How to Get Clear Skin at Home

The key to getting clear skin at home is setting up and following a proper skin-care routine that involves the use of acne medications like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing are three of the most important methods of keeping skin even-toned and blemish-free. As long as you make sure to follow a proper skin care routine, you can reap the benefits of clear skin.

Things You'll Need

• Salicylic acid facial cleanser
• Toner
• Oil-free moisturizer
• Benzoyl peroxide lotion
• Facial scrub
• Deep-cleansing mask
• Clean towel

Instructions

Morning Routine

1. Start the morning by washing your face with a gentle salicylic acid facial cleanser. This will remove bacteria, dirt and oil while the salicylic acid penetrates pores to unclog them. Pat face dry with a clean towel.

2. Pour a few drops of facial toner onto a cotton pad and apply all over your face and neck. Toners remove excess oil and even out skin tone.

3. Finish up with an oil-free moisturizer to prevent skin from drying out. Salicylic acid can cause dryness, so it's important to moisturize. Make sure to use an oil-free moisturizer to prevent pores from getting clogged.

Evening Routine

1. Before bed, wash your face again with the cleanser. Pat face dry.

2. Apply a dime-sized amount of benzoyl peroxide lotion all over your face. Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful acne medicine that is best used as a preventative measure because it destroys the P. acnes bacteria that cause pimples in the first place.

3. Wait about five minutes for the benzoyl peroxide to dry before going to bed. Benzoyl peroxide can cause bleaching of fabrics, so be careful with your pillow and sheets.

Weekly Treatments

1. About two to three times a week, exfoliate your face with a salicylic acid or glycolic acid facial scrub to slough off dead skin cells.

2. Apply the scrub onto a wash cloth and gently massage your face in circular motions. Use a facial scrub sparingly because it can cause irritation if overused.

3. Once a week apply a deep-cleansing mask all over your face and neck, and leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes. A deep-cleansing mask cleans pores, dries out pimples and rejuvenates the skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a clean towel when drying your face. To prevent the transfer of bacteria, don't share your face towel with anyone else.

• Discontinue use of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide if excess irritation, redness or flaking occurs. Contact a dermatologist immediately if redness or irritation persists for more than a few days.

References

• Skin Care Regimen

Resources

• Salicylic acid cleanser
• Facial toner
• Oil-free moisturizer
• Benzoyl peroxide lotion