Have Clear Skin Naturally

Getting clear, glowing skin can be a challenge for some people. Many ingredients in commercial products can cause further irritation and lead to more problems, especially if you have sensitive skin. Try to have clear skin naturally by avoiding harsh chemical products. Use a combination of natural cleansers, organic products, and healthy lifestyle habits to nourish and protect your skin.

Steps

Purchasing Natural Products

1. Purchase products made from natural ingredients. Staying natural doesn’t mean you have to avoid buying products from the store. Look for products that use natural ingredients.
   • Opt for unscented products – fragrances are often chemical-based.
   • Choose moisturizers, makeup, and deodorants that are paraben-free. Check the ingredients for anything ending in –paraben, such as ethylparaben or propylparaben.
   • Look for products that are noncomedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores.
2. Find brands that are all-natural. Some companies make cosmetics and beauty products that are natural and organic. They may be pricier than a regular store-bought product and you may have to shop for them online, but if your goal is to stay all-natural then consider some of these brands:
   • Herbivore Botanicals, 100% Pure, Ilia Beauty, RMS Beauty, Alima Pure, Elate Cosmetics, Au Naturale, Gabriel Cosmetics, Lotus Pure Organics, Tata Harper, Beauty by Earth, Afterglow Cosmetics, Zuii Organic, Vapour, Nudus, Jane Iredale, Nu Evolution, and Biba Lips.
3. Avoid products with harsh chemicals. Even if you choose products that aren’t 100% natural, you should still check the ingredients label. Some chemicals are very common in everyday products and, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may be harmful. Check labels and only purchase products that do NOT contain the following:
   • Butyl acetate, butylated hydroxytoluene, coal tar, cocamide/lauramide DEA, formaldehyde, diazolidinyl urea, ethyl acetate, petrolatum (petroleum), triethanolamine, triclosan, toluene, talc, sodium laureth sulfate, propylene glycol, and phthalates.
   • Be careful! Some products labeled as “natural” may still contain these chemicals, so be sure to check.
4. Use tea tree oil on breakouts. Treat acne breakouts with gels that contain at least 5% tea tree oil. This may be as effective as using the harsher chemical benzoyl peroxide.
   • Don’t use tea tree oil if you have rosacea.
   • Don’t drink tea tree oil – only use it on your skin.
   • Stop using this, or any product, right away if it causes skin irritation.
5. Wash your face every day. Wash one to two times a day with a gentle, oil-free cleanser to remove dirt and bacteria. Use warm water to wash, then splash your face with cool water to tighten your pores.
6. Keep your skin moisturized. Always use a natural moisturizer on your skin after bathing to keep your skin fresh and healthy. Get a moisturizer that suits your skin type, whether it’s dry, oily, or combination. Pat yourself dry after your bath or shower and apply lotion liberally.
   • Consider moisturizer with an SPF for everyday use.
7. Use cream or lotion when shaving. Always use shaving cream, lotion, or gel when you shave. Otherwise you can irritate your skin and are more likely to get breakouts, razor burn, or ingrown hairs. Use a clean, sharp razor.
   • If you’re prone to skin irritation, shave in the direction your hair grows, not against it.

Creating Your Own Skin Care Products

1. Use green tea extract for acne. Get lotion with 2% green tea extract to use on breakouts. You can also try washing your face with diluted green tea (cool, not hot). Steep a cup of green tea for about 5 minutes, then set it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to let it cool. Mix it with 2 cups of water and use it as a face wash.
   • For small acne-prone areas, place a cooled, moist green tea bag over the affected region for several minutes.
2. Make a natural face mask. You can use many natural food products to make nourishing face masks. Try a banana face mask by itself, or mix mashed banana with honey and plain yogurt. Let your natural masks set for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse them with cool water. Try a mix of 2 cups water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to use as a natural toner. For dry skin, try a 20-minute mayonnaise mask.
   • Also consider trying Try Fermented Skin Care!
3. Exfoliate with natural products. Exfoliating can clear your skin of old, dead cells and help fresh new skin to shine through. Make an exfoliating mask at home using fresh, natural ingredients. Try some of these natural methods, but remember that if using anything makes your skin sensitive or breakout, stop using it right away:
   • Mix baking soda with water and apply it for 10 minutes before washing it off with cool water. Use baking soda and aloe if you have sensitive skin. You can also try baking soda and honey!
   • Make an oil and sugar scrub by combining a tablespoon of brown or white sugar with two tablespoons of healthy oil, like coconut oil or olive oil. Massage this onto your face in small circles, then rinse it off with warm water.
   • Try other options like a coffee scrub or oatmeal scrub!
4. Lighten scars with lemon juice. If you have acne scars on your chest or back, you may be able to lighten them and lessen their appearance using lemon juice. Wash and pat the area dry, then apply fresh lemon juice with a cotton ball. Wash this off after about 10 minutes. Do this weekly and you may lighten your scars over time.
   • Lemon juice can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to cover up or wear sunscreen.

Changing Your Daily Routine to Improve Your Skin

1. Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water helps to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. In general, men should drink around 13 cups of water and other fluids daily (about 3 liters), and women should aim for 9 cups (2.2 liters).
   • Drink more if you sweat a lot, work out, or live in a hot climate.
2. Protect your skin from the sun. Limit your exposure to the sun during the middle of the day (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM) when rays are strongest. If you must be in the sun for extended periods, be sure to wear protection like a wide-brimmed hat. Cover exposed skin or wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Too much sun can cause skin cancer and dark splotches on your skin.
   • Try to use sunscreen made from natural products, or consider making your own Make Organic Sunscreen at home.
   • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
3. Quit smoking. Smoking lowers blood flow to your skin and causes skin damage and early wrinkles. Stop smoking now to benefit your skin (and the rest of your body, too). If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
   • Talk to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking. There are patches, gums, and medications that can make quitting easier.
4. Limit how long you soak in hot water. Hot baths and showers can strip your skin of oils and cause dryness and irritation. Stick to warm, not hot, baths and showers and limit how long you soak.
   • Chemicals like chlorine found in pools and hot tubs can irritate your skin. Be sure to shower after swimming and soap off with a gentle cleanser to remove harsh chemicals.
5. Limit how many products you use. The average teen uses 15 to 25 cosmetic products every day. Remember that the more products you use, the more chemicals you may be exposing your skin to on a regular basis. Wearing a lot of makeup can make your skin oilier and more prone to breakouts. Try to use minimal makeup and products and stick to those with simple ingredients.
   • Always remove your makeup before you go to sleep.
6. Leave your face alone. It can be tempting to pick at acne or scars, but do not rub or touch your skin lesions. In fact, avoid touching your face unless you’ve washed your hands first, as oil and germs from your hands can contribute to breakouts.
7. Decrease your stress level. High stress can make your skin more sensitive and prone to breakouts. Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, taking a walk – anything that helps you relax. If you have a stressful lifestyle due to work or family, practice mindfulness meditation or learn stress management skills.

Eating for Clear Skin

1. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Eating a generally healthy diet may be linked to having clearer, healthier skin. Base your meals on whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to eat a “rainbow” diet, including produce of many different colors in your meals – this is a great way to get the vitamins and nutrients you need.
2. Choose good fats. Stay away from bad fats in your diet, which may worsen the condition of your skin. Choose fish and poultry over red meat, remove poultry skin before eating, and cook with olive oil instead of butter.
   • Nuts like walnuts and cashews have lots of good fats and make a great snack.
3. Opt for whole grains. Eating refined carbohydrates like sugar and white breads may be detrimental to your skin’s health. Limit sugar in your diet by minimizing how many sweets and colas you have. Opt for whole grains like whole wheat pastas, breads, oats, and quinoa.
4. Get plenty of vitamin C. Getting sufficient vitamin C in your diet may contribute to healthier skin. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in every meal, especially some of the produce highest in vitamin C such as:
   • Citrus fruit and juice, like orange and grapefruit
   • Tropical fruits like cantaloupe, kiwi, mango, papaya, and pineapple
   • Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, and watermelon
   • Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
   • Peppers (green and red), tomatoes, and potatoes (sweet and white)
   • Leafy greens like cabbage, spinach, and turnip greens
5. Exercise 5 days a week. Exercising regularly can make your skin glow. An aerobic workout increases your heart rate and breathing rate. Walking, slow jogging, biking, and swimming are good options. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least 5 days per week.
   • Be sure to wash your face after your exercise routine – sweat and dirt can clog your pores.

Tips

• Avoid anything that puts pressure on or rubs against the skin (such as headbands or hats) as this increases the irritation of acne.
• Do not scrub your skin. Excessive scrubbing, especially with abrasive soaps, can cause irritation and worsening of your skin condition. If you like to use a facial scrub, only do so once a week, scrubbing gently and lightly.

Warnings

• If you have a reaction to any new product, stop using it right away. If you try these natural methods and still have problems with your skin, see a doctor or dermatologist.

Related Articles

• Have Clean and Clear Skin

Sources and Citations

See also

• Care for Your Face (Males)
• Heal Raw Skin
• Use a Glycolic Acid Peel
• Know if Sunscreen Has Expired
• Heal over Exfoliated Skin
• Wear a Face Shield
• Stop Hard Water from Ruining Your Skin
• Choose a Natural Sunscreen
• Wear Makeup when You Have Eczema
• Make a Charcoal Peel‐Off Facial Mask

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