First off, there is no magic bullet to attaining 100% clearer skin. If there were – and I knew what it was – I wouldn’t be writing this post. I’d be sitting on a catamaran off the coast of Key West because I just made a boatload of money.
I still struggle with breakouts. And to some degree I always may because I have very sensitive skin.
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However, if you could have seen my skin in college versus now you would very impressed. Because by using the below techniques I have dramatically reduced my breakouts and have more good skin days than bad. Who knows, you may be one of the lucky ones that only need to make a few of these changes to achieve flawless skin.
Ready to give them a go?
10 Ways to Get Clearer Skin That You Might Not Be Trying
1. Simplify your skincare routine.
Did you know many breakouts could have been avoided simply by being kinder and gentler to your skin? And yet, we keep scrubbing, wiping, scraping, and exfoliating in hopes of finding a magic concoction. Instead, try a simple face wash [like this one homemade Rose & Almond one, natural toner (like Apple Cider Vinegar or Witch Hazel) and natural moisturizer like grapeseed oil.
Grape seed oil is non-comedogenic, which is just a long word meaning it won’t clog your pores. It is also packed with beta-carotene, and vitamins D, C, and E to help heal your skin. Unfortunately, people are still jumping on the coconut oil train to clear their skin but coconut oil is not non-comedogenic, therefore it WILL clog your pores if you have sensitive skin. We’ve all been deceived. But that’s okay because now we have grapeseed oil which will not let us down. Spread the word.
2. Reduce or stop eating dairy.
That’s milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and even butter. I haven’t cut out dairy completely yet because I love it and it’s a good source of calcium. However, years ago I switched to lactose-free milk which greatly cleared up my skin. Now, I am trying my best to avoid all dairy milk because of the hormones. I can’t give up my cheese though. Do not make me give up my cheese. I guess I will have to suffer from the occasional break-out for this sin.
3. Drink Less Coffee and More Water
Ouch, this one may be very painful for some of you. But coffee is the enemy of our skin. It dries out our skin from the inside out. And yes, you’re probably sick of hearing you need to drink more water, but it’s for good reason. Water flushes out your skin, revealing a clearer face.
4. Clean your phone and other electronics that touch your face.
I don’t even want to think about all the gross things (bacteria, germs, you name it) flying around in the air that land on my hands, and then on my phone. Because that yuck can wreak some serious havoc on your skin. Wipe it down weekly or daily with a little rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball.
And while you’re at it, stop touching your face. We unknowingly touch bacteria and germs throughout our day, and then also transmit them to our face when we touch it. Try to be aware of this bad habit, and make sure to wash your hands frequently too.
5. Lose the hairspray.
A couple of weeks ago I tried a new hairspray, and yet for a few days couldn’t figure out why I had broken out. This may sound extreme, but when I realized it was the hairspray I went ahead and threw it out. Did you ever have bangs when you were younger, hairspray the heck out of them and also have frequent breakouts on your forehead? Yup, same concept. If you absolutely need hair products, try out some more natural ones that won’t irritate your skin.
6. Stop eating or greatly reduce your sugar intake. This right here is not only my biggest weakness but unfortunately, the biggest culprit of my breakouts. Whenever I eat too much sugar my stomach hates me, but also my skin. I have a weak spot for chocolate and peanut butter but always regret it the next day.
Seriously sugar is awful for our skin and although I would never suggest cutting it completely out, I would recommend reducing your intake if you prefer to have clearer skin. Try making this healthy green juice instead – which also clears skin because of all the goodness inside!
7. Use an ice facial.
Yes – this is awesome! Whenever you start to feel a breakout coming on, just hold an ice cube on it for up to 20 seconds and you can seriously kiss it goodbye. It’s like magic.
8. Make a DIY Turmeric Mask.
This is my newest favorite DIY beauty product. I use it once a week and as I say in the post, my skin is amazing the next day.
9. Try Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera is MY Magic Bullet for clear skin. Gel or juice is fine but make sure to buy organic. I buy Lily of the Desert but sure there are other brands. Just make sure the one you get is food grade if you plan on drinking it!!
After I wash my face at night I just rub this all over with a cotton ball, go to bed, and seriously wake up with clearer skin. Plus, it dries quickly and isn’t sticky. It’s probably one of my best-kept secrets.
10. Eat more lemons!
Yes, this is an odd one, but I noticed that when I eat more lemons, my skin clears up. If that’s too much for you to handle, squeeze the lemon juice into water and drink up on a daily basis. On that note, eat more fruits and veggies overall, too. Fruit and vegetables are the foundation of beautiful skin.
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thanks for the tips, with the heat we can all use a bit of skin care
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
I can attest to these tips.
It’s always good to go natural.
Thanks!
Great advice!
I’ve never had an acne breakout since I changed my diet to mostly organic and unprocessed foods (no caffeine). I found out I had candida overgrowth, and did a candida diet/sugar control diet. THIS changed everything! It’s like everything went back to “balance” mode after that…as if my body found its plumbline. Back to center.
Overuse of antibiotics also affects Candida albicans in your body.
Anyway, hope that helps someone!
Great advice, too! I’m really trying to cut down on sugar even more because of the affects it has on me over all too, not just my skin. And organic/unprocessed is a great way to go. 🙂
Love these awesome tips! Right now I am trying by best not to drink milk and coffee:( It is so sad that yummy things like coffee make your face break out… Pinning!
I was surprised last year when I discovered #4. I couldn’t figure out why I was breaking out so much on my cheek. Then I realized: I had been talking on the phone a lot more than normal. (visiting from A Little R and R Wednesdays)
Yah it’s unknown but so simple.
These are actually tips I might try! However, there is a face cream from a doctor that I swear by, used it as a teenage until my insurance changed. Wish I could remember the name of it so I could tell people but I’d have to ask my mom LOL
Oh yah if you remember come back and share!
I love this post! I totally agree with keepin’ it simple! I will try some of these suggestions.
Michelle – I hope they work! I know at least some of them will. 🙂
These are some interesting tips! I have heard of rubbing your blackheads with lemons, but not eating them the help hit skin. Guess I could have put two and two together… I also agree with a simple skin care routine with less chemicals. I use a mix of coconut oil, frankincense, lavender, and purification essential oils as my moisturizer. It takes a while to soak in, but my skin loves it! My redness has reduced and so have my age lines! I also use Rose Water as a toner, and have loved the results it provides as well!
Erin,
I love your natural moisturizer! I actually make a similar one, but since my skin breaks out when I use coconut oil I replace it with shea butter. And I love anything rose!
Great suggestions! I notice that I get acne in the same places whenever it decides to pop up and I’ve read that at least one of the places (my forehead above my nose) is due to dairy. It’s so amazing how what we put into our bodies really makes a huge difference.
Sugar does that for me. I notice any week I have more desserts my skin looks decidedly worse. Really unfortunate! haha
Great reminder to be gentle to our faces! Also…eat more lemons?! (I’ve heard they’re good for other parts of your body) 🙂 I’ll have to try that for my skin 🙂
Nicole – it is a strange but effective tip! haha.
Can you use an aloe vera plant for that same thing?? I’d love to put mine to good use!
Emmy Coletti
You sure can!!
I definitely need to work on taking better care of my skin! Do you use any face masks? I have tried a few but haven’t found one I love and want to do again! Interesting about the dairy – I don’t think I could cut all those out! I love cheese too much!
I do use masks. Right now I am loving Ahava Dead Sea Mud mask and Korean sheet masks!
I want to try an ice facial! Drinking water is my #1 thing that’s helped clear my skin. That and cleaning my phone and other things like my pillowcase regularly. 🙂
Love these tips! Have you ever tried or heard of Oil Cleansing? That’s what I’ve started doing and my skin has NEVER been better!
I have and I didn’t do it right so had a bad experience. I want to try it again doing it correctly this time!
Never heard of an ice mask! I’m going to have to try those out. These are all fantastic ideas. I’ve just recently started sanitizing my phone and it’s helped!
Oh I’m going to try the aloe overnight. And who doesn’t love lemons. I’m going to put it in everything I drink now.
And they will boost your immunity too!
Cutting out dairy definitely helps. I went vegan 9 months ago and my skin has cleared up drastically!
xoxo. Christina
http://www.xoxochristina.com
OH yes, I cut out milk cold turkey and it was a dramatic change in my skin.
I LOVE that you post DIY skin care recipes–this is definitely a favorite topic of mine. Do you have an anti-aging facial serum that you like (using essential oils)?
Jamie – yes! This DIY face lotion fights wrinkles for sure! https://prettysimpleideas.com/2016/11/diy-face-lotion-sensitive-skin/
Girl, these are amazing tips. Super helpful! I’m gonna try the aloe vera. Also the apple cider vinegar. I’ve been drinking the apple cider vinegar but didn’t know about making a wash. I’m gonna save these to help me remember them.
Great tips! I am all about witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, or tea tree face wipes! They really help when I feel something coming in.
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
Very helpful! I actually hadn’t heard many of these tips before. I need to start drinking more water and eliminating caffeine!
Shane – we all do. haha!
Sugar is just no good for our bodies… I love the reminder to clean your cell phones! We forget how dirty our phones can be. Eek!
Chelsea – http://www.binkiesandbaubles.com
I know. Gross.
I have terrible skin, mostly right on my cheeks-which I hate! No matter how thick my makeup they’re all bumpy. I know Water is my biggest issue, but man… I’m kind of failing at so many of these. I need to get dedicated to cleaning my face up.
Angie – the good news is once you start trying these you should see a chance pretty quickly!
These are ideas I’ve never thought to try. I am going to look into them! Thanks for sharing!