There is no instant way to clear acne or blemishes, but strategies that can help include avoiding touching the skin or popping pimples, washing frequently, and using products suited to the specific problem and the person’s skin type.

In general, people with acne or blemishes have skin that is dry, oily, or a combination of the two. Numerous skin care tips exist for different skin types, and there are also general tips that people can try.

Anyone uncertain about their skin care routine should consult a dermatologist for additional advice.

Read on to discover general skin care tips, as well as tips for people with dry, oily, or combination skin types.

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Wearing sunscreen can help protect oily skin from sunlight.

People may wish to try these general tips for getting clear skin fast.

Avoid popping pimples

A pimple indicates trapped oil, sebum, and bacteria. It is also a sign that the body’s natural healing mechanism is working.

Popping the pimple disrupts this healing process. Additionally, the released liquids expose the surrounding skin to similar bacteria, increasing the risk of additional pimples forming.

The exposed pimple may also lead to permanent scarring. Whenever possible, avoid popping pimples. If they drain, keep the area clean.

Wash twice daily, and again after sweating

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people wash twice daily and then again after sweating.

Leaving sweat on the skin and allowing it to dry can make acne worse, so it is best to wash the skin as soon as possible after sweating.

Avoid touching the face

Touching the face with the hands can deposit dirt, oils, and bacteria onto the skin and lead to breakouts. Avoiding touching the face can help prevent this.

Moisturize

All skin types can benefit from moisturizing after a daily face wash. Keeping the face moisturized may help control sebum production and prevent damage from the outside elements.

The most effective moisturizer will vary in each case, depending on the person’s skin type. Anyone uncertain of what moisturizers will work for them should contact a dermatologist.

Some types they may recommend include oil-free moisturizers and moisturizers that are noncomedogenic, which means that they do not clog the pores.

Always wear sunscreen

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the skin. Wearing sunscreen whenever outdoors can help protect the skin from these harmful rays.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it is best to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when spending time outdoors. Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 15 daily can also help reduce damage to the skin.

If spending time outdoors, it is best to apply sunscreen around 30 minutes before going outside, and then reapplying it every 2 hours.

Focus on gentle products

Gentle products can be kinder to the skin, particularly if it is sensitive. Products that can irritate sensitive skin include:

Gentle, hypoallergenic versions of these products do exist. However, it is still important to test a small area of skin for reactions before applying any product to a more extensive area.

Tools such as washcloths, rough sponges, or loofahs may be too rough for the skin, causing damage and irritation. Some more gentle options exist, such as soft cleansing brushes. Alternatively, using clean fingers to massage a cleanser into the face may help prevent extra irritation.

It is important to ensure brushes and sponges are clean, as bacteria can cause further irritation or breakouts.

Use topical medications

Topical medications may help people of all skin types control acne. Several different medicated products are available, including:

  • benzoyl peroxide, with or without other ingredients, such as antibiotics
  • salicylic acid
  • topical retinoids, such as tretinoin
  • dapsone, which is a combination of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic
  • azelaic acid to kill bacteria and decrease the production of keratin, a natural substance that can lead to the development of acne

Stay hydrated

All cells in the body need water. The skin cells are closest to the environment and, therefore, may be more at risk of losing their moisture to the elements. Drinking water throughout the day may help keep the skin cells healthy.

Eat a healthful diet

Eating a diet rich in various plant foods and lean protein sources may help provide the nutrients that the skin needs to stay healthy.

People looking to keep their skin clear may also want to cut out specific foods, such as dairy milk. A 2018 review found a positive relationship between milk and acne. Some believe that this link is due to the growth compounds and hormones that the milk contains.

However, everyone may have different trigger foods that make their symptoms worse.

Learn more about which foods can boost skin health.

Use natural makeup products

Sometimes, makeup products can aggravate breakouts. Switching to natural makeup products or those designed to let the pores breathe may help reduce breakouts from makeup.

It is also important to remove all makeup each night and clean any makeup brushes or tools regularly.

Reduce stress

It is important to minimize stress whenever possible. The authors of a 2017 article highlight the link between stress and acne, stating that stress can increase inflammatory compounds in the body. Strong feelings of anger or emotional stress may lead to an acne breakout or make symptoms worse.

Stress management techniques include:

People with oily skin may be more prone to acne and breakouts. Oily skin creates too much sebum and may have a shiny look to it.

Use an oil-free cleanser

People with oily skin can look for a natural, oil-free cleanser that helps break down and wash away excess sebum without adding even more oil to the skin. A number of mild cleansers are available specifically for acne-prone skin.

Wash hair daily

People with oily skin may also have an oily scalp. This excess oil can move to the face and encourage breakouts. Washing the hair each day or more regularly than usual may help control oil and reduce breakouts.

Use toner

People with oily skin who are prone to acne may benefit from using a gentle toner to help unclog the pores. Products containing ingredients such as salicylic acid may help balance the skin’s pH and keep the pores clear.

Learn more about remedies and tips for oily skin.

Dry skin produces less oil naturally, which can reduce the skin’s vitality. People with dry skin may still get acne, which may appear if they use an unsuitable moisturizer or add too much oil to their face to counteract their skin’s natural state.

The following are some tips on caring for dry skin.

Find a gentle moisturizer

Moisture is essential for dry skin, but it is important to find a source of moisture that does not clog the pores. Some people may find that their skin responds well to natural oils, such as argan oil, olive oil, or coconut oil.

Use gentle washes

Finding a gentle wash that does not strip the skin of natural oils is especially important for people with dry skin. It may be best for an individual to work with a dermatologist to find the best gentle cleanser for their skin.

Avoid hot water

Showering, bathing, or washing the hands and face with very hot water can dry out or damage the skin. People who notice dry skin after bathing can try using lukewarm water instead.

Learn more about home remedies for dry skin.

People with combination skin have to care for dry patches of skin in addition to more oily areas, such as the T-zone. The T-zone runs above the eyebrows and down the nose to the chin, making a T shape.

Consider using two facial cleansers

Facial cleansing can be tricky for people with combination skin. While some may respond well to a facial cleanser designed for oily skin, others may find that this dries out some patches of skin too much.

People with combination skin may find that using a general mild cleanser on the face and then an oil-reducing cleanser on any oily areas helps balance the skin.

Use blotting papers

Using blotting papers for oily spots may help temporarily balance combination skin and make it easier to manage. It may also help prevent sebum overproduction leading to acne breakouts in these areas.

Find out how to identify skin types.

Here are some frequently asked questions about skin care.

How can a person get clear skin naturally?

Natural remedies for clear skin include regularly washing with gentle cleansers, using natural make-up products, and moisturizing. Staying hydrated and avoiding any foods that can trigger breakouts may also help.

How can a person get clear skin overnight?

It may not be possible to clear skin or remove pimples overnight. However, washing the face with a gentle face wash and applying an oil-free noncomedogenic moisturizer before bed may help.

People can try a variety of techniques for attaining clear skin at home.

The best methods will depend on the person’s skin type. Moisturizing, using gentle cleansers, and regularly washing may help. In some cases, a person may benefit from medicated products.