There isn’t a magic eraser that will instantaneously remove acne or smooth your skin outside of Face tune. If you want to know how to obtain clear skin without spending a fortune, there are some simple actions you can do to brighten your complexion and make it feel softer—as long as you don’t have chronic adult acne or another skin disease.
We asked estheticians and dermatologists to provide their favourite skin-care methods and home treatments that are both quick and economical, as well as effective. While they aren’t a replacement for a good skin-care routine and won’t have the same long-term effects as lasers or injectables, experts say they can help.
Here’s our top advice on how to get clear skin—or at least clearer skin—for free at home.
- Magic of Facial Massages:Do you have swollen eyes? It’s no problem. You could certainly load up on eye cream… Alternatively, you could massage your undereyes with your fingertips. “Press softly on the orbital bone with your ring fingers, moving from the inner to the outer corners of your eyes and repeating two to three times,” explains celebrity facialist Cecilia Wong. “Not only will this increase circulation, but it will also aid to reduce inflammation and fine lines.”
- Use a silk pillow case/Change your pillowcases weekly: We hate to add to your laundry list, but keeping your pillows clean is an important beauty secret. Pillowcases can trap dirt, oil, and bacteria from our faces, hair, and environment, allowing acne to flourish. To lessen the chances of breakouts, change your pillowcase at least once a week. (In order to prevent “maskne” from forming, treat your face masks the same way and swap them out as often as possible.)
- Use gentle soaps: Harsh soaps are a no-no, according to SmitaRamanadham M.D., a plastic surgeon and creator of Skin by Dr. Smita. She claims that they can irritate your skin by removing its natural oils, which are necessary for hydration. “Using harsh soaps can exacerbate any existing health problems.
- Wash your hands: From touching doorknobs, keyboards, and other surfaces, your hands are contaminated with lots of bacteria,” says celebrity aesthetician Joanna Vargas. “By touching your face, you’re introducing bacteria to your skin, which can lead to breakouts and other skin issues.
- Make DIY masks: When it comes to exfoliation and blemish removal, avoid the DIY way and opt for professional-grade treatments. If you’re looking for hydration, though, you can make a moisturising mask in your own kitchen. Vargas says, “I have a terrific DIY at-home mask recipe for dry winter skin.” “It contains yoghurt, which has a lactic acid component and is anti-inflammatory, as well as avocado, which I recommend for any skin type because it is high in B vitamins and antioxidants.
