as high-glycemic foods like white bread and potato chips, have all been linked to acne breakouts. Meeting with a dermatologist can help a person learn about foods that might be triggers.

The influence of hormones, however, is tougher to control. Women often experience fluctuating hormones around their menstrual cycles, and this can lead to breakouts. Certain hormones can also increase the size of the skin's oil glands, making more oil, which can clog pores. (For the purposes of this article, “women” refers to biological sex.)

Stress

The same hormones that prepare someone for a stressful situation may also impact their skin, notes Dr. Zeichner. In other words, stress may lead to acne. Research shows that stress and the hormones it produces (androgens) stimulate oil glands and hair follicles, which may impact acne flare-ups.

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,” says Dr. Gohara.

What kinds of products may help with clear skin?

To help keep skin clear, Dr. Gohara recommends using skin care products that include cleansers, moisturizers, spot treatments, sunscreens and others.

Cleansers

People should do research before choosing a cleanser or face wash. A cleanser specifically formulated for acne-prone skin may help keep skin clear. An effective acne cleanser might have salicylic acid, which can help reduce swelling and redness, and unblock skin pores, or benzoyl peroxide, which helps combat acne-causing bacteria.

When used regularly — morning and evening — a cleanser can help remove dirt and excess sebum (a natural, oily substance) from the skin’s surface. This can help prevent pore blockages. It can also provide a clean foundation for other acne products, such as topical medications or spot treatments.

An example of cleansers for clear skin includes Neutrogena oil-free acne wash cream cleanser, which is medicated to help prevent breakouts and helps remove oil.

Exfoliants

The top layer of dead skin cells can clog pores and contribute to acne formation. There are two main types of exfoliants: mechanical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants.

Mechanical exfoliants, including brushes, loofahs and scrubs, work by physically removing those cells to reveal fresh skin underneath. Chemical exfoliants use chemicals like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic acid; or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), including salicylic acid, to dissolve dead skin cells.

Chemical exfoliants may help with some types of acne. They may also help to even out skin texture and discoloration. (Be careful, however, to avoid over-exfoliating.)

A physical exfoliant to consider is Cetaphil extra-gentle facial scrub, which is a cleansing scrub that buffs away dry and dull skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. A chemical exfoliant that’s suited for all skin types is CeraVe skin-renewing glycolic nightly exfoliating treatment, which features a 5 percent AHA blend of glycolic acid and lactic acid for exfoliation.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a class of vitamin A-based products that have been used in acne treatment for many years. They are a good option for people with fine lines and wrinkles, mild acne, or pigmentation.

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. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use retinoids. Anyone with skin allergies, dryness or darker skin should consult a dermatologist before beginning a retinoid.

Spot treatments

A spot treatment is a great option for targeted therapy. “If someone has red, angry pimples, they could 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.”

Dr. Gohara notes that Neutrogena On-the-Spot treatment is a good choice.

Moisturizers

Some acne products can lead to dryness or skin irritation, which means that incorporating a moisturizer into a skin care routine may be in order. Moisturizers can help combat dryness. It’s best to look for one that is oil-free and non-comedogenic so it doesn’t clog pores and make breakouts worse.

For acne-prone skin, oil-free formulas like Cetaphil daily oil-free moisturizer are good choices.

Sunscreen

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. Sun protection goes beyond skin care products: staying out of the sun and wearing a hat or other protective clothing 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. “Use of sunscreen daily is imperative for clear skin.”

Serums

Serums, particularly those with vitamin C, can be a good addition a person’s skin care routine. Vitamin C serums and creams have been shown to help reduce the appearance of skin aging and dark spots.

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.