Skin Care Protocols | 17 July, 2025

How to get clear skin

Having clear, glowing skin is something many of us strive for. It boosts confidence and contributes to a healthy appearance.

If you're wondering how to get clear skin, here's what you need to know: it requires dedication, the right routine, a balanced lifestyle, and effective ingredients to target specific concerns.

Establish a consistent skincare routine

Having a routine that you stick to daily can keep your skin clean + hydrated. This allows you to address common issues like blemishes, dryness, and oiliness. A step-by-step skincare routine typically includes the following:

• Cleansing: Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Cleansing twice daily—once in the morning and once at night—removes dirt + impurities, helping to prevent clogged pores + breakouts.
• Exfoliation: Exfoliating 1-2 times a week removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. Over-exfoliating can irritate, though, so it's essential not to overdo it.
• Toning: After cleansing, apply a toner to help restore your skin's pH balance. This step can also prepare your skin to absorb serums + moisturizers effectively.
• Targeted treatments: This is the time to use serums or treatments targeted at specific 
  concerns like pigmentation or fine lines.
• Moisturizing: Moisturizing is crucial for maintaining hydration and protecting your skin's natural barrier. Choose a hydrator that fits your skin type. Lightweight gels work well for oily skin, while rich creams are perfect for dry skin.
• Sunscreen: Always finish your routine with sunscreen in the morning. SPF is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer.

Consistency is key when it comes to skincare for clear skin. Skipping steps or using products irregularly can hinder your results. Stick to your routine and give your skin time to show improvement.

Target skin concerns with active ingredients

Active ingredients are substances in skincare products that help address specific concerns. When choosing products, focus on what's most important for your skin.

Blemishes

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside the pores. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that cause pimples and reducing inflammation, while niacinamide can reduce any redness + irritation.

Discoloration

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. It also boosts collagen production and contributes to firmer skin. Alpha arbutin inhibits melanin production and helps fade dark spots + discoloration over time.

Dryness

Hyaluronic acid is a moisture-binding ingredient that hydrates the skin, leaving it plump + smooth. Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture from the air into your skin, making it ideal for dry skin types.

Aging

Retinol is a powerful ingredient for reducing fine lines + wrinkles. It increases collagen production and accelerates skin cell turnover. Peptides, which are chains of amino acids, help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of aging skin.

Oily skin

Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties and helps control excess oil production to prevent breakouts. Clay masks, such as those with bentonite or kaolin clay, absorb excess oil and work to mattify the skin.

Maintain a healthy diet

What you eat can have a significant impact on your skin. A well-balanced diet provides the nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy + clear. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle helps reduce skin stressors.

Be sure to include plenty of fresh fruits + vegetables rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Foods high in vitamins A, C, and E can support healthy, clear skin. For example, carrots, spinach, oranges, and almonds are great choices.

Some studies suggest that high sugar intake and excessive dairy consumption can contribute to 
breakouts. While the research is still ongoing, it may help to reduce these in your diet to see if it makes a difference.

Drink plenty of water

People often wonder: does drinking water really help clear your skin?

Drinking plenty of water is a vital step in your clear skin routine. Water helps to keep your skin hydrated and flushes out toxins. 

Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Protect your skin from the sun

Sun exposure is one of the most damaging things for your skin. Make sunscreen a part of your morning routine, even on cloudy days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.

Whenever possible, stay in the shade or wear protective clothing, like hats + sunglasses, to minimize direct exposure to the sun. Rays are the strongest between 10am-4pm. If you can, try to limit your time in the sun during these hours.

Even if you're not at risk for skin cancer, prolonged sun exposure can cause age spots, wrinkles, and a dull complexion, so sun protection is vital for clear skin.

Get enough sleep and manage stress

Lack of sleep and high stress can both lead to breakouts + irritation. It's essential to prioritize rest and manage stress to maintain clear skin.

During sleep, your skin repairs itself. Adequate rest helps maintain healthy skin and reduces 
inflammation, so always aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

Unwind before bed with activities like reading, meditation, or taking a warm bath. This can help you relax and fall into a deeper, more restorative sleep.

Deep breathing + yoga can reduce stress levels and keep your skin calm. Stress hormones like cortisol can increase oil production and contribute to blemishes, so finding suitable relaxation techniques is important.

Clear skin starts with ZO®

Achieving clear skin takes time + dedication. Taking the right approach can enhance your skin's appearance and contribute to your overall well-being.

Everyone's skin is unique. Be patient and experiment with what works best for you. For support + advice on what's best to use for your skin, find your local ZO® Partner or reach out to our team of experts.