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Facing an annoying acne problem again? Or a rash? But maybe it’s something else, like an allergy or even butt acne? Regardless, we’ve got it all in this master list of 100 beauty tips for flawless skin!
Makeup, makeup, makeup. If you’re having any sort of skin problems even remotely connected to your face, chances are you need to do something about all that makeup. First things first: use foundations or powder products that are specifically designed for skin prone to acne. That way you can avoid doing unnecessary harm to your skin.
Please, for the love of the Skin God, don’t buy cheap skin care products! A lot of them simply don’t work. Good health is a long-term investment, meaning that the payoffs are not immediately visible. So it’s always better to save for a quality product instead of having a bunch that don’t work. Your skin needs quality, not quantity.
Washing your face can sometimes make your skin dry, especially if you do it too often. And when skin becomes too dry, it goes into DEFCON mode and starts pumping out oil, and you don’t want that. That’s why it’s good to use a toner after washing your face - it keeps your skin soft, calm and moisturized. When it comes to helping your skin hydrated, there is a sea-worth of options for good moisturizers.
Greasy hair is one of the main vectors for spreading acne all over your face and shoulders. The magic tip for putting a stop to that is this: wash your hair often and keep it tied in a ponytail.
The same goes for your pillowcases and sheets - they're the number one most overlooked cause for cheek acne. We spend a third of our day sleeping, having our faces slapped against pillows and sheets and blankets. Having a clean pillowcase is one of the key factors for acne prevention and keeping your skin healthy - so make sure you often wash yours. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so this is one of the key tips for flawless skin.
The first commandment of the Skin God is this: never touch your face! Touching your face is a cardinal sin in skin care because I hate to break it to you, but the things your hands have touched need their own episode on the Twilight Zone. Bacteria, viruses, grease, dirt, filth… Ahem. You don’t want all of that on your face, right? Especially not if you’re having an acne problem you want to get rid of.
I feel sad for having to remind you of this, but here goes: Wash your hands often. Then, any accidental touches to your face will be a lot less harmful. Wash your hands before eating anything too. You're welcome.
Of course, another commandment you may have forgotten: Wash your face. Especially in the morning and before going to bed. Washing your face can help you get clear skin.
It’s common sense, but repetition is the mother of all learning. Always wash your hands before washing your face. Washing your face with dirty hands isn’t really washing it, is it? Hands first, face second.
Another good idea - wash your face (hands first) after any physical activity or after going outside. You may not notice it, but the outside world is filled with dirt, smog, dust particles, pollen particles, and so on and on. And I think you'll agree that isn't conducive to getting flawless skin, right? Better safe than sorry, so a face wash it is.
This is one of the most neglected beauty tips. Avoid drying your face by using a towel. It’s better to let it dry on its own - that way you’re preventing any bacteria from the towel jumping ship to your face. (Protip: It’s always useful to think of bacteria as pirates.)
But going back to makeup, another tip. If you have a foundation that you’ve used for more than six months, chuck that bottle in the sea. I mean the trash. Some products can develop their own brands of bacteria inside them if they’re sitting for too long. Again, better safe than sorry.
Third commandment of the Skin God: Always remove your makeup before going to bed. Wash it off too. Leaving makeup for too long can clog up your pores, damage your skin follicles and of course - get invaded by pirates, I mean the acne bacteria!
And tone it down with the makeup. Having makeup all the time is a special kind of hell for your skin. It can’t breathe, it can’t relax, it can’t do it’s own thing. Let your skin relax for a few days, chill, and you'll be making the first step towards younger looking skin.
So let’s say you’ve been out and about for like 12 hours, and there’s no break in sight. Last time you washed your hands was in the morning. So what to do? Well, carrying hand sanitizer on you is always a good idea. These can be found in almost any shape and size and are pretty affordable. Carrying a portable hand sanitizer can be a godsend in sooo many situations.
We are what we eat. Healthy food has this scientifically supported knack of also helping us look healthier. But eat garbage and, well… look barely decent, I guess? Jokes aside, fast food and bad food really show on your skin. A healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is where it's at.
Give homemade face masks a chance. Most of these are made up of stuff we eat anyway (like oatmeal masks and egg whites), so they’re natural and harmless.
When considering your next foundation, look for the ones containing the amazing salicylic acid.
Be careful with products containing benzoyl peroxide though. While a recommended ingredient in treating acne, benzoyl can make ordinary skin too dry which will only make it produce more oil.
If you’re using any sort of spot treatment, it’s best to do it at night. During our sleep, our bodies shift our healing processes into high gear and the same goes for the skin. If you want any skin remedy to be more effective, make sure it’s applied when you sleep.
If you have acne, please don’t touch them. Don’t rub them, pick on them or try to pop them. Just leave your acne alone.
Okay, so you decided to pick your acne after all. Congratulations, we’ve all been there! It’s a very human thing to do, wanting to pop things… So go ahead, but before you do that, please wash your hands and face well. Sanitize the environment and your, um, instruments. That will be your fingers, yes.
But which pimple to pop? Hmm. Here’s a handy guide: only try to pop blackheads or pimples that have a whitehead. Trying to pop other pimples will usually get you in a lot of pain and can cause really bad damage to your skin. Never pop, squeeze or torment cystic acne, or a pimple that’s hard and painful to the touch. Chances are it’s still developing, and all you will do is crush a lot of healthy tissue and make yourself bleed.
But what about blackheads, I hear you ask. “Am I allowed to pop those?” Um, no? Only sometimes, if the blackhead is isolated and seems very easy to squeeze out. But otherwise, using strips is your best bet to improve blackheads. Just stick one, massage a little, and lift those pirates up, up and away.
Oh, and if you see a commercial that tells you it can eliminate blackheads? They’re lying. The body produces blackheads naturally, so in order for you not to have any means you’ll have to stop being human. Like, go be a dog or something and boom - blackheads gone. That’s the only way those hyped up commercial will be true. But as long as you’re human, you can only make blackheads less pronounced, not completely gone.
While on the topic of blackheads, exfoliants and facial scrubbing products work well. These can remove some of the dirt and oil clogging your pores so give them a try.
However, don’t scrub your face more than once a week. The same goes for applying scrub masks - you want to protect your face and clean it, nor plow it like it’s a plot of land until it’s sore.
When considering moisturizers, always try to pick the one that’s suitable for your skin type. If you have naturally dry skin, chances are you’ll need something more powerful. On the other hand, if your skin is naturally oily, you should look for something less oily but more hydrating. If you’re having acne, or have acne-prone skin, you should always use a moisturizer that is designed for specifically that. Those products are usually oil-free, and for good reason.
Going back to makeup again, one more thing. It’s not always necessary to apply foundation, so if you still need, or want, to put some makeup on, try to avoid applying foundation first. No need to be clogging up your pores unless it’s absolutely necessary. This is one of the most useful but criminally neglected beauty tips.
Yep, you read that right. Being content with yourself is a huge boost to your physical and mental health. I bet you hate hearing it by now, but it’s still true. Stress is a huge problem. Too much stress can be taxing to our body’s healing mechanisms, and this can even manifest itself as wrinkling, differences in skin tone (discoloration), and even acne.
Be careful not to lump all stress in the negative basket, though. Positive, beneficial stress, called eustress, can have the opposite effect - kickstart healing, make you feel motivated and relaxed. Everything that excites you, motivates your or makes you productive, interested and alert (instead of worried, scared or angry) can be deemed eustress. So, less stress, more eustress. Your skin loves that.
When it comes to advice that’s difficult to follow, here’s a killer one. Exercise. Yes, indeed. Did you really think that we’ll just skip exercise as one of the top 100 tips for flawless skin? Especially since exercise seems to be the panacea nowadays and it’s getting prescribed left and right.
But on a serious note, exercise, or almost any kind of regular physical activity can be very helpful for restoring your skin health. The physical strain actually detoxifies the body, so no need for it to be releasing extra sebum through the skin. Additionally, it helps balance out your hormones and pH levels, so exercise can do wonders for people who suffer from hormonal acne. Of course, don’t forget to get a shower after hitting the gym.
Not sure if I should really be saying this, but - please drink more water. If reality isn’t proof enough that staying hydrated is good for you, then rest assured that there are tons of scientific studies that have shown that keeping yourself well-hydrated helps your skin feel - and look - fresh too.
Another thing that keeps your skin healthy is not purchasing products that don’t work, products that aren’t appropriate for your skin or products that actually harm you. In order to make sure that doesn’t happen, it always pays off to spend some time researching about the product and reading through the user reviews. You never know - until you know. Knowledge is power.
While we said that the best time to wash your face is in the morning and right before going to bed, that’s not a hard rule. If your face isn’t clean, wash it. If your face feels overly oily, again, wash it. If it’s sweaty after some exercise, you know the drill.
In the case of acne, don’t panic. Pay attention to your thoughts and don’t let yourself become obsessed about a pimple, or two, or a hundred. Accept it as the normal thing it is and try to live your life as best as you can.
Develop useful skin care routines. When taking care of ourselves becomes a habit, it is then and only then that we can approach good health. So, pick a favorite - and useful - skin care treatment, and turn it into a special ritual.
When it comes to washing your face, why not turn it into washing your hairline too? Because, if we’re honest, that’s where the majority of the oil gathers. Greasy hair and oily skin are the best of friends, and the hairline is where they make love (yikes)! So your job is to be the strict parent, ground them and wash your hairline from all that extra oil.
This cannot be overstated enough - there is no miracle cure for acne. That’s the truth, and the sooner you make peace with it, the better. Besides, it’s even theoretically impossible for there to be a magic cure for acne. There are just too many variables, too many individual factors, too many skin types, too many causes, too many acne types… Visit a dermatologist and work with them. Not every solution will work for you.
So you’re bored again, and you’re itching for some hedonistic fun like popping pimples again? Well, better cut your nails if you’re gonna do it. See, nails are basically tiny shovels attached to your fingers, and they do their job well. There are mountains of bacteria and dirt under each nail, so you should think twice about squeezing that pimple with your finger shovels. Just saying.
One of the best tips ever is to always see your doctor if you have any kind of skin condition. Be it acne, a rash, or something else that you aren’t able to identify, it’s always a good idea to seek out a professional opinion. Seeing a doctor is Tip #1 in the Top 3 Tips, actually, right above “Never touch your face” and “Don’t pop your pimples.”
But before going to the doctor it won’t hurt if you did some research as well. Does acne run in the family? Ask your parents, it may be hereditary or genetic. If they had acne, but it went away, chances are the same will happen to you. Besides, your doctor will need all the information he can get, so, time for some Sherlock Holmes action.
Acne can get worse for women during their periods. Make sure you take good care for your skin during that time of the month, and if necessary, consult with your doctor for any options to alleviate this. Additionally, due to the hormonal shenanigans, adult women experience adult acne more often than men. If you're an adult woman who's got a problem with this, read our article on hormonal acne.
While avoiding towels to dry your face is a good idea, let’s be realistic here. That’s not always possible, and besides, pressing a warm cloth against your face feels nice. But what if you have acne? In that case, you better get ready to wash your towels twice as regularly and always make sure they’re very clean. Your face deserves it.
Dealing with acne can be tough. So tough, in fact, that it can make some people anxious or depressed. That’s why emotional support and a sense of community can be immensely helpful, and in this day and age that’s not difficult to find. Google some acne forums, or join some acne groups on social media. Usually, these communities all share a common problem and are very kind and supportive. Besides, they’re clued in into which products work, which don’t, and can offer tons of no-nonsense, first-hand advice.
When considering makeup removers, go for the oil free ones. That way you don’t run the risk of clogging up your pores and getting a fresh acne inflammation. Additionally, consider giving natural cleansers a shot. No oils and no synthetic chemicals, what's not to love?
What is your acne trying to tell you? It's always wise to study your face and become a sort of expert on it. Discover when it is actually dry, so you can use a moisturizer. Same goes for it being oily - in that case, a nice face wash seems a good idea. But you should learn to tell the difference. Your body can't listen to you if you don't speak its language.
Let’s say you’ve decided to do a chemical peel or exfoliate your skin. You've grown sick of all those blackheads and decided to put them in their place - which is off your skin. Well, so far so good, but please grab a moisturizer while at it. Exfoliation can really dry your skin, so applying some moisturizer as a bonus will go a long way.
If your hair is long, it’s better to keep it away from your face, regardless of how clean it is. Even clean hair can cause undue irritation to healthy skin by constantly brushing against it.
When washing your face with soap, take your time to rinse off all the soap. If you don’t wash your face thoroughly, traces of soap may remain which will dry your skin. The same applies for any remaining traces of makeup, skin care products, or acne products. Failing to wash your face well can lead to drying your skin. And drying your skin can make it go in the other extreme - become super oily to compensate.
This is one of the most important beauty tips. Never forget to remove your makeup before going to bed. You don’t want all that smelly, thick, synthetic goo clogging up your pores, do you?
And this is twice as true if you’re dealing with acne, especially if it's a cyst on your neck, cheeks or chin. Patience is a virtue so you will need to practice it well, but rest assured - there will be plenty of occasions to do so. A single, ordinary pimple can take more than a week to clear up, let alone a full blown acne inflammation. Look at it as a skill that you’re developing. And trust me - patience is a skill that you will sorely need in life.
With summer fast approaching, it’s all about beach bodies and sunscreen. And while the first is optional, sunscreens are not. But is your usual sunscreen appropriate for people with acne-prone skin? Short answer: no. Read the labels and make sure that you pick a product that is oil-free - and ideally, made for skin prone to acne.
I can’t believe I have to say this, but… Ladies, there is really no need to wear makeup while exercising, swimming, toiling hard at the gym, running and so on. Your face will sweat, which is what it was naturally designed to do. And yet you’ve managed to suffocate it with all that foundation and makeup. Do you think that’s healthy for your skin? Surely not. Please, for the love of you-know-who, avoid putting foundation and makeup when exercising.
While we’re still on the topic of makeup, you should also take care not to use dirty or used-up sponges. It’s a sponge, after all, which is basically bacteria-heaven. Make sure you replace old sponges or clean them well.
Same goes for all your makeup brushes - either keep them clean or replace them regularly. And since replacing them can practically cost you a fortune… A good clean, once in a while, will do.
But sometimes there is no other choice but to replace your makeup and makeup tools. So, when should you do that? As far as anyone can tell, it takes roughly six months for harmful bacteria to get their tentacles all over your makeup, sponges and makeup brushes. So, better be safe than sorry, yes? Replace your makeup products twice a year and you’re safe. After all, you don’t want to be applying germs to your face every day, do you?
But wait, is there something you can do to prevent those harmful bacteria from eating up all your makeup? Of course, there is and I’m glad you asked! For a start, stop leaving all your creams, foundations, gels and lotions open. Those products have caps - put them on. The less time your makeup products spend out in the open, the better condition they’ll be in. And so will your face.
The warmer the weather, the more we sweat, the more washing we need. But as we mentioned above, washing your face too much can actually dry your skin, which may cause all sorts of problems. For this reason, it’s always better to have a moisturizer handy, especially during the summer.
It seems common sense not to do it, but quite a lot of people make the mistake of applying acne treatments right after washing their face. However, that can mean that your face is still wet from all the water and will not be able to absorb the product. That’s why you should give your face at least 5 minutes for it to dry. Then, feel free to apply anti-acne products, they will be better absorbed.
In case you’re dealing with acne, it is very important to adopt the right mindset to deal with the problem. Sometimes, acne can take years to clear up, which means that your greatest weakness - and stronger ally, is your mind. Don’t give up, develop healthy routines, and always keep your eye on the positive.
Sometimes though, we need to call the doctor and let them bring the big guns. While most mild, and even medium acne can be treated with nothing more than topical treatments and a change of diet, some cases of acne don’t respond to that. Usually, this is the case for cystic acne, which needs to be treated by medical professionals. Visit your doctor and heed their advice - from strong antibiotics to Accutane and laser resurfacing treatments, modern medicine has many tricks in its sleeve when it comes to treating severe acne.
Some skin care products and acne creams can make your skin more responsive to sunlight, increasing tanning. If you don’t want to tan too fast or too much, you should be careful about putting acne treatments when out in the sun.
Or, apply sunscreen. But we wouldn’t recommend mixing too many skin care products, so if you’re using sunscreen don’t use acne products, or go for an oil-free one.
If you have acne, it’s best to avoid staying too much out in the sun and getting a tan. All that will do is dry out your skin and make it produce more oil to compensate. However, sometimes getting a tan and letting your surface layer of the skin peel off can be beneficial for mild acne.
At the same time, you shouldn’t avoid the sun altogether as well. That’s because our skin produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and Vitamin D has a number of important functions for our health. Researchers say that 15 minutes is the bare minimum until the skin reacts to the sun and begins producing some Vitamin D. But just to be on the safe side, make it your goal that you should spend at least half an hour out in the sun every day. Of course, this only applies to the “naked” parts of your body, so the less skin exposed, the more time you will need to get your Vitamin D.
If you use a smartphone often (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), make sure you clean it occasionally. You put it everywhere, you touch it with your hands and then you slap it on your face. So, use some alcohol or wet wipes and disinfect your cybernetic self every few days.
Another reason exercise helps acne is because you sweat a lot. And when you sweat a lot, your pores get open, which means they clean themselves, thus getting rid of acne.
Be careful about some DIY spot remedies or home remedies. One such example is the famous use of toothpaste for acne - while it can have a beneficial effect, it can also burn your skin and increase the inflammation. So, if your goal is flawless skin, you better be careful.
What we eat, after all, affects us greatly. Don’t believe me? Do an experiment and see what happens. For example, give up on fast food, processed drinks, and even coffee for a week and observe if there are any changes.
Do you live in an area where the water is hard? If the answer is yes, that too may be contributing to your dry skin. Avoid if possible and use a moisturizer to help your skin.
Try to avoid shampoos, soaps or shower gels that contain a lot of additives and residue. If the product is heavily colored, then it’s stuffed with these residual compounds which may clog or dry your skin. Go for the clear-looking ones.
Do you wear hats, jewelry and other decorations around the area of your head? Clean them often, since they too can gather dirt and bacteria over time.
Skin care products can sometimes be counterproductive if not used in proper ways. For example, slathering a ton of even the best acne gel, or skin care product on your face can make your skin overreact. If your wish is flawless skin, moderation is key.
When considering taking medication or supplements for your acne, always be very careful. If possible, consult with your doctor and don’t hesitate to perform the required tests.
Alcohol pads can be very useful for disinfecting areas of the skin, but they’re not the best choice when dealing with acne. Sure, it’s fine to apply some for a short while over a minor cut, but they may dry your skin and irritate your acne even further. Only use them sparingly and when you lack better alternatives.
So take the tip, right? Aloe Vera is that magical ingredient that’s found in like 80% of skin care products. Try some of them out, or use a fresh aloe vera plant - it will speed up healing and soothe your skin.
Rubbing your face forcefully while washing can have the opposite effect. Use gentle motions, and where necessary, take great care not to use too much force. You don’t want to make things worse.
Same goes for exfoliation. Some products (these are usually gels or masks) can contain beads that are too sharp, too hard or in general, too abrasive. You can actually damage your skin if you got the wrong product or your skin is sensitive. So, do your research and be careful.
Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial properties, making it a good choice for people with acne.
And besides, honey is one of the best - and safest - skin care treatments! Take the time and prepare yourself a nice, sweet, sticky honey mask. It will rejuvenate your skin but it won’t dry it!
Clay masks are milder than honey masks, but products differ and can sometimes feel abrasive. Do some research, find out if it’s appropriate for your skin type and give it a try. Your body will thank you.
But if you’re really serious about getting flawless skin, using a quality toner is super important. Toners improve your skin’s pH balance and prevent it from going too dry after washing. However, you should avoid combining toners and moisturizers - it can be too much for some types of skin.
If you’re on a limited budget, prioritize buying a good toner and cleanser. Then follow up with a good mask and moisturizer (ideally, oil-free).
Have you ever heard of oil absorbing sheets? These are nifty little napkins that are designed to pick up any oil they encounter. Needless to say, these little helpers are perfect for people with oily skin. Grab a bunch and your skin will be grateful, especially on those hot summer days, when we’re sweaty and slathered with a bunch of stuff.
Being gentle with your face applies to applying toners and moisturizers as well. Don’t rub your face while washing, and don’t rub your face while applying skin care products. Simple!
Wanna reduce a swollen pimple? Try holding an ice cube on it and see what happens.
Spot treatments, as the name might tell you, are intended to be applied to the affected spots only. However, there are exceptions. For example, you can use some spot treatments on areas that have cleared or are known to be prone to acne as a means of prevention.
If you want to prevent acne and protect your skin, it’s good to avoid tanning oils. They’re oily and can clog your pores, which is a recipe for acne.
When considering cosmetics on a tight budget, make sure you prioritize the foundation. It’s the component that has greater contact with your skin so consider it a quality investment.
People with combination skin should avoid putting skin care products or acne creams on healthy parts of the skin that haven’t broken out. These products can irritate your otherwise healthy skin, so it's better to do a patch test before using them. So if it ain’t broke - don’t try to fix it.
Washing your face too much can cause it to dry, which can also cause acne by making your skin overproduce oil. But if you already have acne, it will almost surely make them worse. So, be careful about overdoing things.
Remember what we said about smartphones? Well, the same applies to your laptop and general computer paraphernalia as well. The keyboard and the mouse - even your headphones collect dirt and grease over time and can become a nest for nasty bacteria. Clean them occasionally, and clean them well. In other words, kill it with fire before it lays eggs!
Avoid applying too much cleanser or using it too often. That’s because cleansers contain ingredients that, while effective in cleaning your skin safely, can also cause it to become too dry. Moderation is key.
One of the best markers to look out for when shopping for skin care products is the phrase “non-comedogenic.” That means that the product you’re looking at won’t clog your pores - which is exactly what you need for flawless skin!
Coffee is one of the more popular offenders when it comes to aggravating acne. While coffee doesn’t cause acne on its own, it comes with a whole array of “buddies” that hamper the maintenance of your skin health and can worsen your acne. So maybe don’t quit coffee, but see if it’s making your acne worse and tone it down.
While popping pimples can feel satisfying, and can usually go without serious consequences, you should be careful around big zits. You know, those huge, nasty, but tempting pimples? Leave them alone. If you pop them by force you can end up with a huge crater on your face, which will inevitably turn into a lifelong scar. So, hands off! Never pop large pimples, especially if they’re of the cystic type. For dealing with those, head over to our article on treating cystic acne on neck and how to drain a cyst with a needle.
Avoid using washcloths or towels for cleaning your face. No matter how much you wash them, sometimes the mere fact of washing them exposes them to a bunch of bacteria. Always go for sterile products, like antiseptic gels, hand gels, sterile paper napkins or wet wipes.
Acne can take a few days to develop. This means that you can either slow down or even stop the process early on. Washing and cleaning your face while the pimple is still forming can have beneficial effects.
You should think twice about buying products that claim to cover, camouflage or tint your acne. They usually contain extra chemicals that will clog your pores, and besides, they don’t cover pimples that well. Just chill and be yourself.
One last thing before you go to be awesome on your summer holiday - your sunglasses! They’re all over your face half of the day, while the other half you have them lying in bags, beach towels, sand, restaurant tables… Needless to say, sunglasses can collect quite a bit of dirt and bacteria. So, give them a good clean once in a while - you deserve it.
While I’m sure we haven’t exhausted all the good advice there is on this topic, this list is a good start. It can serve as a good reminder for setting up your skin care routine. For more useful advice on skin care, health and treating acne, follow our blog and join us on the journey to flawless skin!
This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances, and its goal is to offer a general view of the subject. In case you are suffering from a severe case of acne, you should consult with a dermatologist or a certified medical professional.
