How to Get a Clear Complexion

Co-authored by Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD

Last Updated: September 23, 2021 References

Do you have acne? Are you unsure of the steps to achieve a perfect complexion? It doesn't take very much time, and it will make your skin look gorgeous.

Method 1

Method 1 of 13:
Take care of your body.

1
Exercise and eat right. If your insides are healthy, then it will show on your face. Exercise helps to get rid of redness and acne by circulating the oxygen. Also when you sweat on your face, your pores are releasing the dirt and impurities inside of them. Drink a lot of water. If you're dehydrated, then it's going to show in your face. You should drink eight glasses a day. Don't skip the fruits and veggies either! What you get out of your skin depends on what you put into it^{[1]
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Research source}

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Method 2

Method 2 of 13:
Determine what your skin type is.

1
There is oily, dry, combination, and normal types of skin. If your skin's oily, then your facial glands are producing more oil. If your face is dry, then you're not producing enough oil. By determining your skin type you can find products that are specially made for you.^{[2]
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Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 13:
Wash your face every morning and night.

1
Washing your face every morning and night gets rid of the impurities that your skin holds onto. Choose a facial wash that is formulated for your skin type.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.} If you have dry skin, try a cream cleanser. If you have oily skin, try a liquid cleanser.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Try a cleanser with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids 1-2 times weekly to help remove dead skin.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}
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Method 4

Method 4 of 13:
Use a toner right after you wash your face.

1
What a toner does is it gets rid of the residue that some cleansers can leave behind, causing acne. A toner preps the skin for the moisturizer, so your skin won't break out from the moisture.

Method 5

Method 5 of 13:
Moisturize.

1
It is one of your best friends. But be aware you have to choose carefully, read on the bottles for your face type. There are many out there that are formulated specifically for your face type.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Get a moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from UV rays.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}
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Method 6

Method 6 of 13:
Use Facial masks.

1
Facial masks get rid of impurities in your pores. You should use a facial mask twice a week at the most. For people with dry skin, try a hydrating facial.

Method 7

Method 7 of 13:
Steam your face.

1
Do this once a week. Its kind of like exercising except not. Wet a hand towel with hot water. And then lay it on your face. Or you can boil some water on the oven, put your face where the steam is and put a towel around your head. This forces the impurities out of your pores.

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Method 8

Method 8 of 13:
Exfoliate.

1
You can have a facial cleanser that exfoliates your face daily. Or you can use an abrasive exfoliate, with salt, sugar, or any other types of scrubs. You can buy them at your local drugstore. This gets rid of the dead skin cells, making dull skin glow.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

Method 9

Method 9 of 13:
Get the right foundation for you.

1
The types of foundations that you put on your skin are critical. You don't want to put a two year old foundation on your face because it is most likely infested with bacteria, making your face break out. Your best bet is to buy mineral foundation, it's natural and won't clog your pores. If you don't like mineral foundation, then replace your foundation once every 6 months, to avoid bacteria causing acne.

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Method 10

Method 10 of 13:
Use a toner and moisturizer.

1
Toners are used to remove any leftover bacteria or dirt. If you have oily skin remember to use an oil free moisturizer

Method 11

Method 11 of 13:
Don't pick and pop.

1
Picking and popping your pimples can lead to serious skin damaged. They can create deep scars in your skin that are hard to get rid of.

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Method 12

Method 12 of 13:
Be patient.

1
Sooner or later your acne will go away.

Method 13

Method 13 of 13:
Go to a dermatologist.

1
The dermatologist can see your skin condition and prescribe you with the right medication.
- In office treatments for clearer skin include: chemical peels, facials, and laser treatments.^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}
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Community Q&A

Question

How can I get super glowing skin?

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Navid Malakouti is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and medical dermatology. He treats patients of all ages for conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer, botox, fillers, lasers, and chemical peel. Dr. Malakouti is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and a member of the Skin of Color Society. He holds a BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from The University of California, San Diego and an MD from The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his Dermatology residency in Washington D.C. at Howard University, VA Medical Center, Children's National Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health.

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription "cosmeceuticals" aimed at improving the skin’s appearance. Products containing retinoids, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, vitamins C and E, and iron.
Question

Does exfoliating make your skin better?

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Navid Malakouti is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and medical dermatology. He treats patients of all ages for conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer, botox, fillers, lasers, and chemical peel. Dr. Malakouti is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and a member of the Skin of Color Society. He holds a BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from The University of California, San Diego and an MD from The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his Dermatology residency in Washington D.C. at Howard University, VA Medical Center, Children's National Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health.

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

The skin will naturally exfoliate itself. However, there are products available to help with this process and make your skin clearer, like cleansers and topical retinoids.
Question

How do I remove dark spots from my face?

Community Answer

Make sure to exfoliate regularly. The gentlest and most effective way is chemical exfoliation with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids). You can get a serum or cream with a 5-10% AHA concentration and use it all over your face every night under your moisturizer. This helps remove dead skin, boost the production of new skin cells, and smooth and even out the color and texture of your face. Additionally, you can apply vitamin E oil, aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice specifically on the dark spots. But be patient; it takes a while for discoloration to fade.
Question

Can children do this?

Community Answer

Depends on their age. If you're 11 or above and are starting to get acne, you can try some of these tips. If you're younger, you most likely already have a clear complexion and don't need to worry about it. However, it's never too early to take good care of yourself or wash your face daily.
Question

What do I do if I have deep, open pores?

Community Answer

After exfoliating, or any other skin treatment, wash your face with cold water. Cold water closes pores enough to reduce irritation.
Question

Which cream is the best for making my skin fair?

Community Answer

Cocoa butter works great.
Question

How can I get rid of red spots and acne?

Community Answer

Sudocream is a good product to put on your red areas. Also, you can use products with benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter medicine commonly used to treat acne.
Question

What happens if my skin stings and burns after moisturizing?

Community Answer

Maybe you're allergic to something in the moisturizer, maybe the moisturizer contains an anti-aging or anti-acne ingredient that stings a little when you apply it (which is okay as long as it isn't terrible and goes away pretty quickly), or maybe you're applying the moisturizer too soon after another product or too soon after washing (without using a toner). Try to wait 10-20 minutes between applications of different products on your face. Likewise, don't apply a product immediately after washing your face unless you first use a toner to reset the pH of your skin.
Question

How often should I exfoliate to have a fair complexion?

Community Answer

About once a week to get rid of dead skin cells without drying your skin out.
Question

Do you have any other tips if none of these methods work?

Community Answer

Coconut oil works great. Pumpkin purée is amazing, but mix this with some ginger and cabbage.