Table of Contents

I. Proper Skin Cleaning Methods

II. Avoiding Triggers

III. Lifestyle Tips for Clean Skin

IV. Practices to Avoid

Proper Skin Cleaning Methods       

Clear and healthy skin can improve confidence and keep conditions like acne, psoriasis, and rosacea at bay. These skin conditions are fairly common, so many products are available to treat symptoms. Those with acne may be prescribed Retin A (Tretinoin), available as a cream, gel, or micro gel pump. Rosacea is commonly treated with Oracea (doxycycline). For psoriasis, Tazorac (tazarotene) cream or Aczone (dapsone) gel may help relieve symptoms. You can avoid skin discomfort by properly cleaning the skin. Read on to learn the dos and don’ts of keeping your skin in pristine condition.

Keeping the skin clean starts with washing your face twice a day. Those who are prone to acne, psoriasis, or rosacea may have irritable skin, so using a mild face cleanser instead of regular soap may be best. Face cleansers should be applied with your fingertips in gentle, circular motions. Using lukewarm water to rinse off the cleanser is better for your skin than hot or cold water.

This is because extreme temperatures can damage the skin by drying it out. It is important to rinse off all the cleansers because leaving cleansers on the skin can cause irritation. Finally, you can pat the skin dry with a clean and soft towel. Do not rub the skin dry because it can remove moisture and cause irritation. [1] 

Studies have shown that moisturizing every day is just as important as daily face washing. Moisturizing traps water in the skin and keeps the skin hydrated. Many skin conditions are caused by dry or oily skin, so maintaining hydrated skin is very important. Some have found that combining moisturizers with their treatment helps hydrate the skin and cause less peeling and roughness. [1]

Avoiding Triggers

Cleansing your skin can go a long way in preventing skin disorders, but triggers in the environment can significantly reduce positive results. To protect your skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended. For those currently using creams or gels as treatment, apply sunscreen after applying your topical medication.

On clear days, wearing a hat and sunglasses may be helpful for avoiding direct ultraviolet rays. On the flip side, cold and windy weather can damage the skin, too. Protecting the face with a scarf during the winter can ensure that your skincare routine doesn’t go to waste. [2]

Sometimes, skin-damaging substances can hide in plain sight. Many skincare products may actually contain ingredients that hurt your skin more than they help it. Generally, dermatologists recommend avoiding products that contain these ingredients:

• Lactic acid
• Urea
• Camphor
• Menthol
• Glycolic acid
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Alcohol [1]

Lifestyle Tips for Clean Skin

Clean skin requires internal care as well as external care. Avoiding sugary foods can often make a big difference in reducing the risk of skin conditions. A healthy diet overall is also a major contributor to clean skin, and those who have existing skin conditions may find that a healthy diet reduces symptoms and discomfort. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the following have been known to ease symptoms of skin irritation:

• Aloe vera
• Fish oil
• Milk thistle
• Oregon grape
• Primrose oil
• Vitamin D [3]

A regular exercise routine may also improve skin health. Aerobic activity encourages blood flow, which improves the distribution of oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Exercises like running, swimming, and yoga are some great activities to get your blood flowing. Improved blood flow can also help to expel toxins more efficiently help, which improves the rate of skin cell regeneration. [4]

Practices to Avoid

To get the most out of your skincare routine, it is important to avoid doing things that can cancel out the effectiveness of your efforts. In an urge to fix acne symptoms quickly, many people make the mistake of trying new acne treatments every week. This can cause even more breakouts. Instead, you should wait six to eight weeks to see if acne treatments are working for you. Other common skincare mistakes include: 

• Popping pimples during breakouts
• Scrubbing your skin too hard
• Sharing makeup, makeup brushes, or applicators
• Sleeping in your makeup
• Washing your face more than twice a day [5]

At the end of the day, keeping your skin clean and healthy is all about balance. Proper skin care requires consideration of many factors, and getting all the variables right can be daunting. Luckily, most skin conditions can be treated fairly effectively. If you feel like you are prone to developing a skin disorder, work with your doctor or a dermatologist to find the most effective skincare routine for you.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.