How to Get Your Clearest Skin Ever

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Unfortunately, for most, clear skin doesn’t just happen. For the majority, it’s the result of a strict skincare regimen full of tried and tested blemish-busting formulas and potent ingredients. If you’re still searching for perfection, follow our guide to your clearest skin ever, featuring useful tips and spot on product suggestions. Your dream skin is just a few steps away…

Keep It Clean

While you may have heard this time and time again, we can’t stress the importance of a thorough cleanse, and by thorough we mean once in the morning, once before you go to bed and definitely before and after exercise. However, be mindful not to over-wash your face, as washing too vigorously can strip skin of its natural oils, which can cause irritation.

Ideal for congested skin, Odacite’s Black Mint Cleanser contains active charcoal and rhassoul clay – the dream duo for drawing impurities out of pores. Plus, it’s packed with rejuvenating peppermint, making it as potent as the first coffee of the day but for skin.  Use it in the morning to wake up a tired, sluggish complexion.

To Squeeze Or Not To Squeeze?

An age-old question. The general rule is to resist as pimple popping spreads blemish-building bacteria and leads to inflammation and scarring. The better option is to dry spots out using a targeted treatment containing acne enemy number one, salicylic acid. This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) works to loosen and break up the ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together and essentially clogs pores, leading to breakouts. We swear by Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for this and Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.

Stress Less

It’s very well documented that the release of cortisol AKA ‘the stress hormone’, leads to the increase of oil production which can cause blocked pores and eventually whiteheads. While it’s not always easy to remain calm, especially in the midst of our busy modern lives, a stress-free mind is beneficial for a clear complexion. Regular exercise is a great way to combat stress, as are lunch time walks in the open air, breathing rituals, meditation, and indulgent candle-lit baths.

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The potent properties of essential oils can be used around the clock to help de-stress both mind and body and help with clearing up skin. Antibacterial, healing oils such as tea tree, geranium, lavender and clary sage are all great options for calming oily blemished skin. We love Aesop’s Anti-Blemish Masque for its clay-based formula which is enriched with tea tree leaf and evening primrose oil to really help clarify and calm blemish-prone skin. Use as an immediate treatment or even try overnight.

Don’t Fear Moisturiser

Hydration is key for a clear complexion. When skin becomes dehydrated and dry it tends to go into overdrive and overcompensates by producing more oil than is necessary, which can in turn lead to unwanted breakouts. Contrary to popular belief, oily complexions need hydration too. If your skin is on the oily side, look for formulas that are oil-free so as not to confuse your skin and cause congestion.

Murad’s oil-free Mattifier not only helps keep your skin hydrated, it’s packed with African yellow wood bark extracts to help reduce oiliness and minimise unwanted shine. You’ll also be protected with SPF 45 too.