How to Get Clear Skin: 14 Tips from Dermatologists

We have been unkind, harsh, and even punishing in our pursuit of clear and flawless skin. It turns out that scrubbing, rubbing, and picking at our faces isn’t good for our skin. When it comes to obtaining clearer skin, dermatologists recommend including more gentleness in our skincare regimens.

At Skin and Shape Clinic, our experienced skin specialists in Andheri, Dr. Anju Methil, and Dr. Bijoy Methil, with competent knowledge and advanced technologies, have treated 20,000+ patients in a short span. 

Our unique approach of seamlessly blending surgical and non-surgical treatments, resulting in the ideal skin approach for our patients, distinguishes us from other top skin clinics in Andheri.

Our dermatologists offer tailored and result-oriented treatments for skin lightening, skin rejuvenation, and anti-aging such as Botox, fillers, and thread lift. We also provide cosmetic procedures like hair transplantation, facial reshaping, breast reshaping, etc.

In this article, our experienced skin doctor in Mumbai, Dr. Anju Methil, has given some tips on having clear skin.

Here are the 14 Tips for Getting Clear Skin

1. DO: UTILIZE A CLEANSING BRUSH

“A cleaning tool helps remove dirt, bacteria, and makeup from your skin,” says Dr. Anju Methil. Cleaning brushes exfoliate the skin’s surface, making it feel and look softer and smoother. Some bristles are too harsh, causing irritation and redness. Just make sure you are using an acne-specific gadget, she adds.

2. DON’T: USE ANY ORDINARY FACIAL WASH

Despite the common desire to pop the pimples away, dermatologists advise using a gentle cleanser explicitly developed for acne-prone skin. It may seem contradictory, but any cleanser that strips the skin of its natural oils can increase oil production, which can lead to more breakouts.

In other words, right there on your chin is the boomerang effect. It’s also a good idea to wash your face twice a day, in the morning and at night, to remove dirt, debris, and sweat. If you have had a tough workout, using a light cleanser afterward is always a wise option.

3. DO: USE A TONER 

Skin-stripping high-alcohol toner is a bad option for most people, especially those prone to acne. Instead, to prevent dead skin cells from clogging pores, Dr. Anju Methil, one of the famous dermatologists in Andheri, Mumbai, often recommends using a toner containing glycolic or salicylic acid after cleansing. In addition to balancing the face’s natural pH level, the appropriate toner can help soothe and calm the skin while reducing redness.

4. DON’T: PICK, POKE, OR POP 

Maybe you have seen the inevitable, stomach-turning videos where zit popping is glorified. You must keep an eye on them, but don’t follow their lead. Instead, use that energy to apply a spot treatment to a specific area. This will help to dry up the damaged region while also reducing irritation. Acne-clearing facials, peels, and skincare equipment can help you get rid of redness and get your skin back to normal.

5. DO: USE RETINOIDS

A topical retinoid can help acne treatments function better and sooner, preventing clogged pores. However, because these creams might be abrasive, start by applying only a pea-size amount to your face once every three days. You can gradually increase to a nightly application as your skin responds.

6. DON’T: FORGET TO USE SUNSCREEN

The misconception that sun exposure can burn away pimples has been disproved for a long. In fact, sun heat and humidity can trigger oil glands to become overactive, resulting in acne breakouts. To avoid breakouts, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen and apply liberally.

7. DO: USE CLAY 

Clay is an excellent companion for oily, acne-prone skin. It draws impurities from the skin and absorbs oil without drying, stripping, or stinging it. Apply a clay mask that contains cleansing enzymes and/or sulphur to cure acne breakouts and reduce redness if your skin is irritated. A clay mask should be used once a week, according to dermatologists.

8. DON’T: FORGET TO FEED YOUR FACE

It’s tempting to dismiss all of the conflicting messages about food—don’t eat pizza, grease breeds grease, chocolate is the enemy. A new study comes to the rescue! Sugar, high-glycemic meals such as white rice, white bread, pasta, and potatoes, as well as skim milk, have been reported to aggravate breakouts.

Dermatologists recommend anti-ant-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, green and black tea, and seafood. Supplements are a good option if getting those antioxidants through diet is difficult.

9. DO: CONSIDER LED LIGHT

If topical acne treatments aren’t working fast enough, consider using an LED (light-emitting diode) gadget.

LED treatment is a type of low-level light radiation. It enters the skin to create a variety of reactions and addresses various problems. This can help to heal wounds and regenerate tissue. The energy can also target germs, inflammation, and collagen production.

10. DO: CLEAN YOUR PHONE — AND AVOID TOUCHING FACE 

Your cell phone’s bacteria could cause acne to break out. It could result in zits on your cheek. Use earbuds instead of resting your phone against your face. We used to be cautious with our phones, but now we know that they can be cleaned with a disinfectant wipe or a cotton pad moistened with rubbing alcohol.

It’s also vital to be aware of how often your hands touch your face, whether you are on the phone or not, and to avoid touching your face entirely if possible. Dirt and bacteria are picked up on your hands, and transferring them to the skin on your face could lead to more outbreaks.

11. DO: GET SOME REST

There’s a reason it’s called beauty sleep. The skin heals itself while you sleep, generating collagen and repairing wounds. Not only do you get under-eye circles and bags if you don’t get enough sleep, but you are also more prone to have acne, fine lines, dehydration, and irritation.

Adults require at least seven hours of restorative sleep per night. Before going to bed, put off all the gadgets and soak in a warm tub or shower. The rise and fall of your body temperature during the night will make you tired and increase the quality of your sleep.

12. DO: STAY HYDRATED 

“One component of preventing and even cleaning acneic skin is maintaining proper skin hydration. “Staying hydrated is a crucial objective in having clear skin,” says Dr. Anju Methil.

“Nearly all forms of acne begin with the entrapment of dead cells within our pores,” she adds, noting that dry skin cells are more likely to become stuck in our pores. So, you can improve the healthy pace of eliminating dead cells from pores.

When it comes to staying hydrated, drinking the required amount of water will keep you hydrated from the inside out. Furthermore, hydrating the skin in the morning and night may keep it supple, soft, and nourished.

13. DO: THINK ABOUT YOUR MAKEUP OPTIONS

Dr. Anju Methil, our proficient skin specialist in Andheri, says, “Some elements often found in makeup might cause or promote acne.” These components include artificial scents, sulphates, and D&C, a red pigment that can cause acne.

In addition to looking for makeup ingredients, Dr. Anju Methil recommends washing off makeup before going to bed since “makeup residue can infiltrate the skin and block pores as we sleep.” “Because makeup brushes can accumulate bacteria and increase acne,” she recommends washing them once a week.

14. DO: APPLY THE PRESCRIBED TOPICAL MEDICATIONS 

Topical treatments often include BHA, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. These can help enhance the appearance of the skin and promote a clearer complexion. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your dermatologist to determine if these are right for you.

BHA, also known as salicylic acid, is particularly effective at getting deep into the pores. It acts to unglue dead cells from one another, allowing us to purge them. This helps to treat existing acne breakouts while also preventing new ones. Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment that acts as an exfoliator and an antimicrobial.

However, if your skin is dryer or more sensitive, salicylic acid may be preferable over benzoyl peroxide because benzoyl peroxide is usually more drying and irritating than BHA. Azelaic acid may be appropriate for you if you want clear skin and a brighter complexion. It works to bring clarity and can help promote a more radiant complexion.

The key to clearer skin lies in the products we use and the habits we develop. And, while we may not always use the most effective methods — think cleaning and plucking — it’s never too late to try something new. Gentleness goes a long way when it comes to our kin. This includes experimenting with new skincare regimes.

In the name of clear skin, Dr. Anju Methil advises that “more is not better” no matter your skin type. She recommends using products carefully and gradually introducing new acne treatments.