For many of us, the path to achieving clear skin can be a turbulent one. There are a number of factors that can affect your skin. So, if you’re asking yourself how to try to get rid of skin blemishes and breakouts or how to get clearer skin, we’ve got some helpful tips.
What are breakouts and skin blemishes on the face?
There are different types of skin blemishes or breakouts, including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and dark or red spots; they are common and likely to impact all of us at some time or another. As well as affecting your face, breakouts can also affect areas of your body such as your neck, chest, upper arms, or back. While some skin blemishes and breakouts on the face are temporary and can be addressed easily, others may require medical attention.
Breakouts can occur when the sebaceous (oil) glands on your skin produce too much sebum oil and this mixes with dead skin cells to block your hair follicles. Along with a certain type of bacteria that thrives in clogged hair follicles, this can lead to inflammation and breakouts.
Hormones can also play a role in breakouts and skin blemishes, so it’s important to understand how your hormone cycle can affect your skin. Nonetheless, you can help yourself move towards your goal of clearer skin if you avoid clogged pores, remove dead skin cells, find a skin care routine that works for you, and understand what triggers your breakouts. Here are some effective tips to help you achieve clearer skin:
The importance of a good skin care routine
Maintaining clearer skin requires commitment to a regular skin care routine to promote healthier-looking and smoother skin. The first step is to understand what type of skin you have. From there, you can build a suitable routine that works for you.
Routinely washing and exfoliating your face
In general, it’s important to wash your face twice a day and if you have blemish-prone skin, try to use a cleanser that gently but effectively cleans your skin without clogging your pores.5 You can also use toners and gentle exfoliators to help cleanse your skin and remove dead skin cells.
When looking at how to get clearer skin, it’s important to not over-wash your skin as this can aggravate your skin.2 Find out how to get started on a skin care routine.
Regularly cleaning makeup brushes
Many people tend to forget to wash their makeup brushes. The amount of bacteria that can mount upon them means that cleaning them regularly is a significant factor in helping to keep your skin clear. Washing your makeup brushes every 7 - 10 days should be at the top of the list for clear skin tips.
Cleaners, toners, moisturisers and serums - how can each one help?
Cleansers, toners, moisturisers and serums all play a crucial role in maintaining fresh and well-hydrated skin by locking in moisture and safeguarding against different skin care concerns.
Cleansers are a must for any skin care routine, even if you don’t wear makeup, as it’s typical for impurities or dirt to add up. Dead skin cells also add to the likelihood of the appearance of breakouts3, so using a cleanser can help to reduce this risk.
Moisturisers helps keep your skin fresh and well-maintained by keeping moisture locked in your skin and protecting it against dryness and associated conditions.8
Toners can help tackle a range of skin concerns, including uneven skin tone and help refresh your skin.
Exfoliating washes are key to helping to renew and smooth skin but removing dead skin cells. The removal of dead skins cells is important to help reduce the risk of breakouts.8
Serums usually contain concentrated ingredients and can tackle a range of different skin concerns, depending on your skin type and needs.
Which products are best for blemish-prone skin?
If you have blemish-prone skin, consider starting your day by cleansing your face with Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Cream Cleanser. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera, and White Tea, this cleanser is clinically proven to improve the appearance of blemish-prone sensitive skin and to reduce breakouts.
As skin blemishes and breakouts often happen due to oils and dead skin cells blocking hair follicles1-3, it’s important to include an exfoliating wash into your routine. Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, with 2% Salicylic Acid, is gentle enough to be used every day.
Toners can also help with different skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone. Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner contains Niacinamide and natural Sea Daffodil extract and lessens dullness by promoting hydrated, softer, smoother, brighter-looking skin.
Continue your Gentle Clear Routine with Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple Action Blemish Serum. Gently massage a few drops of this milky gel-serum onto your face. Its powerful blend of Salicylic Acid, PHA, Succinic Acid, Niacinamide, Zinc, and prebiotics targets skin blemishes, reduces post-blemish marks, and soothes your skin. This serum provides 24-hour hydration and has been clinically proven to visibly reduce skin blemishes on your face.
Afterwards apply Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Blemish Moisturiser to visibly minimise your pores and get a matte finish that leaves your skin feeling softer and smoother. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, it effectively reduces skin blemishes while also reducing dryness.
For best results, use Cetaphil Gentle Clear products regularly together and you could see results within just 7 days.
Remember, consistency and patience are key to get visible improvements. Always conduct a patch test before trying new products. If you have specific skin concerns, consult a dermatologist for personalised advice.
Healthy lifestyle choices
Clearer skin isn't just about external skin care, there are also lifestyle habits you can adopt to help achieve your skin goals:
Sun protection
Before heading out, make sure to apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 to protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, such as Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 50+. Additionally, avoiding the sun during peak hours and wearing protective clothing can further safeguard your skin from potential harm.
Gentle care
Using the wrong products or techniques in your daily cleansing can take a toll on your skin and could irritate sensitive blemish-prone skin. To ensure that your skin care routine is kind and gentle to your skin, you may want to avoid strong scents and soaps, and avoid using skin care products that clog your pores.
Stop smoking
Smoking can be harmful not only to your health but also to your skin, leading to premature ageing, wrinkles, narrowed blood vessels, reduced blood flow, and both lower collagen and elastin levels.
Balanced diet
A balanced diet with minimal sugars and refined carbs could benefit your skin. Eating a high glycaemic index (GI) diet could trigger breakouts - these include sugars, sugary foods and carbohydrates like bread and potatoes. Studies suggest that a low food low GI diet, or reducing dairy intake, could help you achieving healthy-looking skin.
Stress
Our emotional well-being and stress levels can significantly impact the clearness of our skin.1,3 It’s a good idea therefore to reduce stress and you can achieve this by making a to-do list or taking part in activities that help you to relax and feel calm.
The bottom line
Achieving clearer skin requires dedication and a well-rounded approach. By following a consistent skin care routine, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and incorporating the right products into your skin care routine, you can help manage skin blemishes and be on your way to radiant, glowing skin.
FAQs
What is blemish prone skin?
Blemish-prone skin refers to skin that is susceptible to developing blemishes and breakouts. Types of blemishes include pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and red and dark spots. People with blemish-prone skin tend to have a higher likelihood of having clogged pores, excess oil production, and inflammation on their skin.1-3
How to get rid of blemishes fast?
While it's not always guaranteed to get rid of skin blemishes quickly, there are steps you can take to support the process, such as healthy lifestyle choices and maintaining a skin care routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and using appropriate products can help manage and prevent blemishes. Consistency and patience are key to seeing visible improvements.
What skin type is least likely to have blemishes?
If you have normal to dry skin, you’ll be less prone to blemishes compared to other skin types, because your skin barrier is in balance. However, factors such as genetics, hormones, and lifestyle can influence the likelihood of skin blemishes regardless of your skin type.1-3
What to use for face blemishes?
When you experience skin blemishes in your face, consider incorporating a gentle cleanser and an effective moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and your skin barrier balanced. We recommend using Cetaphil Gentle Clear range: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Cream Cleanser, Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple Action Blemish Serum, and Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Blemish Moisturiser.
Always perform a patch test before applying new products to your entire face, and consult a dermatologist if you have specific concerns or persistent issues.
How long does it take for blemishes to clear?
With Cetaphil’s Gentle Clear Routine, that incorporates Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Cream Cleanser, Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple Action Blemish Serum, and Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Blemish Moisturiser, you could see results within just 7 days when you use these products regularly and together.
