Moisture, Cleansing, Acne, Skin Science, How To

6 Tips on How to Get Clear Skin

by Neutrogena
March 7, 2023

Clear skin is what we really want in life, right? Yes! We know breakouts can be frustrating no matter if you have mild, moderate or severe acne. With the right products, regimen and lifestyle, you’ll be much closer to achieving the skin you’ve always wanted and being able to break the breakout cycle™. Read on for our six tips on how to get clearer skin.

Fight Back with an Active Acne Ingredient

One of the key ways to effectively fight back against acne and help prevent future breakouts from popping up is to use cleansing products that contain an active acne-fighting ingredient. You can also find active ingredients in your moisturizer or all-over treatment depending on your skincare regimen. Salicylic Acid is one such ingredient that’s proven to get rid of pimples. It helps increase exfoliation and loosen clogged pores. On the other hand, Benzoyl Peroxide works hard to kill acne-causing bacteria and is an ideal option if you have stubborn acne that just won't quit.

A Good Facial Cleanser is Key

Dirt, oil, dead skin cells and makeup can clog up pores leading to unwanted acne. A recommended way to remove that stuff is to cleanse your skin two times a day — once in the morning and once before you go to sleep. Easy peasy, right? The reality is, some people forget to wash their face. We know, we can't believe it either. Since acne-prone skin can easily get irritated, we recommend dispensing a small amount of product on to your fingertips and gently massaging it over skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel.


Don't Pop Pimples

We know it's tempting to pop those pimples. But don't! You’ve probably heard this from your mom, dermatologist and esthetician, and now you’re hearing it again from us. Consider this: Below the surface of your skin, that pimple is already swollen and under a lot of pressure. When you pop a pimple, you can actually force bacteria, oil and dead skin cells deeper into the follicle, which can cause the follicle wall to burst. When this happens, your skin becomes more inflamed, which means the pimple could look even more red and painful. Not only that, but popping pimples can cause acne scarring.


Make Sure Skin is Moisturized

Dry skin, oily skin, combo skin. Every skin type needs a healthy dose of moisturizer every day. Moisturizer helps keep your skin moisturized leaving it feeling soft and smooth. If you have oily skin, an oil-free moisturizer helps ensure your skin doesn't pick-up extra shine. Moisturizer should follow cleansing in your skincare routine, and a pea-sized amount goes a long way.

Work it Out

Did you know stress can make acne worse? Exercising is a great way to help relieve stress and is the key to a healthy skin and body routine. Commit to working out 15 minutes each day as a start and build from there. Just remember to wash your face after working out to get rid of excess sweat and oil that can build up on your skin. If you wear makeup, use a gentle makeup remover before your workout. And if you have body or back acne, be sure to wear breathable fabrics and shower after your workout.

Moisture, Cleansing

Beauty begins with healthy skin, so we're bringing you skin science and how-to guides to help you achieve your best skin ever.

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