12 Habits Of Women With Always Clear Skin

We all have our own cross to bear when it comes to our skin, but the secret to an overall healthy complexion lies in diligently keeping up a certain clarifying routine. Whether you’re battling full-blown hormonal acne or occasional breakouts, adopting good habits will get you closer to achieving a flawless canvas.

In the beauty industry, more and more skincare companies flood the market, along with tag lines saying that their product can do wonders for all skin types. However, the reality is that people should develop habits that cater to their skin’s specific needs. Remember that your skin is unique, and some of these tips may work for you, others might not. However, in general, here are the research-based practices you can follow to achieve a bright, healthy complexion.

Wash your face twice a day

If you’re prone to breakouts or have oily skin, don’t skimp on washing your face as part of your morning and evening skincare routine.

In a study that focused specifically on face washing, participants were asked to wash their face one, two, or four times a day for a six-week period.

At the end of the study, there was a significant improvement in the acne lesions of those who washed their face twice a day. The participants who only washed their face once a day had the greatest increase in pimples.

Apply a moisturizer

How does a moisturizer helps keep your skin clear? Well, if your skin is excessively dry, it may try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil. The result? Breakouts.

Like cleansers, moisturizers don’t have to be expensive or filled with fancy ingredients. More importantly, look for a moisturizer that’s non-comedogenic. This means it won’t clog your pores.

If you have oily skin, moisturizers labeled “lightweight” may be best to prevent a heavy, greasy feeling.

Some people find they have to switch to heavier moisturizers during the winter months when cold, dry air can leave skin feeling tight and dried out.

Always wash your face before bed

I don't care how tired you are, you are NOT allowed to sleep in your makeup. Trust me, your future, pimple-free self will thank you. Wash your face for 30 to 45 seconds every night with a nickel-size amount of face wash. (That's how long it takes to clear all the dirt and oil off your face.)

Don't skip your morning wash

Hairstyling products get absorbed by your pillowcase then transfer to your skin — if it's not cleared away in the am, it'll clog your pores all day long. For your before-school wash, try something brightening that'll help wake up your skin. If you have a hard time getting up in the morning, a cooling face wash can help you really look alive.

Use a mild cleanser

The aisles at most drugstores are packed with all sorts of facial cleansers. Trying to figure out which one is right for you can be overwhelming.

When it comes to choosing the “best” cleanser, fancier may not necessarily be better.

A systematic review of 14 studies found that there really isn’t much difference in skin breakouts, no matter what type of cleanser you use.

The studies included everything from cleansing bars and antibacterial soaps to cleansers that contained alpha and beta hydroxy acids.

While this may be disappointing if you’ve spent a lot of money on an expensive cleanser, the takeaway here is that keeping it simple is probably best.

A mild cleanser without a lot of ingredients and fragrances can work just as well as more expensive options.

Face Pack

People who have always clear skin, regularly use face packs as they not only tighten the skin by minimizing the pores but also cleans them.

You can either use natural face packs or purchase the appropriate one from the store.

Always Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the best protection you can use against harmful UV rays from sun exposure. Too much sun can cause issues on your skin surface, preventing it from looking super clear. You’ll be more prone to sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and more. Not to mention skin cancer, which is REALLY why I wear sunscreen every single day. Also, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen works effectively against skin aging, which is a plus!

Face Scrub

Our skin sheds millions of dead skin cells daily and it is essential to exfoliate them regularly. Thus, thus another secret to getting clear skin is regular exfoliation because if the dead skin cells are not exfoliated properly, they tend to settle inside the pores and with the invasion of bacteria, can cause acne.

Another major problem associated with dead skin cells is they contribute to whiteheads and blackheads.

Therefore, one should exfoliate his/her skin twice a week to get rid of all such cells and clean the pores completely. You can use scrubs that come in the market or prepare natural ones at home. Keep in mind to choose a scrub that is mild and according to your skin type.

Choose makeup that won’t clog your pores

A 2013 study found people who use cosmetics seem to be more likely to have skin breakouts. To ensure your makeup routine is skin-friendly, be sure to:

Use products labeled “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free.”

Always wash your hands before applying makeup or skincare products.

Always remove your makeup before going to sleep or exercising.

Wash makeup brushes and sponges on a weekly basis.

Makeup can cause its own form of acne that doctors call acne cosmetica. This condition causes small, raised bumps that usually appear on the chin, cheeks, or forehead.

Check The Ingredients in Your Hair Products

We all love a good dry shampoo, but did you know that the ingredients in your hair products can impact your skin negatively? Whatever is in your hair has the ability to get into your face and neck, especially if you’re working out or sweating from daily activities. So if there is anything that can irritate or clog your pores in your hair products, you might want to rethink them or use them less. Avoid these ingredients in hair products for clear skin: Isopropyl myristate, oils (except sunflower, safflower, and tea tree tend to be okay), sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium Laureth sulfate, and sodium chloride.

Get plenty of sleep

Not getting enough sleep may also cause your skin to break out more often. According to a 2015 study, more than 65 percent of the study’s participants who said they felt tired also had acne. The study’s authors theorized that a lack of sleep could, in some instances, cause the body to release inflammatory compounds. These compounds could cause the skin to break out or worsen acne. To stay healthy both on the inside and out, aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.

Exfoliate regularly

The trick is to remove the layers of dead skin cells and dirt that are blocking your pores — and your skin's natural glow. Products with alpha-hydroxy and lactic acids exfoliate gently to make you look radiant.

When washing, first use a mild face wash to cleanse your skin. Then, lightly massage the exfoliator onto your face. This may seem redundant, but before you exfoliate, you want a clean canvas, so that the exfoliant can focus on digging out the stubborn dirt and oil that are stuck deeper inside your pores.