10 Ways To Get Clearer Skin
1. Wash Your Face Before Bed.
Cleansing your face washes away the sweat, grime and makeup that can clog pores while you rest. If you're feeling extra lazy, apply a layer of exfoliating cleanser to your face before you brush your teeth. When you finish brushing and flossing, add water to the cleanser with your hands to lather the cleanser and then rinse your face. Your flash mask just did all the work for you!
2. Remember to rinse with warm, not hot water.
Hot water dries out the skin. Cold water doesn't open the pores, hindering you from getting the dirt out of them. Rinsing with warm water is a happy medium, allowing you to get a deep clean without being too harsh.
3. Rewash your face in the morning.
Unless you sleep with your hair in a bonnet and don't sweat at night, a good wash in the morning is necessary. You wouldn't skip a shower after a workout if you feel the need to wash your hair the next day, you should probably wash your face too. The products in your hair have transferred to your pillows and are now sitting on your skin. Do a quick wash 30 to 45 seconds and don't forget to tone.
4. Tackle your t-zone with toner.
Besides getting rid of any residue or cleanser, toner helps keep oil and shine at bay. Look for salicylic acid in the ingredient list if you are breakout prone.
5. Exfoliate in the shower.
We're busy people and we like multitasking. The steam from the shower will open the pores so that manual exfoliators can get out the dirt, and chemical exfoliators like salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin for more effective results.
6. Unclog pores with clay.
Acne blemishes occur when oil, dead skin cells and dirt clog pores. Clay can help draw out oil, impurities and bacteria for a clearer complexion. A clay face mask usually takes less than 10 minutes and can be used up to 3 times a week.
7. Make sure your mask has sulfur in it.
Clay and sulfur are best buds. Sulfur is naturally anti-bacterial and has some of the same properties as clay. It helps clarify the skin by drawing out impurities and excess oil. Teamwork makes the dream work!
8. Say no to Benzoyl Peroxide.
We know. We know. You've seen all the Proactiv commercials and all the YouTube videos. We aren't saying that it doesn't work to improve the look of acne, but do you want redness and irritation as a side-effect to clear skin when there are other ingredients that deliver the same or even better results without the irritation? Plus, the stuff stains your clothes and sheets! Look for acne-fighting ingredients such as hydroxy acids, retinol and tea tree oil to curb breakouts.
9. Moisturize.
It's a misconception that oily skin doesn't need a good moisturizer. Your skin can overproduce sebum in efforts to moisturize and lubricate the skin. Oil-free moisturizers and moisturizers for acne-prone skin can help balance oil production and keep skin hydrated and clear.
10. Use an oil-free SPF daily.
Oil-free sunscreens offer the protection you need from sun damage and early signs of aging without the oil that can aggravate your skin and cause breakouts.