How To Get Clear Skin: 12 Tips for a Clearer Complexion

Whether you have acne-prone skin or only deal with the occasional blemish, figuring out how to get clear skin is likely one of your top beauty goals. Social media is flooded with advice and claims from influencers sharing their best tips for clear skin. Their skin wins may be helpful and inspiring to hear, but that doesn’t mean their tips will work for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to skincare.

The ideal approach involves following a skincare routine tailored to your skin type, using the right products, and adopting healthy habits. Regardless of what you do, sometimes breakouts are unavoidable. While we can’t tell you how to cure acne or score a flawless complexion overnight, we can share advice on how to have clearer skin in the long run. Keep reading to learn how you can achieve your best complexion yet.

What Is Clear Skin?

When people refer to clear skin, they typically mean a blemish-free complexion without pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. It can also refer to skin with an even tone, a smooth texture, few fine lines or deep wrinkles, no dark spots, and invisible pores. Of course, it’s important to remember that nobody’s skin is flawless: all skin has some texture, and that’s completely normal. However, adopting the right skincare routine and habits can help support clearer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin, both in the short term and in the long term.

12 Tips for Clear Skin

Your skincare routine, the products you use, and your daily habits can all influence your skin’s appearance. So if you’re wondering how to have clear skin, keep reading—we’re sharing 12 of our top tips below.

1. Remove your makeup at night

According to the Mayo Clinic, blemishes (such as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples) form when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin. Though plenty of makeup is formulated to be non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), not all of it is. So, if clear skin is your goal, start by removing your makeup each night before hitting the sheets.

2. Cleanse your face morning and night

After removing your makeup, it’s a good idea to wash your face a second time with a dedicated facial cleanser. This helps remove any lingering debris and preps your skin for your nighttime skincare routine. But even if you hit the pillow with clean skin, sweat and oil may build up while you’re getting that beauty sleep. That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends cleansing your face twice daily: once in the morning and once at night (you may also opt to wash your face after a sweaty workout). Look for a gentle face wash, such as the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser, which contains vitamin C and helps brighten the skin.

If you’re on the go, toss cleansing facial wipes or micellar water in your bag so you can easily swipe away sweat after a workout or steamy commute.

3. Wash your makeup brushes regularly

Your face isn’t the only place that needs cleaning—show your makeup brushes and sponges some love, as well. Think about it: if you use your brushes daily, dirt and oil from your skin can transfer to the bristles. According to the AAD, this residue is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria that cause breakouts—the enemy of clear skin. Experts recommend washing your makeup brushes every seven to 10 days with warm water and a gentle shampoo. It’s also important to let your brushes dry completely before storing them in your makeup bag. For a complete guide to cleaning your brushes, check out our article How To Clean Makeup Brushes, Sponges, and Other Beauty Tools.

4. Opt for gentle exfoliation

Exfoliating consistently can help remove dead skin cells, giving the skin a brighter, smoother, and overall clearer appearance. But it’s important to use the right exfoliation method for your skin—an overzealous approach could leave you with red, irritated skin, especially if you’re prone to sensitivity. For gentle exfoliation, we recommend using a product containing an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) such as glycolic or lactic acid. These ingredients help slough away dead skin cells without leaving your skin feeling raw or stripped.

For gentle yet effective daily exfoliation, try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum. The fragrance-free formula helps resurface the skin, leaving it brighter, smoother, and more even-looking over time. You can use it nightly, but if you’re new to exfoliation, we recommend starting slow. Aim for two to three times per week to start and gradually increase your usage depending on how your skin responds. 

Chemical peels can also be an excellent option for those seeking clear skin. Though you can opt for an in-office peel, it’s not necessary—at-home options provide similar benefits for a fraction of the cost. We’re huge fans of the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel, which contains a balanced combination of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs in its formula. The at-home peel leaves your skin brighter, softer, and smoother after just one use. With continued applications, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your skin texture and tone. Keep in mind that this isn’t a daily product—we suggest using it four times a week, at night, for the best results.

5. Target skin concerns with serums

Acne, dark spots, and dullness are all common skin concerns that can stand in the way between you and the clear skin you’re dreaming of. While these concerns are normal and nothing to be ashamed of, adding a targeted serum to your routine can help promote clearer-looking skin.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing a serum, we’re sharing some of our favorites below. You can use multiple serums; however, be mindful of layering active ingredients (such as AHAs and retinol) at the same time. If you’re not sure how and when to cocktail products, consult with your dermatologist.

For dark spots

Target dark spots (such as sun spots or post-acne marks) with the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum. This dermatologist-validated serum gently exfoliates skin surface cells and helps fade the appearance of dark spots and discolorations. The non-greasy formula is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily for fresher, clearer-looking skin with continued use.

For large pores

Those tackling enlarged pores and dull-looking skin can try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum. The lightweight formula with salicylic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E helps minimize the appearance of pores, reduce fine lines, and even skin tone—paving the way to youthful-looking, clear skin.

For fine lines and wrinkles

Retinol has many benefits, one of which is that it helps promote clear skin. If you want to try the potent ingredient, consider adding the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol serum to your evening skincare routine. The anti-aging serum helps smooth, refine, and visibly brighten the skin, all without the drying effects that retinol can sometimes have. If you’re new to retinol, we suggest introducing this serum into your routine every other night. Once your skin acclimates, you can move up to nightly usage.

For dryness and dehydration

Clear skin can sometimes be disrupted by wrinkles and fine lines caused by dehydration. To help hydrate your skin and promote a glowing appearance, pick up the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. You can use it alone for intense hydration or layer it under your other serums for an added boost of moisture.

6. Keep your skin moisturized

If oiliness and acne are your concerns, it may seem like a good idea to skip the moisturizer and let your skin dry out a bit. However, this may have the opposite effect. According to the AAD, dehydrated skin may produce more oil to compensate, and this overproduction of oil can result in clogged pores and blemishes.

Instead, seek out a non-greasy moisturizer for hydration without any unnecessary weight. We love the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream for day and the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Pressed Night Moisturizer with Retinol + Niacinamide for night. Both formulas are lightweight, fragrance-free, and suitable for all skin types.

7. Wear sunscreen every day

Spending prolonged periods in the sun without proper protection can damage your skin and lead to visible signs of aging down the road. To protect your skin, add a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your daily routine or switch to a moisturizer with SPF, such as the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30. The non-greasy formula delivers up to 48 hours of hydration and helps shield the skin from damaging UV rays that can contribute to lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Keep in mind, however, that sunscreen—be it a traditional formula or an SPF moisturizer—shouldn’t be your only form of sun protection. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends avoiding direct sunlight at midday, seeking shade whenever possible, and wearing protective clothing (like wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses) when spending time outdoors.

8. Avoid picking your skin

Most of these clear skin tips focus on what you should do, but it’s also important to know what to avoid. And one of the most common habits that can interfere with clear skin is picking at your blemishes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, popping your pimples (or trying to) can transfer bacteria from your hands and nails into your skin. This can irritate the skin, worsen the appearance of your breakouts, or even lead to scarring. Instead, we suggest stocking up on clear skin products like acne spot treatments or pimple patches and using them as needed to address stubborn spots.

9. Use non-comedogenic products

Ask any dermatologist, “Why do I have acne?” and they’ll likely tell you your skin type, genetics, and lifestyle are all to blame. Ask them what you should do about it, and they’ll likely advise you to start by switching to non-comedogenic products. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the label “non-comedogenic” means that a product is unlikely to clog your pores or contribute to breakouts. Choosing non-comedogenic skincare is crucial, but you’ll also want to pay attention to the makeup you use—richer or oilier formulas can exacerbate skin concerns like blackheads and whiteheads. Try swapping your heavy foundation for a lightweight, non-comedogenic option, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, which offers buildable coverage and is suitable for all skin types. For concealer, we’re partial to the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, which you can use to camouflage existing dark spots and blemishes.

10. Get plenty of rest

Sleeping isn’t just great for your mind—it’s important for healthy-looking skin, too. When you sleep, your skin works to repair damage from stressors it comes into contact with throughout the day. Skimping on the Zs can interfere with this important process, leaving you with a dull or lackluster appearance. Not sleeping enough can affect the hormones that are related to acne (and not in a positive way, according to this study).

The Mayo Clinic recommends aiming for about seven hours of sleep per night. To ensure you get the best rest possible, try to avoid screens a few hours before bed and keep your bedroom dark and cool (around 68 degrees). We also love white noise sound machines and a silk eyemask for a dreamier environment.

11. Change your sheets weekly

Speaking of sleeping, you’ll want to make it a point to change your sheets—or at the very least, your pillowcases—every week. Hair products, such as oils, serums, and leave-in conditioners, can build up on your pillowcase over time. If your face rubs against the pillow, these oily substances can contribute to a type of breakout known as acne cosmetica (literally: acne caused by cosmetics). Washing your pillowcases once a week can help prevent product buildup from interfering with your clear skin goals.

12. Visit a dermatologist

As we mentioned earlier, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “How do you get clear skin?” So if you’ve implemented these clear skin tips and still aren’t seeing the results you want, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can help get to the root of your skincare woes and work with you to develop a plan that suits your unique needs.

Next Up: How To Achieve a More Even Skin Tone: 5 Tips

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris