Do These 7 Things If You Want To Clear Up Your Skin

For the longest time, I didn’t know anything about skincare. Until I was 18, I used a face wash that my mom was also using. When my acne didn’t clear up, I got into an unhealthy routine of trying so many different face washes and acne spot-treatment products. My skin was unhappy and honestly, I was too.

My college-freshman self was so insecure and so frustrated with my skin, so I finally went to a dermatologist. With the face wash she recommended, my skin cleared up so fast.

Now, at age 22, I’ve learned what works best for my skin type. I know that my dry skin needs to moisturize a lot more than a person with oily skin has to. The same acne spot treatment that everyone else is obsessing over doesn’t work for me.

If you want to clear up your skin, this is what you need to do.

1. Figure out what works for you.

Whether if you want to go to a dermatologist or just want to explore a handful of skincare products, you have to take the time to figure out what works for you. What’s your skin type? What are you doing to make it feel fresh and clean?

If you are able to go to a dermatologist (or if you want to!), they’ll be able to analyze your face and figure out what you should be using. If you prefer experimenting, that’s totally okay, just commit to it.

You have to give some time to this process and figure out what your skin likes and dislikes.

2. Wash your face at the end of the day, no matter what.

If you wear makeup (make sure you take it all off with wipes, coconut oil, or a makeup remover oil), wash your face.

If you don’t wear makeup, wash your face. There is so much in the air that can get on your face (oil, dirt) and the last thing you want is for that to get trapped in your skin.

3. Face masks!

There are so many different kinds of face masks that are specific to each skin type and specific to what areas you want to work on. If you have dry skin, there’s face masks that will help moisturize you. If you want to brighten your skin and look more awake, there’s face masks for that too.

Not only are face masks good for your skin, and a good thing to do in a self-care routine, but they’re fun!

4. Exercise! Seriously.

However you want to do it, however it makes you happy. Do at-home workouts, take a yoga class, or maybe go to the gym. Just do whatever you need to do to get your body moving, if you can.

Remember this: sweat can open your pores and exercising can reduce stress, which limits acne. Think about your skin and what it needs. Working out can help it.

5. Watch what you’re eating.

If you have intolerances or allergies to certain foods, avoid it like the plague. Seriously.

I’ve lived with a severe stomach disorder for a little over a decade. I finally figured out what foods hurt me (gluten, dairy, bananas, and avocados) and how my body reacts when I do eat them. It’s weird, but your gut and your acne go hand-in-hand. Watch what you’re eating! Do better for yourself.

6. Drink water.

Yep. Seriously.

7. Be aware of products you wouldn’t expect to help your skin.

There’s a number of at-home products that are good for a DIY skin care routine: aloe vera gel, coconut oil, tea tree oil, toothpaste, apple cider vinegar, argon oil.

I had hoped that my skin would clear up as I got older, but nope. I had to start caring a lot about my skin to see results. I focused on what parts of my face needed some love and I did something about it.