Are you on a quest to achieve clear skin on your face and body but find yourself confused by all the options for acne treatments out there? When it comes to achieving clear skin, it makes sense to start with the basics. By following some simple dos and don’ts, you can prevent acne flare-ups and help maintain clean, healthy-looking and clear skin. Read on for the best clear skin tips from the LovelySkin experts, including:

• What things should I be doing for clear skin?
• What things should I avoid doing for clear skin?

Clear Skin Tips: 5 Things to Do for Clear Skin

1. DO use a cleanser for acne-prone skin.

Starting and ending your day by cleansing your face will go a long way to achieve clear skin. “Washing your face with a cleanser specifically formulated for acne-prone skin will help eliminate dirt, bacteria, excess oil and built-up skin cells, all of which can contribute to breakouts,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO, Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Try LovelySkin Clarifying Gel Cleanser, which helps reduce breakouts with salicylic acid, glycolic acid and afaLUXE™, a dermatologist-developed molecule that helps spur cell turnover. To learn more about this acne-fighting gel cleanser, watch this video here.

2. DO use a gentle moisturizer.

Maintaining adequate moisture is important when it comes to keeping skin clear, as overly dry skin is also prone to breakouts. Replenish your skin’s moisture levels with help from Avene Hydrance Light Hydrating Emulsion. This lightweight emulsion is designed to help leave your skin feeling soft and plump, thanks to a combination of hydrating glycerin and Avene’s therapeutic thermal spring water.

3. DO try a salicylic or glycolic acid treatment.

“Because salicylic acid and glycolic acid are powerful exfoliators, they are highly effective ingredients when it comes to clearing up your skin,” Dr. Schlessinger says. To prevent future breakouts, try adding a toner or treatment containing one of these acids to your daily skin care routine.

Dermalogica Clear Start Flashfoliant is a unique foaming treatment that is easily applied to your face using your fingers and there’s no need to rinse it off! In addition to skin-clearing salicylic acid, this exfoliating foam also features tangerine peel extract to help brighten skin.

4. DO get enough sleep.

Did you know sleep deprivation can contribute to a number of skin issues, including acne? Getting a full night’s rest—that’s seven to eight hours for most people—allows your skin the time it needs to restore itself, resulting in a healthier-looking complexion.

5. DO clean things that touch your skin often.

Dirt, oil, acne-causing bacteria and dead skin cells can linger on surfaces that your skin touches often—such as your makeup brushes or phone—which can lead to acne, so it’s a good idea to regularly clean those items.

Laundering your linens regularly—both sheets and towels—can also help prevent breakouts on both your face and body. If you’re prone to body acne and want to keep maintain clear skin, it’s also a good idea to change out of sweaty gym clothes after a workout, so they don’t harbor bacteria that might irritate clogged pores and cause acne.

More Clear Skin Tips: 5 Things to Avoid for Clear Skin

1. DON’T touch your face without washing your hands.

As innocuous as it seems, touching your face often can contribute to acne as it transfers bacteria, dirt or oil onto otherwise clean skin. If you need to touch your face, try to wash your hands thoroughly with soap first.

2. DON’T pop or pick pimples.

When it comes to pimples on your face and body, you’ll want to avoid picking at or trying to pop them. Squeezing or popping a pimple can push bacteria, pus or dead skin cells deeper into your skin, which may cause more inflammation, an infection or even scarring.

3. DON’T scrub your skin.

Did you know that scrubbing your skin can potentially cause irritation and worsen acne? When washing your face, there’s no need to scrub with a washcloth. Instead, try using your fingertips to apply your cleanser and gently rub it on your skin in a circular motion. For best results, we recommend rinsing your face cleanser off using warm water, then pat dry with a towel and you’re on your way to clear skin!

4. DON’T skip a cleanse.

Sleeping in your makeup or skipping your morning or nightly face wash can contribute to acne. Makeup, dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells that may have built up on your face throughout the day could potentially lead to clogged pores overnight if left unwashed. If you’re exhausted after a long day and tempted to skip your evening face cleanse routine, removing makeup with a cleansing cloth is better than going to bed with makeup on.

5. DON’T skip sunscreen.

“While tanning or sitting in the sun can theoretically improve acne, it will absolutely harm your skin in the short- and long-term. There are so many better ways—and a dermatologist can help—to improve your acne without ending up with skin cancer later on in life,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Wearing a high-quality, full-spectrum sunscreen is not only important for protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, but it can also help clear skin if you choose a formula intended for acne-prone skin.”

One of Dr. Schlessinger’s favorite facial sunscreens is EltaMD UV Clear, an SPF 46 formula that helps clear skin and acne by encouraging improved skin texture with protection from skin care ingredients like niacinamide, transparent zinc oxide and octinoxate.

Still looking for more clear skin tips? We’ve got you covered! Read our latest blog post on How to Get Clear, Smooth Skin with Masks and Peels for more tips and tricks from the pros on how to maintain your beautiful, clear skin!