Did you know that I have no freaking idea how to put on makeup? Yup, I really don’t. I understand how to apply mascara, lip gloss, and I can grasp the general whereabouts of where to add highlighter, but that’s about it. My area of interest has never been makeup. Instead, it’s always skincare and having naturally clear skin. So if you’re tired of people pushing different beauty products at you, and you just want some straightforward habits for how to have clear skin naturally, keep reading. I’m sharing 21 of my best tips and habits to get naturally clear skin without hiding it under makeup.
(By the way, this isn’t an anti-makeup post. I actually really like the look of makeup, I just don’t know much about how to apply it!)
Before we dive into my tips for how to have clear skin naturally, let’s take a quick glance at some reasons you might not have clear skin at the moment.
Some reasons your skin might not be clear
Unfortunately, there are more than a couple reasons your skin might be breaking out right now. Your diet, your hormones, the kinds of products you use, how much stress you’re under, and the amount of sleep you get all play into your skin.
If your diet is a lot of greasy, processed foods, or contains a lot of dairy and sugar, that might be a factor in not having clear skin.
Your hormones may also be a bit out of balance. My chin always breaks out when I’m about to start my period, regardless of how many skincare products I use or how much pimple paste I smear on it. There are other hormonal causes for acne too, but of course I would suggest talking to your doctor about that.
It’s also possible your skin isn’t clear because it’s reacting negatively to certain ingredients in the products you’re using.
Stress and lack of sleep, as always, can wreak havoc on your skin as well.
Now, how do you go about dealing with all of these issues? Let’s jump on into my 21 best tips for how to get clear skin naturally!
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21 Tips to Have Naturally Clear Skin
1. Figure out your skin type
Finding out your skin type–be it oily, dry, combination, or acne prone–is super important so you can understand the needs of your skin. From there, you can build an awesome skincare routine around that (but more on that in step 3!)
My skin is a bit combination, but definitely acne prone.
Create a skincare routine that provides your skin with enough hydration if it’s dry, helps balance sebum production if it’s oily, or something in the middle if you have combination skin.
You can take a skin type quiz online like this one to get you started if you’re unsure!
2. Develop a consistent skincare routine to have clear skin naturally
If you don’t have a skincare routine, this is a great time to start one.
Having a consistent skincare routine that meets your needs is crucial to getting your skin calmed down.
I tend to buy anti-acne products, but I also like to buy skin calming products.
Need inspiration for your skincare routine? Check out my posts Simple Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin and My 6 Step Non Toxic Skincare Routine for some ideas to get started!
3. Never go to bed with your makeup on
Few things are worse for your skin than going to sleep with makeup still on your face. I know it’s hard when you’re exhausted and you just want to get in bed, but do your skin a favor and get all your makeup off before falling asleep.
When you go to sleep with makeup on, here’s what happens.
The makeup:
- suffocates your skin and clogs your pores;
- increases your chances of breakouts and skin irritation;
- prevents your skin from the natural exfoliation process that happens while you sleep;
- traps dead skin cells and bacteria, which can eventually cause premature aging;
- causes your skin to look dull.
Obviously, none of those things are going to help you have clear skin.
So, I have two favorite ways to get makeup off super quick.
Method 1 is to use an oil based cleanser (I use this nontoxic cleansing balm that you can grab at Target). Then, after I rinse off the balm I cleanse one more time with a regular cleanser.
I use this non toxic, anti-acne cream cleanser.
Method 2 is super lazy, but it gets the job done. I just clean my makeup off with micellar water and a cotton pad. Micellar water is my favorite lazy way to clean my face, whether I’m wearing makeup or not.
4. Stay hydrated
Of course, the answer to everything is to “drink more water,” right? Well, it’s very possible that drinking more water is also one answer to having clear skin naturally. Though admittedly, the data is a bit limited.
Drinking more water promotes skin hydration, while dry skin can cause excess oil production, which leads to acne.
Not only that, but staying hydrated helps support your immune system to fight off infections, which can help fight off the bacteria that fights acne.
For all the gory details on how water can help you have clear skin naturally, you can check out this article.
5. Change your pillowcase–more often than you think
If you have oily skin or are prone to acne breakouts, you need to wash your pillowcase very frequently.
Like, every 2-3 days. Really.
Your pillowcase is trapping your face and hair oils, allergens, dust mites, and bacteria. Not to mention dead skin cells (ick.)
To help you have clear skin naturally, make a habit of washing your pillowcase every couple days.
If frequent washes just for a pillowcase are inconvenient, you can stock up on multiple pillowcases so you can swap them out when it’s time, then bulk wash them with the rest of your laundry on laundry day. That’s what I personally do.
You can also check out this pillowcase I found online that has “pages” so you can turn a new one over for a clean surface every night.
6. Eat a clean diet
Studies have suggested that your diet plays a role in your skin, although more research is needed.
The problem with eating a lot of foods with refined carbohydrates and added sugars is that those ingredients cause your blood sugar level and insulin to spike, which can cause acne.
Like I said, more research is needed to have a super solid answer. But it’s better to choose clean, whole foods over greasy, sugary and fried foods if you want to have clear skin naturally.
7. Consume more nutritional foods
If you really want clear skin, you can do more than just avoid “junk food.”
Feed your body the nutrients it needs and you’ll see the benefits reflected in your face. Basically, make the inside beautiful and the outside will naturally be more beautiful, too.
I’ve summed up this beauty article’s list of foods that have been scientifically proven to help clear up your skin. (I left out a couple because I’ll go into greater detail about them in the next few points.)
For naturally clear skin, consume more:
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics
- Low glycemic index foods (like sweet potato, quinoa, vegetables and chicken)
- Berries
- Leafy greens
- Turmeric
- Eggs
- Brazil nuts
- Citrus fruits
- Good oils
- Fish
Get more of these foods in your diet so you can give your body the best chance at having clear skin–not to mention giving it tons of other health benefits.
8. More green tea–in everything
Green tea is such a powerhouse for beauty, it’s ridiculous.
You’ve probably heard that drinking green tea helps burn belly fat, but it also promotes naturally glowing and healthy skin.
Green tea is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory ingredient, so it soothes the skin and fights against the free radicals that cause premature aging.
Drink green tea as often as you want (unsweetened), but to get naturally clear skin I highly suggest you apply it topically as well. Look for skincare products infused with green tea extract or matcha to get all the antioxidant benefits you can.
Green tea skincare products are especially great for those with oily and acne prone skin because it helps reduce excessive sebum production.
My favorite skincare products with green tea are these clean under eye patches, and this green tea face wash. My new favorite sunscreen mentioned below also contains green tea extract!
10. Wear sunscreen
I know you’re not surprised to see this one on the list.
No more excuses, you beautiful and occasionally sunburned soul. Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from free radicals, sun damage, premature aging and dark spots.
Make sure you choose a non toxic mineral sunscreen for the face that won’t clog your pores or have potential health and environmental concerns.
My new and absolutely FAVORITE mineral face sunscreen I’ve ever tried is the Bliss Block Star. You can see from the photo above that it comes out a nude/brown color (although it’s not tinted!). It’s described as “invisible daily sunscreen,” and I honestly can’t believe just how invisible it is. Before I took this photo, I already had applied the sunscreen earlier in the day, so you can see how well it blends into my skin.
Grab it at Target or online. It goes on matte, it’s not greasy in the slightest, and has zero white wash effect.
11. Get plenty of sleep
When you’re tired, so is your skin.
You need to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep a night to give your skin rest.
During your sleep is when your skin goes through its rejuvenation and natural exfoliation process. Which means when you slack on your sleep, you’re also taking the time away that your skin needs to heal and revive itself.
It’s also why your evening skincare routine is such a great opportunity to nourish your skin to the max, because your skin has all night to soak in those ingredients.
Not only that, but when you’re sleep deprived your stress levels rise, which can cause acne breakouts.
12. Try to avoid/manage stress to minimize the length of breakouts
Look, I get it. You deal with stress on a daily basis. So do I, so does your boss, so does Beyonce. But unfortunately, for those of us who already struggle with acne, stress can make acne worse.
According to this article, while stress can’t cause acne (contrary to what I used to believe), it does have an effect on how long it takes your acne to heal and fade away. So to have clear skin consistently and naturally, you have to learn how to manage your stress.
Of course, just saying “Don’t stress!” is like telling someone “Just be positive!” It’s way, way harder than it sounds.
Learn how to manage the stress you have to face, and avoid any stress that–let’s be honest–you just kind of fall into, even though no one asked you to stress about it.
If you know you’re overly stressed, try different breathing exercises or meditate to calm yourself. Learn to step away from certain people and situations without engaging in arguments or drama. Take a spa day.
There are always ways to decrease stress and the effects of it on your life. Get creative! If you need some advice, then send me an email or a DM on Insta. I’ll see if I can help out.
13. Exercise regularly
Exercise isn’t just going to make your body look good. It can actually help you get clearer skin, too.
How? Well, exercise increases your blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin. That makes it look healthier and gives it a natural glow.
Exercising also supports collagen production, which helps your skin cells regenerate and can have an anti-aging effect over time.
Plus, working out is a great way to reduce stress. Which, as we already discussed, helps your skin clear up faster.
That said, sweat clogs pores, so make sure you cleanse your skin thoroughly after a workout–both your body and your face. And don’t workout with makeup on, because that’ll clog your pores for sure. Always work out fresh face and re-hydrate big time.
14. Avoid dairy
When I was in college, my best friend would make fun of me because I’d often fill up a glass with milk and drink it with my meal. I don’t know, I just loved milk. And to this day, she still thinks I’m crazy for how often I drank it straight up.
The problem was, I had terrible acne in college and I had no idea that milk was an inflammatory substance.
Certain studies, referenced here, have suggested that ice cream and milk are linked to acne due to the casein and whey. However, other dairy ingredients like cheese and yogurt don’t seem to be a cause of acne, most likely because the prebiotics in cheese and yogurt counteract the negative effects of dairy, so it evens out.
So go on. Eat cheese. Add yogurt to your smoothies. But if your goal is to have clearer skin, consider switching to a plant based milk and eating plant based ice cream.
Oat milk is my number one suggestion, but coconut milk and almond milk are good options too.
For my latte loves, the Califia Farms barista plant-based milks are my very favorite.
15. Take collagen supplements
Collagen is amazing for so many health reasons, and beautiful skin is no exception.
If you want skin that’s not only clear, but looks young, supple, and glowing, then collagen is the answer.
Collagen supplements support skin elasticity and hydration, while having an anti-aging effect. Studies have shown that taking a collagen supplement consistently can actually lessen the depth of wrinkles you have.
I usually get my collagen from Earth Fed Muscle or Naked Nutrition because both brands use clean ingredients and I turn to them for just about any supplement needs I have, but you can always check out other collagen options on Amazon, too.
16. Use facial oils for your skin type
Facial oils have a bit of a bad rep among people with oily skin, but they can actually offer a lot of benefits.
Yes, there are facial oils that are perfect for the acne prone, the oily, the dry, and the combination skin people.
Face oils calm, soothe, regulate sebum (oil production), and more. They’re like a silky cocktail of nutrients that fit perfectly into the last step of your skincare routine (well, after moisturizer but before sunscreen).
As someone who struggles with acne and acne scarring, rosehip oil is my all time favorite oil choice. It soothes the skin and helps fade my acne scars. Another option for acne prone skin is pomegranate oil. I apply my face oils after my moisturizer.
For oily skin, facial oils like jojoba oil or grapeseed oil are best. Jojoba oil is more breathable, while grapeseed oil is for those with the oily-est of skin. Dab your face oil on over your moisturizer to avoid clogging pores or blocking the benefits of your moisturizer.
If you’ve got dry skin, a hydrating oil like almond oil or marula oil is a good option. Mix in a couple drops with your moisturizer to apply.
If you have sensitive skin, try moringa oil or aloe vera oil. These have antioxidants, and will moisturize your skin without being overly oily.
And finally, if you’ve got combination skin, try an oil like jojoba oil because it’s both lightweight enough to not be overly oil, but hydrating enough to support dry skin.
For best results, use a jade roller over your oil to help it soak in even better.
17. Try a chemical exfoliator
I always liked physical exfoliators, like face scrubs and little face sponges used to slough off dead skin cells. It was just so satisfying to scrub it all away.
But chemical exfoliators are just as amazing, if not more so.
Use a chemical exfoliator to rid your skin of dead cells and clear your pores to leave behind clear, glowing skin.
Some chemical exfoliators take some getting used to, so be sure to patch test before applying it to your whole face.
But chemical exfoliators are one of my favorite ways to help my skin renew itself. Consistent use has always helped my skin clear up and helped fade my acne scarring.
If you’re skin isn’t sensitive and it can handle strong toners, I’ve heard this acid toner from The Ordinary worked really well for people with acne.
18. Use gentle products for sensitive skin
We’re often tempted to use harsh products if we have acne, in an attempt to dry it all away. However, if you have sensitive skin that tends to react easily, consider using gentle products that won’t irritate your skin.
Sometimes, less is more and you just need to let your skin rest a bit, instead of pounding it with product after product.
Avoid astringents, alcohol-based products, harsh exfoliants, and anything that lists “fragrance” as an ingredient. “Fragrance” is a blanket term in the beauty industry that can mean basically anything, so it’s best to avoid it altogether if your skin is easily irritated.
19. Use an alcohol-free toner to have clear skin naturally
Toners are a great way to get clear skin. They help your pores appear smaller, help remove any last bits of oil or makeup that your cleanser missed, and they can help soothe and hydrate your skin.
However, a lot of toners have alcohol. Those toners can dry out your skin or cause irritation, so you definitely want an alcohol-free toner.
If your skin has specific needs, you can search for a toner that’s right for you. But the Thayers Witch Hazel toner is usually a great option for anyone. You can grab Thayers toner at Target, or just about any store or pharmacy with beauty products.
Though I used Thayers for years, my new favorite is this non toxic, professional grade toner. It’s a resurfacing, acid toner that’s alcohol-free and chemically exfoliates to brighten and clarify your skin.
I use it only 3 times a week because it’s pretty strong, but I’ve already noticed my skin looking newer, brighter and much less dull. It’s surprisingly affordable and it’s now a staple in my skincare routine.
20. Switch to natural, cleaner makeup products
If you get breakouts, irritated skin, clogged pores, or tiny bumps on your skin pretty consistently, your makeup products might have something to do with it.
If you’re not already using clean, natural makeup, then slowly phase out your current makeup products and swap them for cleaner brands.
A lot of cosmetic products contain cheap and toxic ingredients that may be irritating your skin. Aim for makeup products from cleaner brands by shopping in the “Clean” section of Target Beauty and Sephora.
And keep in mind that some brands claim to be “clean” or “non toxic,” but their ingredients list still includes sketchy, problematic and potentially toxic ingredients.
Some main cosmetic ingredients to make SURE to avoid include parabens, phthalates, PEGs, and synthetic fragrances.
For lots more information on clean beauty, check out My Non Toxic Skincare Routine. Yes, it’s specifically for skincare but it has lots of information about toxic ingredients in makeup too! You’ll also find my free list of toxic beauty ingredients to avoid!
21. Clean your makeup brushes
Just like your pillowcase, you need to clean your makeup brushes and sponges.
And apparently, you need to clean them a lot. According to my research, you should soak your makeup brushes like concealer and foundation brushes at least once a week.
For eyeshadow brushes and liner brushes, you can get away with washing them twice a month.
Keeping your makeup brushes and sponges clean is essential to prevent the buildup of bacteria on your sponges and brushes, which can cause your skin to break out.
Conclusion to How to Have Clear Skin Naturally
That’s a wrap, friend! By now, you have 21 helpful tips for how to have clear skin naturally. These tips will help you make sure you’re doing everything you can in your power to have clear, healthy skin that you feel confident in.
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Til next time, ya hot tamale.
