15 Dermatologist-Approved Tips to Get Clear Skin — And Keep it That Way
Achieving clear skin can be a challenging objective. And with so much advice out there, it’s a challenge to know what works and what’s just hype. Lucky for us, dermatologists have weighed in—and their research-based recommendations can guide you on your journey toward skin that glows with health. Below, we’ve rounded up 15 dermatologist-approved tips with actual impact.
Understand Your Skin Type
Step one before getting into skincare products and routines is to figure out your skin type. Learn Your Official Skin Type Whether you have oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal skin, knowing exactly what you’re working with will help you decipher what products and treatments to go for. Dermatologists advise considering how your skin behaves; oily skin may have more shine than desired, and someone with dry skin may experience tightness or flakiness.
Keep Your Skin Clean
The first step to clear skin is establishing a consistent, non-abrasive cleansing regimen. Dermatologists recommend cleansing twice daily with an appropriate cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Seek sulfate-free formulas suited to your skin type—foaming cleansers work great for oily skin types, but creamy cleansers can help nourish drier skin while keeping it hydrated.
Moisturize Daily
One of the most important factors that bolsters a healthy skin barrier is hydration. It makes sense to balance your skin using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. “Moisturizers help to keep the skin from becoming dry and irritated, and they will often serve as a base for other active ingredients.” Select a formula appropriate for your skin type to seal in moisture and promote overall skin health.
Wear Sunscreen Religiously
One of the leading contributors to premature aging and skin damage is exposure to the sun. Dermatologists all agree on one point: daily sunscreen is nonnegotiable. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours when spending long periods outside. Keep in mind, even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can reach and harm your skin.
So you should do it, just gently and gradually.
Exfoliation can help get rid of dead skin cells and can also promote cell turnover to brighten the complexion. But over-exfoliating can compromise your skin barrier. Dermatologists suggest applying a gentle chemical exfoliant (like AHAs or BHAs) once or twice a week. Exfoliation should always be followed with moisturizer and sunscreen.
Be Careful Not to Overapply Skincare Products
The goal may be to blitz your skin with it all at once in the hopes of a fast fix, but bombarding your skin with too many actives will lead to irritation and breakouts. Keep a simple routine—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and one or two targeted treatments—and add new products gradually and mindfully so you can gauge your skin’s reactions.
Add Active Ingredients
Ingredients with research-backed benefits for the skin, including retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, or peptides. Retinoids, for instance, increase cell turnover and diminish fine lines, and vitamin C can brighten the skin and fight free radicals. We always recommend starting with lower concentrations to let your skin build tolerance and consulting your dermatologist to find what works best for your concerns.
Follow a Balanced Diet
What you put in your body can have a substantial effect on the health of your skin. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats gives your skin the nutrients it needs to heal and renew. Some dermatologists recommend avoiding influential high-glycemic foods, too, as they may lead to inflammation and help trigger breakouts.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water throughout the day keeps the skin hydrated from within. Adequate hydration aids in overall skin function, supports the detoxification process, and can make your skin look plumper and more radiant.
Get Enough Sleep
Good sleep is important for the repair and renewal of the skin. And while you sleep, your body is working to repair damage from environmental stressors, so it’s a time of vital skin recovery. Try for 7-9 hours per night as your skin — and your total body — benefits from the reset.
Manage Stress Effectively
Stress also causes hormonal changes that can manifest as breakouts and other skin conditions. Add stress-management techniques like meditation, exercise, or pleasurable hobbies as possible. A more relaxed mind not only helps your general health but also shows in the appearance of your skin.”
Avoid Touching Your Face
We are always surrounded by bacteria and pollutants with our hands. These irritants then make their way to your skin if you touch your face, which may lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Think about this habit and wash your hands often to reduce your risk.
Select Non-Comedogenic Makeup And Skin Care Products
When shopping for makeup and skin care, seek out labels that read “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” These products do not clog pores, making them less likely to cause breakouts. Equally important in keeping skin clear is removing makeup at the end of the day.
Keep Fabrics Clean
Things that often touch your face—like pillowcases, towels, and makeup brushes—can harbor bacteria and traces of oil. Regularly washing these articles of clothing can diminish the occurrence of skin irritation and breakouts. Maybe switch out your pillowcase every few nights or wash makeup tools weekly?
See a Dermatologist for Ongoing Problems
If you’ve pursued product and routine after product and routine without results, it may be time to go for professional advice. A dermatologist will evaluate your skin, diagnose any underlying issues, and suggest treatments or medications based on your specific condition. This means that small problems become larger ones, and in most cases, early assistance will prevent it.
In Conclusion
It’s also the road everyone must walk to accomplish glowing skin—one that is gated, quite literally, by education, which means learning about your skin type and a regimen that’s supported by science. With these 15 dermatologist-approved tips—from daily cleansing and moisturizing to sun protection and stress management—you can make strides toward a healthier, more radiant complexion.
Remember, consistency is key. It can take time for your skin to adapt and for results to come in, so be patient and give your routine a chance to be effective. Armed with these dermatologist-approved tips, you’re well on your way to getting the clear, glowing skin you’ve always wanted.
