At times it can be challenging to understand what exactly your skin needs to remain healthy and nourished. Many beauty routines are hyped by social media influencers and cosmetic companies to promote their products, hence there is a mammoth of information bombarding the internet, and a lack of clarity about what exactly would be suitable for your skin. With this being said, for most of us, the ultimate quest to get clear skin still remains.
What Is Clear Skin?
Having clear skin means having a naturally radiant and even skin complexion that is free from scars and blemishes. Moreover, clear skin is also free from acne and pimples.
Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s indeed very difficult to have clear skin all the time. In fact, it helps to embrace those tiny scars and spots that appear on your skin from time to time. Aspiring for perfectly smooth, radiant, and clear skin might make you obsess over it negatively.
It also helps to remember that while some people are naturally gifted with clear skin, others might need to put in that extra work. Various factors like exposure to dirt and pollution, genetic factors, lifestyle and diet, and your cosmetic products' quality determine your overall skin complexion. One or more of these factors could be the reason you struggle to maintain clear skin.
One thing that remains in our hands is the ability to take good care of our skin. We can see our skin becoming clearer when we start following a healthy skincare regime.
The following are some of the tips based on recommendations from the top dermatologists and from research and studies conducted on ‘How to get clear skin’.
- 1. Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser
Do you know that our face is exposed to bacteria, dust, pollutants throughout the day? Washing your face helps by preventing these elements from harming your skin. Moreover, if you frequently face breakouts or have oily skin, you must stick to the routine of washing your face in the morning and evening.
A study was conducted, focused majorly on face washing. In the study, the participants were instructed to wash their faces once, twice, or four times daily for six weeks. By the end of the study, it was reported that the participants who washed their face twice daily experienced a significant reduction in the acne lesions than those who washed their face once a day.
While washing your face, it is best to use a cleanser that is mild and doesn’t contain an excess of ingredients or chemicals and is fragrance-free. When it comes to cleansers, it is best to keep it simple, as another study revealed no extra benefit of using cleansers with too many ingredients. We strongly recommend using natural face cleansers.
Our recommendation -
We recommend using our award-winning Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser, made from Pure Essential of Kannauj Roses. Each Kannauj Rose is handpicked by our experts and steam-distilled for an unmatched level of purity. It is a gentle cleanser that deeply hydrates and keeps the skin soft and smooth. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used twice a day.
Read - 8 Best All Natural Face Wash and Soaps For Your Skin
- 2. Moisturize Daily
Now, you might be wondering, what role does moisturization play in helping you achieve clear skin? Well, moisturizing is an essential step in maintaining suppleness and providing the necessary nourishment to the skin’s healthy cells. This secures your skin from dryness, irritation, and resultant breakouts. When your skin is dehydrated it tries to compensate for the dryness by producing more oil. And then what happens next? Breakouts.
Similar to cleansers, it is not at all necessary to purchase moisturizers that are loaded with ingredients. Look out for non-comedogenic moisturizers so that your pores remain unclogged. Those who have oily skin should opt for moisturizers labeled as ‘lightweight’ so that you don’t feel that heavy, greasy texture on your skin. It is also suggested to switch to heavier moisturizers during winters since the air's coldness and dryness leave the skin tight and dried out.
Our recommendation -
We recommend Eladi Hydrating Ayurvedic Face Cream to enhance your skin texture through daily moisturization. This formula is prescribed in the ancient Ayurvedic text of Ashtanga Hrudayam as the ideal skin treatment. It contains natural ingredients like Costus and Cardamom processed in pure Coconut Milk and Sesame Oil. Together, they work on your skin to reveal a hydrated, nourished, and clear complexion.
Read - Which is the best face cream for women?
- 3. Use sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t to be applied just during summers. Your skin needs protection every day, including winters and even those times when you are indoors. Does your face become extra oily on the application of sunscreen? Then, opt for one that reduces the oiliness so that your face remains matte and free of pimples.
Ensure that your sunscreen has a good amount of SPF (at least 20+) and is lightweight. Prefer the ones with a PA++ rating, as they protect you from both UVA and UVB rays while also guarding your skin against sunburns and wrinkles.
Our recommendation -
We recommend our natural-origin Natural Sun Protection to protect your skin against the harmful rays of the sun. It is made using natural-origin, UV protection minerals such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Dioxide that reflect the sun rays from exposed skin. Its natural Glycerine and Olive Oil condition skin without making it greasy.
Read - Which Sunscreen Lotion Is The Best For You?
- 4. Use a toner, but not just any toner
Toners help to eradicate the final traces of dirt and grime that remain in your pores, even after cleansing your face. It also tightens the skin and prevents premature aging. Hence, a toner is important. However, did you know that toners with a high level of alcohol could strip the moisture from your skin and make it extremely dry? This could even worsen acne issues. Hence, you should opt for natural toners that are free from alcohol.
Our recommendation -
We recommend Kama Ayurveda’s range of natural floral distillations of Rose, Lavender, Vetiver & Mogra that act as wonderful natural skin toners. They keep the skin fresh, hydrated, and lightly fragranced. These toners help in the removal of oil and debris from the surface of skin’s cells while repairing and smoothening the skin’s surface.
Read - How To Use Toner - The Complete Guide To Skin Toners
- 5. Exfoliate
When achieving clear skin is your target, exfoliation is a must. The very realization of having dead skin cells on your face isn’t a pleasant thought. While many assume that exfoliation is restricted to certain skin types only, the same isn’t true. Every skin type benefits from exfoliation! However, using the right products and not overdoing exfoliation is the key. While some skin types can daily handle exfoliation, others need to do it just once or twice a week. So, pay heed to what your skin needs, and you’ll be good to go!
Our recommendation -We recommend Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub for gentle regular exfoliation. Unlike the chemical scrubs with plastic microbeads, this herbal face scrub is made with natural substances that give an exfoliating effect to the skin. This ultimate complexion polisher has the finest Kashmir Saffron and finely ground Sweet Almonds that lift away pollutants and impurities for a glowing complexion.
Read - Which natural scrub is best suited for your skin?
- 6. Relax and get plenty of sleep
Lack of proper sleep could also be the reason behind unclear skin. Did you know insufficient sleep could cause your skin to break out often? Based on a study performed in 2015, 65 percent of the participants who affirmed to have acne also reported being tired most of the time. The theory states that reduced sleep could cause the body to release compounds that cause inflammation. These compounds end up causing the skin to break out or worsen acne concerns. So, make it a point to get at least six to eight hours of sleep every day to support the skin to remain healthy.
- 7. Go Easy On The Sugar
Even though there aren’t many studies conducted to establish the connection between your skin and the diet you consume, some studies prove that food items higher on the glycemic index could be linked with acne and breakouts. To reduce the food with a high glycemic index begin to lessen your intake of processed carbs, which include white bread and even baked goods. Turn down the cravings for sugary sodas and sweets. Instead, kindle a fondness towards fruits, vegetables, and healthy sources of protein. Last but not least, cut down on the consumption of alcohol.
- 8. Maintain hygiene
Several factors come into play towards maintaining good hygiene for a clear face. Firstly, change the pillow covers regularly. While sleeping, the dirt, bacteria sweat present on the skin gets transferred to the pillowcase. Just cleansing and following the skincare routine isn’t sufficient to prevent acne breakouts. Using fresh pillow covers regularly is also important to avoid dirt from accumulating on your skin.
Next, remember to clean your makeup brushes frequently. Do you know makeup brushes carry dirt and debris that could block your pores? Hence, gently wash your brushes every other day! Lastly, make it a point to clean your phone. Since your cell screen is prone to picking up lots of bacteria, this could very easily be transferred onto your face while having a phone conversation. Wiping your phone with an antibacterial wipe multiple times could destroy these germs.
- 9. Don't pop those pimples
No matter how much you are tempted to pick up at a zit, you have to resist it for the sake of your skin. Popping a pimple or zit ends up exposing the pore to bacteria that could even be present on your hands. This could cause an infection and leave a scar on your face which would be the last thing you wish to have on your quest to achieve clear skin. If your pimple hurts, book an appointment with your dermatologist. They could suggest specialized treatments to heal the pimple while minimizing the risk of infection.
- 10. Stay hydrated and eat a healthful diet
The most common health tip shared by numerous dermatologists is to keep your body hydrated at all times. It not only supports the healthy functioning of your body but also flushes out the toxins that could harm your skin. With that being said, there is no substitute for water, every cell in our body requires water. Drinking water aids in keeping the skin cells healthy. Also, what diet you consume reflects on your skin. Remember to have a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet so that it benefits the body as a whole. Diet rich in plant food and lean protein would provide the nourishment that your skin requires.
- 11. Minimize stress
Did you know there is a connection noted between stress and acne by researchers? Hence, if you are facing stressful times, pick up an activity that could help you de-stress and hit the goal of acquiring the perfect skin you desire! One of the activities that you could rely on for maintaining the health of your body and your skin could be exercising for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity level. Practicing meditation and breathing exercises could help you to calm your mind and lower stress levels. You could even maintain a journal or write it out to de-clutter your mind.
- 12. Use non-comedogenic products
You may often come across the word non-comedogenic written on beauty products. However, not everyone is aware of what it means. Comedogenic products are those which could block your pores and worsen your skin concerns. Did you know pores are also called comedones? So if a product is stated to be non-comedogenic, what it means is that the ingredients present in that product would not clog your pores. Hence, when you are to manage your acne breakouts and acne flare-up, it is essential to opt for non-comedogenic products only.
- 13. Use clay masks
Clay is an excellent way to keep oil away from oily and acne-prone skin. It can clear the impurities and absorb excess oil present on your face. If you use natural clay masks, they never leave your skin feeling dry or irritated. You could apply a clay face mask once a week.
Our recommendation -
We recommend our Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack, a 100% natural, skin-illuminating clay mask with purifying, antibacterial Haldi (Turmeric) and soothing, anti-aging Chandan(Sandalwood). Regular use helps clarify and smoothen skin texture, as acne and blemishes are reduced in intensity and frequency.
So, these were the simple tips that you could implement in your skincare routine to get clear skin. Remember to consult with your dermatologist before making significant changes in your skincare regimen and especially if your skin is highly sensitive. You can also book a free virtual consultation with our Ayurvedic beauty experts.