14 Clear Skin Tips for your Best Complexion Yet
Fear not. There’s a lot you can do before admitting defeat and reaching for your reliable concealer. There are certain clear skin tips and tricks that work to improve your complexion gradually over time. So, while we can’t promise a blemish-free morning, every morning – our experts have shared their tried and tested tips to working towards a flawless looking face!
Keep those hands off any blemishes
Viral pimple popping videos may be oddly addictive, but if you’re after clear skin, we’d recommend fighting the urge to squeeze. In fact, it’s best to keep your hands away from any pimples and your face altogether. Even though squeezing a pimple may feel incredibly satisfying in the moment, it can actually make things much worse. The oil, bacteria and debris in your blemish may spread to other areas and worsen your breakout and delay healing not to mention the bacteria you could be introducing from your fingers. It pays to remember that a professional pimple popper (formally known as a dermatologist) is trained to avoid the damage you may cause your complexion.
Even when you’ve resisted the urge to squeeze, every touch can transfer bacteria onto your skin, so keep your hands off your face as much as you can. If you have developed a bit of a popping habit over time, you also increase the risk of post-breakout scarring. So that’s one more reason to keep your hands off those blemishes!
Always cleanse AM & PM
This is probably the most important step to getting clearer skin and keeping it. We all know that daily cleansing is essential to removing dirt and grime. However, we’d be lying if we said we never, ever forgot to cleanse at night as well as in the morning. Sometimes it happens, but to really ensure your clearest complexion you need to follow your skin routine habitually, cleansing twice per day (especially after wearing makeup or breaking a sweat). No matter rain or shine—or a hectic schedule—there’s no excuse not to wash your face with a mild facial cleanser at both the AM and PM. (Although it does happen, and your skin will forgive you if you get back on the metaphorical horse come morning).Use a mild facial cleanser to remove dirt and makeup from your skin without over-drying or stripping natural nutrients.
You can also keep makeup removing wipes or micellar water in your gym bag to refresh your face on the go.
Be gentle with your skin
When it comes to achieving clearer skin, exfoliation can do wonders to even up your skin tone and unclog pores. After all, the idea of dead skin cells hanging around on your face doesn’t sound too pleasant. Forget the myth that exfoliation is only for some skin types – everyone can benefit from regular exfoliation.
The correct way to do it though is not to overdo it. Exfoliation is best carried out once, twice or three times per week. It’s really all about finding out what works for your skin. Check in with how your skin reacts and you’ll be good to glow. As for what to use, we recommend a gentle chemical exfoliant like our Revitalift Laser X3 Glycolic Pads, which are enriched with glycolic acid to gently remove dead skin cells.
Remember to be kind to your skin and to use your powerful skincare steps in moderation. For all the benefits cleansing and exfoliating can provide your skin, too much can do the opposite.
Cleansing or exfoliating your skin too frequently can actually aggravate acne-prone skin and make the condition worse. Instead of vigorously washing your face and exfoliating, apply all your skin care products with a gentle touch. Move your fingertips in small, circular motions while applying light, even pressure. Always rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
Hydration is your friend
After exfoliation, when your skin is feeling fresh and soft, it’s a good idea to follow up with a nourishing facial moisturiser. After all, not giving your skin proper hydration can lead to dry, dull skin that can begin to flake, which is not what you want when you’re looking for an even, glowing complexion. Also, be sure to keep your skin’s hydration balance in check with rich moisturising night creams and nourishing day creams.
For a deep moisturising sensation packed with ingredients to promote hydration, opt for the Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Revolumising Day Cream. The Hyaluronic Acid re-plumps the skin, reducing visible lines and ensures the skin has balanced hydration.
Our skin is most permeable at night. Reach for an extra-rich night cream like the Filler Hyaluronic Acid Replumping Night Cream. Infused with galangal, this cream nourishes the deep layers of skin, whilst also strengthening skin density.
Hydration doesn’t end at moisturiser. Focusing on anti-ageing products early on can have great benefits, and the skin under our eyes requires special attention to slow down ageing. By pairing your day and night creams with a hydrating eye cream like the Filler Hyaluronic Acid Replumping Eye Cream, you’ll be covering all bases.
Try to keep stress at bay
We know it's much easier said than done but keeping your stress levels in check can significantly help the state of your skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, periods of high stress can make your skin more sensitive and also trigger breakouts and other skin problems. For your mental and physical wellbeing, make time for self-care. Try a relaxing hot bath or pamper yourself with a face mask, and vow to get enough sleep and make time for the little activities you enjoy.
Keep an eye out for non-comedogenic products
You may have seen the word ‘non-comedogenic’ printed on beauty products but might not realise exactly what it means. Let’s get you up to speed. If a product is non-comedogenic, it means that using it won’t clog pores. If you’re trying to prevent breakouts or manage a current skin flare-up, it’s a good idea to look for skin and makeup products that are non-comedogenic when curating your routine.
Choose ingredients that’ll do the work for you
When it comes to acne products, there are certain ingredients you’ll want to look out for, including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. Pick one of these ingredients to try, then commit to it and give it time to work. If your acne is still being stubborn after four weeks, make an appointment with a dermatologist to determine the best plan of action. As for what not to do, don’t introduce your complexion to every acne-fighting ingredient out there—you don’t want to overwhelm or aggravate your skin. If you’re diving into the world of active skincare, ensure you research your product and know what will and won't work together. And remember, be patient with your skin, some results you won’t see instantly.
Always go to bed with a fresh face
We cannot stress this point enough, always wash your makeup off before your head hits the pillow! When your makeup sits on your skin overnight, it can mix with dirt and oils on the surface of your skin, clogging your pores and increasing the chance of a bumpy complexion. Make sure you’re completely removing all of your makeup by cleansing before you get your beauty sleep. Then follow with a night cream to wake feeling refreshed. As mentioned earlier, we love the Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Replumping Night Cream, which is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate.
Wash your makeup brushes regularly
When you’re looking for the answers for how to get clearer skin, one of the easiest things you can do is ensure that you’re regularly cleaning your makeup brushes and any tools (like your applicator sponge). When they touch your face, makeup brushes collect dirt, oil, and other impurities that can wreak havoc on your skin when applied over and over again. You wouldn’t dry your face with a dirty towel so why put your blush on with a dirty brush? It’s recommended to clean your makeup brushes and tools every week to protect them and your skin from any excess dirt or bacteria.
Remember to slip, slop, slap that sunscreen on
If you’re not usually that conscientious about getting your SPF on everyday, consider this your sign to change your habits. Spending prolonged periods of time in the sun without proper protection can cause damage to your skin and lead to visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles. To protect your skin, add a broad-spectrum sunscreen or a moisturiser with SPF to your skin routine every single day, rain or shine. The Revitalift Classic Day Cream SPF 15 offers the best of both worlds: sun protection and an anti-ageing moisturiser all in one. But remember it’s not enough to just get that SPF on either. Limit your time in the sun and seek shade while covering up with a hat and proper clothing.
Clear up your skin from within
There is no denying that a solid skin care routine is the key to clear skin. However, research supports the idea that what you eat also plays a part in how your skin looks. According to the Better Health Victoria, increasing your water intake can help boost your skin’s hydration levels. Additionally, the NIH states that Vitamin C provides anti-aging benefits to the skin. So why not adopt a clear skin diet with nutrient-rich foods such as grapefruits and oranges, broccoli, strawberries, rock melon, and tomatoes. Keep up your fruit and veggie intake and your skin will thank you.
Seek out a dermatologist
If your skin doesn’t look or feel its best, one of the most beneficial things you can do is visit a professional. While taking care of your skin at home is still key, your dermatologist will be able to help you determine exactly what your skin needs.
And that’s a wrap on our best clear skin tips! Of course, your personal treatment plan will depend on a number of factors, whether it be genetics, lifestyle factors, clogged pores, or a combination of these things. However, perfecting your skin routine is the first step to achieving the clear skin of your dreams.