How To Get Clear Skin Naturally: Expert Tips & Effective Home Remedies

Are you always concerned about how to get clear skin and maintain it? While getting clear skin is a desire for many, not everyone understands that several factors affect your skin. These include your lifestyle, food choices, environmental pollution, genetics, hormonal health and much more.

While managing so many factors may seem like a task, you can take some simple steps to manage your skin health consistently on a daily basis. Introducing simple and doable tweaks in your lifestyle, consuming the right diet, and following the right skincare routine can significantly boost your chances of achieving clear skin. Read on for valuable tips on how to have clear skin.

What Causes Unclear Skin?

If you are reading this to find out how to get clean and clear skin, you must first understand what actually causes unclear skin. Skin that is prone to acne, scars, pigmentation,  and dullness is generally unclear. If your skin is unclear due to some underlying health concerns, hormonal changes, or certain medications, you must consult your dermatologist for advice. However, besides these, there are certain other factors that may lead to unclear skin. If you understand these, you will be able to work on how to get clear skin naturally at home.

Here are some common reasons for unclear skin:

• Dehydration
• Dryness
• Unhealthy lifestyle
• Acne
• Ageing
• Increased sebum production
• Improper skincare routine
• Stress
• Environmental factors
• A build-up of dead skin cells

17 Simple Tips To Get Clear And Glowing Skin

Here are the dermatologist’s recommended clear skin tips for all skin types:

1. Cleanse Morning And Night:

Wash your face twice daily to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities. This helps to keep pores open and prevent breakouts.

2. Resist Popping Pimples:

Make sure you do not squeeze or pop the pimples. It often causes more inflammation and scarring.

3. Keep Skin Hydrated:

Use a non-comedogenic moisturiser suitable for your skin type to maintain skin hydration. It helps balance the oil production in your skin, maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

4. Protect Your Skin From The Sun:

Always apply sunscreen and use one with SPF 30 or more. This is a must-do skincare step that protects your skin from harmful UV rays. In the long run, it prevents premature ageing and prevents acne from worsening.

5. Use Non-Comedogenic Makeup:

Choose non-comedogenic makeup products. They contain skin-friendly ingredients that help the skin breathe without blocking your pores.

6. Use Gentle Skincare Products:

Choose skincare products that are gentle on the skin. Go for ingredients that are non-irritating and do not lead to breakouts.

7. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face:

Try not to touch your face frequently. Your hands often carry germs, oil or dirt that can lead to breakouts.

8. Drink Plenty Of Water:

Staying hydrated helps to flush out toxins from your body. It keeps your skin clear and hydrated.

9. Limit Your Sugar Intake:

Reduce consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as high sugar levels can lead to increased acne breakouts.

10. Maintain A Healthy Diet:

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This supports overall skin health and reduces the likelihood of breakouts.

11. Clean Makeup:

If you want clear skin, you must always try to use clean makeup products that contain mild ingredients. These help to reduce skin irritation and do not clog your pores.

12. Manage Stress Levels:

It is advisable to make an effort to keep your stress levels under check. Many times, breakouts are a sign of stress. Try yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to relax.

13. Exfoliate On A Regular Basis:

Your skin needs regular exfoliation to remove the dead skin cells. This helps in the healthy cellular generation, revealing an even skin tone.

14. Avoid Smoking:

Smoking can damage your skin by negatively impacting collagen. Smoking also contributes to premature ageing and breakouts.

15. Try Serums:

Serums have beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C. They help boost skin health and can also address specific skin concerns like fine lines, dull skin, premature ageing, pigmentation, and acne scars.

16. Have Adequate Sleep:

Ensure you get enough sleep each night to allow your skin to repair and regenerate.

17. Acne Treatments:

If your skin is prone to breakouts, go for products that have anti-acne ingredients. These may include products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to target and treat acne effectively.

3 Simple Clear Skin Tips For Dry Skin

Do you have dry skin, and yet you get acne? Have you tried home remedies for clear skin, but nothing is working? Do not worry. Here are some helpful tips on how to get clear skin  if you have dry skin:

Use A Suitable Moisturiser:

Moisturising is necessary for all skin types, especially if you have dry skin. Use a rich, hydrating formula that deeply nourishes your skin without clogging the pores. You can use natural moisturisers like coconut oil or olive oil that support a healthy skin barrier.

Use Gentle Cleansers:

Cleansers that do not strip oil from the skin are ideal for dry skin. Cleansers for dry skin should focus on retaining and increasing moisture levels. Use products with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, or glycerine that hydrate and nourish your skin. If you are unable to decide on the right skincare products, consult a dermatologist to find safe and suitable products for dry and scaly skin.

Avoid Hot Water Showers:

Dry skin typically lacks natural oils, resulting in a feeling of tightening, flakiness, and sensitivity. Hot water aggravates these concerns. If your skin feels dry after a bath, try reducing the temperature of water.

4 Simple Clear Skin Tips For Oily Skin

Oily skin is common and causes many concerns, like acne breakouts and unwanted shine. If you have oily skin and are wondering how to get clear skin, these tips may help:

Use A Cleanser:

Wash your skin every morning and at night to keep it clean. Cleansing helps remove makeup, impurities, and excess oil from the skin’s surface.

Use A Moisturiser:

Do not go by the myth that moisturisers add grease to the skin. Adding a product with glycerine, non-greasy emollients like ceramides, or Vitamin B3 to your clear skin routine can do wonders.

Use Sunscreen:

Use a gel-based, lightweight and broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harsh UV rays.

Wash Your Hair Regularly:

Oily scalp and oily skin go hand-in-hand. The oil from the hair can trickle down to the skin and cause acne. Washing your hair can help manage scalp oil, minimise breakouts, and help maintain clear skin.

3 Simple Clear Skin Tips For Combination Skin

People with combination skin typically have dryness in the cheeks and oiliness in the T-zone of the face, including the forehead, nose and chin. Here are some clear skin tips that work well for people with combination skin types:

Follow A Customised Skincare Routine:

Managing combination skin can be challenging. Therefore, it is best to consult a dermatologist who can recommend gentle skincare products like cleansers and moisturisers to maintain the pH balance of your skin.

Use Exfoliants:

Exfoliating at least once a week will help remove dead cells, keep the pores clear, and manage dry areas.

Use Blotting Paper:

Using blotting paper for oily areas will make it easier to manage combination skin. It helps remove excess oil from the T-zone and prevents the clogging of pores. It reduces the shine and makes your skin look fresh and clean.

How To Get Clear Skin Naturally At Home?

Here are the top 11 home remedies to get clear and glowing skin naturally for men & women:

1. Tea Tree Oil:

The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of tea tree oil are effective against acne. This oil penetrates into the pores to remove toxins and prevents clogging. It also reduces and lightens scars.

How To Use:

Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of honey and apply it as a face mask. Also, you can mix 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil with 60 ml of witch hazel and store it to use as a toner for oily skin.

2. Green Tea:

Green tea contains Vitamin E that hydrates and nourishes the skin. It moisturises and brightens the skin. It helps reverse the damage caused by environmental factors like dark spots and pimple marks and clears skin naturally.

How To Use:

Mix a tablespoon of green tea and lemon juice. Apply it on your skin with a cotton ball. Allow it to stay for a few minutes, and then wash it off.

3. Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera has antibacterial properties that help reduce and control acne-causing bacteria. It stimulates healthy skin cell growth and hydrates the skin without causing overproduction of oils.

How To Use:

Take fresh aloe vera gel and apply it on the face like a face mask and rinse it off with warm water after 15 minutes.

4. Rose Water:

Rose water is a natural toner. It cleanses the skin pores, removes excess oil, reduces the acne-causing bacteria and prevents breakouts.

How To Use:

Soak a cotton pad with rose water. Apply it like a toner after washing your face. Do this before using a serum, moisturiser, or sunscreen to lock in the benefits. This is one of the most simple tips to get clear skin.

5. Walnuts:

The texture, vitamins and antioxidant properties of walnut make it an excellent natural exfoliant. It removes excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt and grime from the pores.

How To Use:

If your concern is how to get clear skin naturally, walnuts are a great solution.  Prepare a walnut scrub with 2 to 3 walnuts and olive oil. Coarsely grind walnuts and mix with olive oil. Massage your face with the scrub gently for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off. Walnut exfoliates the skin and olive oil prevents drying of the skin with its antibacterial and moisturising properties.

6. Orange Peel:

Orange skin has citric acid that helps brighten and lighten your skin. Use orange peel regularly to remove tan, pigmentation, and dark spots.

How To Use: 

Blend orange peel and lemon together to make a paste. Use it like a face pack regularly for a bright and clear skin. This is one of the best natural remedies for clear skin.

7. Jojoba Oil:

The flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and sterols in jojoba oil help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress caused by toxins and pollutants. This helps in managing skin health. Jojoba oil is also an excellent moisturiser.

How To Use:

Apply a few drops of oil on clean and wet skin. Gently massage it over your face. The moisturising property of jojoba oil makes your skin smooth and soft.

8. Coriander:

Coriander has antioxidants like Vitamin C and it fights against free radicals. It is especially good for oily skin as it removes excess oil. Its antibiotic, antiseptic, and antifungal properties soothe and clean the skin.

How To Use:

Make a paste of fresh coriander leaves, oatmeal, milk, and chopped cucumber. Apply the mixture to our face. Allow it to dry. Rinse clean with water. This is a simple, must-try remedy if you are still wondering how to have clear skin naturally.

9. Lavender:

The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of lavender help fight acne-causing bacteria. Polyphenols and antioxidants like Vitamin E in it fight against free radical damage to keep your skin clear and radiant.

How To Use:

Add a few drops of lavender oil to your regular face mask to enhance the skin benefits. This clear skin routine will resolve your query on how to make your skin clear.

10. Lemon:

The powerful antioxidant properties of Vitamin C in lemon fight against free radicals. It helps reduce acne and prevent collagen damage, making your skin smoother and softer.

How To Use:

Use lemon for your PM clear skin routine for best results. Dilute the lemon juice with water. Dip a cotton ball in the juice and dab it all over your face. This might not be a sure shot remedy for how to get clear skin overnight, but a few weeks of use will give visible results.

11. Neem:

Neem reduces acne and gives a natural glow to your skin. The antioxidants in it prevent free radical damage and delay the skin ageing process.

How To Use:

If you want to know how to get clear skin naturally, make a paste of 9 to 10 boiled neem leaves. Mix the neem paste with one teaspoon of rose water and half a teaspoon of sandalwood paste. Apply it on the face and allow it to dry. Rinse with lukewarm water and moisturise. This answers your query on how to get clear skin fast.

5 Best Foods For Clear Skin

Are you confused about what to eat for clear skin? Your dietary options significantly impact your skin health. The right food choices are key to achieving healthy and clear skin.

Below is a list of the best foods for clear skin:

Low-Glycaemic Foods:

The glycaemic index is the yardstick to measure the effect of different foods on our blood sugar levels. High-glycaemic foods spike blood sugar levels, whereas low-glycaemic foods have a lesser impact on blood sugar levels. Increased blood sugar results in excess sebum production and inflammation, which are the main cause of acne breakouts.

Low-glycaemic foods reduce the risk of acne breakouts, and people with acne benefit from consuming low-glycaemic foods.[1]

Here is a list of low glycaemic foods:

• Fruits like bananas, apples, cherries, blueberries, and oranges
• Some vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and carrots
• Beans, including lentils and kidney beans
• Whole grains

Probiotic Foods:

Probiotic foods maintain the balance between good and bad bacteria and boost gut health. Gut health has a direct effect on skin health and helps reduce acne and inflammation. Those who regularly include probiotic foods in their diet can see a significant improvement in their skin texture and quality.[2]

Probiotic-rich foods are:

• Yoghurt
• Fermented foods like kimchi and miso
• Kombucha
• Kefir

Omega-3 Healthy Fats:

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body. This results in fewer acne breakouts and clear skin.[3]

The foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are:

• Chia Seeds
• Oysters
• Walnuts
• Fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring.
• Soyabeans
• Flaxseeds

Lean Proteins:

A diet rich in lean protein balances the hormones and leads to clear and healthy skin. It reduces the androgens and growth hormones, resulting in lower acne breakouts.[4]

A lean protein diet includes the following:

• Whitefish
• White meat turkey
• Beans and lentils
• Egg whites

Fibre:

If you want to know how to get clear skin fast, the easiest way is to add fibre-rich foods to your diet. The polyphenols and fibre in plants promote gut health, which significantly reduces inflammation.[5] Eating high-fibre foods minimises acne breakouts and enhances the texture of your skin.

Here are some of the fibre-rich foods:

• Quinoa
• Beans and lentils
• Chia seeds
• Oats
• Greens and vegetables

 

Must Read: Skin Whitening Foods

Top 3 Foods To Avoid For Clear Skin

Diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. What you eat reflects on your skin health. Here are some foods you can avoid adding to your diet if your skin is prone to breakouts and you want to get clear skin:

Milk:

Studies are yet to prove the direct link between low-fat dairy products like cow’s milk and acne. However, the hormones in cow milk may lead to inflammation and result in acne breakouts.[6]

Saturated Fats:

Foods like meat and dairy are rich in saturated fats. These fats increase the production of growth hormones and androgens that stimulate excess sebum production and lead to clogged pores and acne.[7] Try to avoid the following foods in your daily diet:

• Cheese
• Hydrogenated Oils
• Red meat like beef and pork
• Butter

High-Sugar Foods:

Long-term consumption of high-glycaemic index foods may increase your chances of wrinkles and dull skin. Collagen is a protein which is instrumental in maintaining the elasticity and youthfulness of your skin. High-sugar foods tend to cause inflammation and the breakdown of collagen.[8] [9] Deficiency of collagen causes premature skin ageing signs like sagging and wrinkles. For clean and clear skin, avoid the following foods:

• Processed foods
• Sweets and candies
• Soda

When Should You See A Dermatologist?

Natural home remedies, lifestyle and diet changes, a regular clear skin routine, and adequate sleep are all game changers for skin health. If all of these do not help, you should consult a dermatologist. A qualified medical expert can provide a customised skincare regimen with suitable products, identify the cause affecting your skin health and recommend apt treatment that may include:

• Antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives
• Prescription retinol products (either oral or topical)
• Chemical peels
• Laser treatment
• Steroids

The treatment option selected will vary based on the cause, type and severity of your skin concern.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Get Clear Skin

How Long Does It Take For Water To Clear Skin?

Water alone cannot help you get clear skin. However, with ample hydration the skin tone and texture tend to improve over time.

How To Get Clear Skin Overnight?

There are no shortcuts to clear skin. You must maintain a good diet, monitor your hormonal health and follow a regular skincare regimen to ensure your skin looks flawless. Alternatively, you can consult an experienced dermatologist who may be able to suggest a treatment that offers clear skin with minimal downtime.

How Can I Clear My Skin In 7 Days?

To clear your skin in seven days, seek guidance from an experienced dermatologist for the best results. Follow a suitable skincare routine. Cleanse twice daily, moisturise, and use sunscreen. Maintain a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid harsh chemical-based skincare products and makeup.