11 Skin Care Tips and Products to Help You Achieve Clear Skin

Getting clear skin is one of the ultimate skin goals that everyone has tried to achieve at least once in their lives. It’s a skin care aesthetic that encourages a blemish-free complexion that may (at times) seem impossible to reach. Even if you diligently follow a proper skin care routine, including the use of a good facial cleanser, regularly exfoliating and applying a quality face moisturizer, pimples, fine lines and dark spots may still find their way onto your skin. It’s the reality of having skin.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get clear skin. There are certain tips and tricks you can keep up your sleeve to help your complexion the next time you’re fighting a blemish battle. While we can’t tell you how to get clear skin fast, we can share our best tips for getting clearer skin over time. Below, discover 11 skin care tips for clear skin and bad skin care habits you should avoid in order to work towards your best complexion yet.

What Is Clear Skin?

Clear skin usually equates to a blemish-free complexion without pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. However, it can also mean skin that’s free of fine lines, deep-set wrinkles and dark spots. All of these things are completely normal and aren’t necessarily bad (unless they bring you some form of physical pain like cystic acne is known for). If your goal is clear skin you should consider focusing on healthy skin first, rather than the aesthetic of glass-like skin. We’re all on board for clear skin goals, but keep in mind it may take time to see results. 

7 Skin Care Tips to Achieve Clear Skin

Your skin care routine and the products you use are key to getting clear skin. If you keep wondering how to get clear skin but you don’t even wash your face, this is a good place to start. Below, discover seven skin care products and tips to achieve clear skin.

1. Cleanse Twice A Day

This is one of the cardinal rules of skin care (along with some of the others in this list) that everyone should follow no matter the desired skin results. Let’s be honest; we’ve all had long days where we’ve gone to bed without washing our faces properly. Sometimes it happens, but to really ensure your clearest complexion possible, you should cleanse your face twice per day to remove impurities like oil, dirt and makeup that may clog your pores. 

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) concurs with the twice-a-day skin-washing rule and recommends using a gentle face cleanser to keep your face looking healthy. Use a creamy facial cleanser such as the L’Oréal Paris Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser which is formulated to remove impurities and makeup while gently exfoliating skin for a smoother, brighter and more radiant complexion. Toss makeup removing wipes or micellar water in your gym bag so you can easily swipe away sweat after your next workout, too. Try the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean All Skin Types Makeup Removing Towelettes.

2. Eliminate Dead Skin Cells With An Exfoliant 

When it comes to achieving clear skin, exfoliation should be at the top of your list. The idea of dead skin cells on your face is not too pleasing, after all. While it’s easy to think that exfoliation is only for specific skin types, the truth is, every skin type can benefit from it. And the only way to do so is to use the right products without overdoing it. Some skin types can handle daily exfoliation, while others can only handle it once a week. Listen to your skin, and you’ll be good to go.

As for what to use, you can opt for a physical exfoliant in the form of a face scrub infused with sugar granules, coffee or jojoba beads that provide a grit to buff away dead skin cells. Or, reach for a chemical exfoliant formulated with ingredients like glycolic acid which has been proven as an effective way to resurface skin texture for a clearer complexion. 

Add the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner to your routine for a more even skin texture and brighter complexion thanks to the infused glycolic acid. If you prefer minimal skin care steps, use the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser which combines tip number one and two for a streamlined cleansing and exfoliation session. This cleanser is gentle enough for twice-daily use to cleanse the face of impurities while the infused glycolic acid and salicylic acid refine skin texture and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. 

3. Target Skin Concerns With Serums

From dark spots to wrinkles to pimples, the skin is home to many “imperfections” that can mess with your goal of clear skin. While these imperfections are very normal, we know it’s not always the look you want, especially if you want a blemish-free complexion. To target these skin concerns use a concentrated serum with powerful skin-loving ingredients. 

Choose from one or all of the following serums to add to your routine for clear skin. However, keep in mind that you won’t want to layer active ingredients (salicylic acid, vitamin C and retinol) at the same time. Instead, use a vitamin C serum during the day (followed by a broad-spectrum SPF) and a retinol serum at night. 

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum

Use this serum if you’re dealing with dark marks like sun spots from too much time lounging in the sun, or post-acne marks from picking at pimples when you weren’t supposed to. Niacinamide, along with amino sulfonic acid and ferulic acid — two exfoliating ingredients — make up this dark spot serum that helps brighten skin complexion and fade the appearance of dark marks, promoting clear skin. After 12 weeks of daily use skin will look more luminous and dark spots will be minimized for the appearance of a clear complexion. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum

For those dealing with dull-looking skin and enlarged pores that seem like they’re taking up your entire face, add this serum to your clear skin routine. The formulation of salicylic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E work together to reduce fine lines, brighten the skin and even skin tone for a radiant complexion. Also, the appearance of pores is minimized with this lightweight, non-greasy serum that works for all skin types. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol

During your nighttime routine, apply two to three drops of this pure retinol serum to your dry, clean skin. Introduce this serum every other night before increasing frequency as the skin adjusts to it. After 12 weeks of consistency, the appearance of wrinkles is reduced and the skin is refined for smoother, clearer skin. This retinol is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic acid is one of those skin care ingredients that everyone can benefit from and makes achieving clear skin possible thanks to its hydrating abilities. Clear skin is sometimes disturbed by wrinkles and fine lines that come from dehydrated skin. Use this serum to combat dryness and firm skin for a plumper, more glowing appearance. 

4. Keep Skin Moisturized

All skin needs to be moisturized in order to minimize dry, flaky patches that can lead to blotchy-looking skin. You should always use a moisturizer, no matter how oily your skin is, to keep your complexion hydrated and strong to combat blemishes. Choose from one of the below facial moisturizers that’ll keep skin nourished for a clearer complexion.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Micro Hyaluronic acid + Ceramides line-plumping water cream

Fine lines like crow's feet, under-eye bags and lines near the mouth are minimized with this ultra-hydrating water-based moisturizer. Formulated to glide seamlessly onto skin without clogging pores, this water cream is ideal for all skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin that’ll appreciate a lightweight formula. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Moisturizer with Retinol + Niacinamide

For those who want to add retinol to their routine but are worried about irritation, opt for this moisturizer that combines the powerful ingredient (a form of vitamin A that has antioxidant properties) with niacinamide to soothe skin. You can always use the L’Oréal Paris Pure Retinol serum previously mentioned, but we know skin layering can be time-consuming. To streamline that process apply this moisturizer after cleansing skin to reduce wrinkles, even skin texture and brighten your complexion, for clear-looking skin. 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Midnight Cream, Antioxidants

If your goal is to reduce the appearance of signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin, reach for this face cream that repairs the skin barrier. This midnight cream wraps skin in lightweight moisture and antioxidants that recover dull skin without clogging pores. Despite the name, this moisturizer can be used during the day and night for a powerful face cream that provides 24 hours of hydration.

5. Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen

If you haven’t been diligent about sun protection, consider this your sign to start. Spending prolonged periods of time in the sun sans proper protection can damage your skin and lead to visible signs of aging showing up down the road, and more dangerously, cancer. To protect your skin, add a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your routine. 

Try the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, which offers lightweight sun protection that also makes a great base for any makeup. You won’t have to worry about any greasy residue with the invisible texture that’s also infused with vitamin C and vitamin E to protect against free radicals that lead to signs of aging. 

Keep in mind that you should always take additional sun protection measures as well, per the AAD. limit your time in the sun (especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which are peak hours), seek shade and cover up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

6. Use Non-Comedogenic Products

You may have seen the word non-comedogenic printed on beauty products, but you might not realize what it means. Pores are called comedones, and if a product is non-comedogenic, it means that using it won’t clog your pores. When you’re trying to prevent breakouts or manage a current acne flare-up, it’s a no-brainer to use both skin and makeup products that are non-comedogenic and won’t clog your pores even further. 

7. Visit A Dermatologist

If your skin doesn’t look how you’d like it to, one of the best 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 what to do. You may even need a prescription to clear up your skin, but you’ll never know unless you talk to a professional.

4 Bad Skin Care Habits to Avoid If You Want Clear Skin

In addition to a nourishing and blemish-fighting skin care routine, there are other skin care actions that affect clear skin. Below, discover four bad habits you’ll want to avoid.  

1. Don’t Pick At Your Face

Pimple-popping videos may offer you a source of satisfying ASMR, but if your goal is clearer skin you should avoid picking at any blemish on your face. The difference between the people in those pimple-popping videos is (usually) the expert behind the camera who carefully extracts the gunk and bacteria in your blemish. Trying to extract on your own could make things worse, according to the AAD since every touch or poke can transfer more bacteria onto your skin. 

If you’ve developed a bit of a popping habit, unfortunately, you could also end up with acne scars. If that does happen it doesn’t mean that all hope of clear skin isn’t lost, you can always use the previously mentioned Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum to help you fade those post-acne scars. 

2. Be Gentle When Touching Your Face

Try not to aggressively rub or scrub at your face as this may aggravate acne and make it worse. It’s a good rule of thumb to be kind to your skin (and yourself) and be mindful when applying your skin care or touching your face in general. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your face to stop the spread of bacteria. Gently apply your skin care products with your fingertips using circular motions and be sure to rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry (not rub) with a clean towel. 

3. Always Remove Your Makeup At Night

In addition to washing your face, moisturizing and wearing sunscreen, the other cardinal rule of skin care is removing your makeup properly at the end of the day. You’re already cleansing away impurities based on the tips above, but lingering eyeshadow, lipstick and eyeliner could be coated on your skin. When your makeup sits overnight it can mix with dirt and oils on the surface of your skin, which can cause blemishes to pop up and skin to appear dull. Make sure you’re completely removing your makeup before you go to sleep and use a combination of makeup remover and face cleanser to get rid of any residue. 

4. Keep Your Makeup Brushes Clean

On the subject of makeup, you’ll want to keep your makeup tools clean as well. Per the AAD, makeup brushes collect dirt, oil and other impurities that can wreak havoc on your skin. Dermatologists recommend cleaning your makeup brushes and tools every seven to ten days to protect your skin. Think about it this way, you wouldn’t want to use a bacteria-filled makeup brush on your clean face. It’s best to keep brushes clean for the health of your skin, and better makeup application.

With this advice in mind, go forth and update your skin care routine with one filled with clear skin ingredients like the ones mentioned above. And don’t forget to think about your habits involving your skin, as these may be the culprits responsible for blemishes. 

Next: 3 Reasons You Should Be Using Niacinamide for Skin

Photo Credit: Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris