Methods to Obtain Clear Skin

Clear skin was never something that was easy for me to achieve. For the past few years I have tried many different methods, including those terrible at-home remedies that just didn't work or harmed my skin. From letting glue dry on my face to burning my face with an electric scrubber, trial and error has led me to finally establishing a method that has proven to be consistent for me! For the girls/guys who are struggling like me, here are some tips that really helped my skin:

1. Drink the daily recommended amount of water.

This is a classic and repeated one, I know, but it is something you have to stick with to see results! Once I began drinking 64 oz. of water daily, or at least trying to get close, not only did my whole body feel refreshed and clean (so fresh and so clean, clean!), but my skin was seeing major improvements! Dry patches were disappearing and the oily patches of my skin (mainly on my face) were balancing out. My face started to smooth out and I saw some of my acne start to disappear.

2. Find a face wash that works for you... and then change it!

This sounds confusing, but trust me, it works! You need to find a face wash that works for you and use that for a while, daily! Then, find another one that works and start using that one. Switch off every few weeks or so. Your body starts to become accustomed to treatments and formulas and then it starts not to work as well. If you are switching every so often, it will be more effective on your skin! Just make sure you are not mixing them and be careful of the products you are using! Some can be harmful to your skin and chemically burn it if not used properly!

3. Take your makeup off and make sure you really wash your face.

When you wash your face, a simple soap and your hands is not going to get deep down into your pores. I know when you first wake up, and right before you go to bed, you're tired! You don't want to go through this whole face wash routine, you want to go to bed. If you take an extra two minutes though, it could help your face so much! When you use your hands to wash your face, you are just rubbing the dirt around that is on the surface and then rinsing that off. However, what causes pimples and blackheads is the dirt that is inside your skin. You need to exfoliate in order to prevent your pores from getting clogged! Even just using a simple washcloth to wash your face can improve your cleaning process so much. Remember though, be gentle!

4. Consult a Dermatologist

This was probably the best decision that I made! After years of struggling with my acne, I went to see a dermatologist who prescribed me a pill. I was put on Doxycycline which cleared my acne up fairly quickly! There are many different types of acne medication though and it is a great investment for your skin to talk to your doctor and see which one will work best for you! I do still get the occasional breakout, but it is nowhere near how it used to be.

Ultimately, everyone experiences breakouts and imperfect skin at some point in their lives. It's easier said than done, but know that it is normal and try not to let it alter your confidence! Acne goes away! It takes time and a lot of trial and error because everyone's skin is different. You will find what methods work best for you and whichever ones those are, may not work at all for somebody else! Keep that in mind when certain advice doesn't apply to you or what's considered "the best acne products" don't work for you.

When my acne first started getting bad, my mom bought into all of the acne commercials, bought me new products to try left and right. I know it can be stressful and overwhelming, but you do have to try new things (but things you know are safe for your skin!)

Take your time with your skin. Be patient. That flawless skin you have been dreaming of is on its way!