How to Have Clean and Clear Skin

Everyone wants to have clean and clear skin, which is a sign of health and may help attract others to you. But some people may not be sure how to get that natural glow of beautiful skin. By using the right techniques and products, you can have clean, clear, and glowing skin!

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Cleansing Your Skin

  1. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 1
    1
    Wash your skin regularly. Cleanse the skin on your face and body regularly. This can get rid of excess dirt and oil that makes skin look dingy and may also clog pores and cause acne.[1]
    • Wash with a gentle cleanser that has a neutral pH.[2]
    • Use natural products if you prefer to wash your skin without chemicals. For example, honey and yogurt or milk can cleanse, soften, and exfoliate your skin.[3]
    • Cleanse with products specific to your skin type. For example, if your skin is oily, try an oil-free cleanser. If your skin is dry, a glycerine or cream-based cleanser might be best for you.[4]
    • Rinse with lukewarm water to prevent stripping your skin of oils and irritating it.[5]
  2. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 2
    2
    Stay away from overwashing. Not only is it important to keep your skin clean, but it’s also important to not overwash it. This may inflame your skin, strip its oil, and cause acne.[6]
    • Washing your face twice a day is usually enough to keep it clean and clear.[7] If you are very active or have very oily skin, you may need to wash your skin up to three times a day.[8]
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 3
    3
    Wipe away makeup. Take off any makeup or cosmetics with make-up remover before you go to bed. This can make your cleansing routine more effective by removing a layer it might otherwise need to penetrate.[9]
    • Use a cotton ball or pad to wipe off your makeup. You can also get pre-moistened makeup removal wipes designed for your specific skin type.
    • Wash your makeup applicators once a month with some soapy water. This can remove bacteria and dirt that causes acne.[10]
  4. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 4
    4
    Shower after activities. Take a shower if you sweat a lot or do intense activities. Sweating can cause excess oil production and promote bacteria growth that could cause acne.[11]
    • Use a gentle cleanser on both your face and body.[12]
    • Dry off using a soft towel. Pat your skin instead of rubbing it, which could spread any bacteria or dirt you weren’t able to wash off and irritate your skin.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Promoting Clear Skin

  1. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 5
    1
    Massage moisturizer on your skin daily. Select a skin-type specific moisturizer to apply to your skin. Using a moisturizer can help prevent breakouts.[13]
    • Choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer for oily skin.[14] Products that are labeled non-comedogenic will not clog your pores.
    • Buy a moisturizer with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if you want to banish or prevent breakouts.[15]
    • Ask your doctor or dermatologist to help you figure out your skin type so that you can get products specifically formulated for you.
    • Don't skip moisturizer even if you have oily skin. Moisturizing your skin actually helps prevent excess oil.[16]
  2. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 6
    2
    Exfoliate skin occasionally. Using an exfoliator occasionally may help remove dead skin and bacteria that cause acne. Exfoliate your skin no more than twice a week with a gentle product.[17]
    • Avoid exfoliating if you have any breakouts because the friction can make acne worse.[18]
    • Be aware that an exfoliator will only remove surface skin and not penetrate deeply enough to remove any acne.
    • Use a gentle exfoliator made with synthetic or natural beads that are a uniform shape. Avoid exfoliators with cocoa butter, cinnamon, or coconut oil, which may cause breakouts or make them worse.[19]
    • Wiping your face with a damp and soft washcloth also works as a natural exfoliator.
  3. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 7
    3
    Consider a retinol. There is some evidence that using a gentle retinol gel or serum can help prevent breakouts and reduce fine lines.[20] Ask your doctor or dermatologist to recommend a gentle and effective retinol product for your skin.[21]
    • Follow up any retinol use with a moisturizer so that you skin stays hydrated and is stimulated to produce collagen.[22]
    • Retinols work by peeling away the top layer of your skin to reveal healthier, fresher skin underneath.[23]
  4. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 8
    4
    Treat excess oil production. Consider using a topical product to treat breakouts and excess oil production. There are a wide range of products that can remove and regulate oil on your skin as well as prevent breakouts.[24]
    • Apply an over the counter salicylic acid cream. Your doctor can prescribe or suggest one that may help clear your skin.[25]
    • Soak up excess oil with blotting papers applied to oily areas of your skin.
    • Read package directions or follow your doctor’s directions to minimize the risk of irritating your skin.
  5. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 9
    5
    Apply allergy- and acne-tested products. Consider using products formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and breakouts. The can help keep your skin clean, clear, and glowing.[26]
    • Look for products marked “non-comedogenic.” These have been tested specifically for acne-prone skin and won’t make current breakouts worse or cause new ones.[27]
    • Look for products marked “hypoallergenic.” These have been tested specifically for sensitive skin and will not inflame your skin or cause breakouts.
    • Buy non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic products including makeup, sunscreens, moisturizers, and cleansers.
  6. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 10
    6
    Keep your fingers away from your skin. Avoid any temptation to touch or pick at your skin. This can spread oil and bacteria and cause breakouts.[28]
    • Picking or popping acne may cause irritation that leads to more breakouts.[29]
    • Be careful when resting hands on your face or chin. This may also spread dirt and bacteria that causes breakouts.[30]
  7. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 11
    7
    Allow your skin to breathe. Tight clothing or garments like hats can inflame your skin and cause breakouts by holding in heat and moisture. Wearing loose-fitting items to prevent breakouts.[31]
    • Consider wearing sweat or moisture wicking garments for sports or other vigorous activities. These may help keep sweat away from your skin and minimize the risk of breakouts.
    • Wear natural fabrics like cotton so that they don’t irritate your skin and lead to breakouts.
    • Wash clothing and articles like pillowcases that have contact with your skin. A mild detergent can remove dirt, oil, and bacteria that clog and irritate skin.[32]
  8. Image titled Have Clean and Clear Skin Step 12
    8
    Maintain a healthy diet. There is increasing evidence that diet and acne are connected.[33] Avoiding unhealthy and junk foods may help prevent breakouts and keep your skin clear.[34]
    • Diets high in fat, dairy, and sugar may cause acne.[35] Try and not eat too many fried foods or sweets.
    • Foods high in vitamin C, including fruits and vegetables such as raspberries and carrots, may increase cell turnover for healthier skin.[36]
    • Food high in essential fatty acids, such as walnuts or olive oil, may help skin cells stay hydrated.[37]
    • Unhealthy foods also take the place of foods you could be eating that provide the necessary vitamins and antioxidants to promote healthy skin.
    • Part of any well-balanced diet is proper hydration. Aim to drink 8 cups of water every day to keep your body healthy, which may help your skin stay healthy.[38]
    9. Advertisement

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    What clears skin fast?
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Try using clay masks! They can purify your skin and help get rid of excess oil.
  • Question
    What's the best way to keep your skin looking beautiful over time?
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Consistency is key. Getting in for regular skincare treatments is so important. Your daily routine is just as important. Making sure you have a routine that supports your body’s natural skin balance is essential to delaying the aging process. Keeping a healthy balance of oils and good bacteria keeps your skin looking healthy longer.
  • Question
    How do I stop my face from being so oily?
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    The first thing I recommend is looking at your diet. Diets rich in fats and oils typically show up first on the skin in the form of an oily, often pimple-ridden complexion. After diet, I recommend a good cleansing routine. Clearing out the pores allows them to more fruitfully rid the skin of oils and keeps them free of blockages. A gentle foaming cleanser is always a great choice for sensitive, oily skin. After that, if there are still problems with excess oil, toners can work wonders to reduce oil on the surface of the skin. And, lastly, I’d recommend a mild, natural moisturizer.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Get Beautiful, Glowing Skin
How to
Get Beautiful, Glowing Skin
Get Clear, Smooth Skin
How to
Get Clear, Smooth Skin
Have Clear Skin Naturally
How to
Have Clear Skin Naturally
How to
Have Flawless Skin in a Week
Clean Your Ear PiercingBest Ways to Clean an Ear Piercing (and How to Deal with an Infection)
Use Cleansing Milk
How to
Use Cleansing Milk
Remove Tar From Skin
How to
Remove Tar From Skin
Use Cleansing Foam
How to
Use Cleansing Foam
How to
Make Natural Face Cleansers
Clean a New Ear Piercing
How to
Clean a New Ear Piercing
Use a Cleansing Balm
How to
Use a Cleansing Balm
Clean Your Skin
How to
Clean Your Skin
Make a Lemon Face Cleanser
How to
Make a Lemon Face Cleanser
Clean Your Elbows
How to
Clean Your Elbows
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/symptoms/con-20020580
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/symptoms/con-20020580
  3. ↑ http://www.rd.com/health/beauty/natural-face-cleansers/
  4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  7. ↑ Alicia Ramos. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.
  8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  10. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  11. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  12. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  13. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
  14. ↑ Alicia Ramos. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.
  15. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  16. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  17. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  18. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  19. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  20. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  21. ↑ http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/acne.html#a_What_Can_I_Do_About_Acne_
  22. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  23. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  24. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/growing-evidence-suggests-possible-link-between-diet-and-acne
  25. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/growing-evidence-suggests-possible-link-between-diet-and-acne
  26. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/growing-evidence-suggests-possible-link-between-diet-and-acne
  27. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/beauty-from-the-inside-out-improving-your-diet-or-taking-supplements-may-lead-to-younger-looking-skin
  28. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/beauty-from-the-inside-out-improving-your-diet-or-taking-supplements-may-lead-to-younger-looking-skin
  29. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/tailored-acne-treatments-help-women-address-adult-acne-with-the-added-benefit-of-improving-aging-skin

About This Article

Alicia Ramos
Medically reviewed by:
Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
This article was medically reviewed by Alicia Ramos. Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients. This article has been viewed 269,441 times.
3 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 46
Updated: December 16, 2021
Views: 269,441
Categories: Cleaning Skin
Article SummaryX

Having clean and clear skin will make you look healthy, and you can achieve it by regularly following a few simple steps. Wash your face and body with a mild cleanser every day to remove dirt and prevent pores from getting clogged. Use lukewarm water to rinse your skin, since water that’s too hot can irritate it. Avoid touching your face throughout the day as much as possible, since touching may spread bacteria that will create spots or blemishes. Remove makeup or any cosmetic products before you go to bed, since they can cause breakouts if they're left on overnight. Apply a moisturizer that's suited to your skin type after you wash your face to keep it hydrated. You should also exfoliate your skin no more than twice a week with a mild exfoliator, which will remove dead skin cells without damaging your top layer of skin. For tips from our Beauty co-author on how to treat allergies or acne, read on!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement