How to get clear skin

No one likes to see blotches, blemishes, flakes or premature lines and wrinkles on their skin when they look in the mirror. We would much rather see healthy looking, clear skin greet us each morning, giving us the confidence we need to tackle our days.

Unless you were born with incredible genes that keep your skin looking flawless, clear skin takes a holistic approach that includes more than your daily skin care routine.

To learn how to get clear skin, take a look at these skin care tips that can help you achieve your clear skin goals.

Beauty sleep: Benefits of sleep for skin

Getting a good night’s sleep is so important for your overall health, and that includes your skin. How many of us have woken up with dark circles under our eyes after a late night of working hard or playing hard? Getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night can help avoid those and support your overall skin health.

Why? Your body uses the time of deep sleep to repair and regenerate your skin, muscles, blood cells and brain cells. In addition, skimping on sleep can raise cortisol levels and lead to skin irritation and acne. (That’s why they call it beauty sleep!)

So get those benefits of sleep for skin by getting enough shuteye each night. Need some help getting there? Read these nine tips for getting a better night’s sleep.

Sun protection helps skin look its best

Don’t let the sun’s rays contribute to extra fine lines and wrinkles – use sun protection. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays is a major contributor to sun-damaged skin. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are known as the burning rays. They penetrate and can damage the top layers of your skin. Too much exposure causes sunburn and even blistering.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are known as the aging rays. They are more prevalent and absorb deeper into your skin, causing the pigment there to darken. These rays can pass through windows in your home or vehicle and are present even on cloudy days. It’s also the type of UV radiation associated with tanning beds.

Monitor your sun exposure and make sure your morning skin care routine includes sun protection. Four Artistry Skin Nutrition™ moisturizers have SPF 30 and have earned the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation: the Hydrating Day Lotion, Balancing Matte Day Lotion, Renewing Reactivation Day Lotion and Renewing Reactivation Day Cream.

Best foods for clear skin

A balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables gives your skin a good foundation. The best foods for skin include those that are rich in omegas; vitamins A, C and E; and antioxidants.

Plan a weekly meal of tuna or salmon to get your omega-3 fatty acids. Get skin-supporting vitamins A, C and E in leafy dark greens, eggs and avocados. And while antioxidants are found in a variety of foods, berries are a particularly good source. So stock up on whatever berries are in season – your skin will thank you!

Collagen supplements

Collagen, which is the most plentiful protein in your body, is the building block for skin. It is part of the dermis layer of the skin. Your body produces collagen naturally, but that production slows down with age.

You can support collagen production through a healthy diet and also consider collagen supplements in the form of collagen peptides to help your skin look healthier.

Drinking more water can support hydrated skin

Just like a healthy diet and adequate sleep, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water supports your skin as well as your overall health. Drinking water helps keep your skin plump and hydrated and helps maintain skin elasticity, which reduces the look of pores.

If you don’t get enough, your skin can turn dry, tight and flaky—and more prone to wrinkles. Experts recommend at least 64 ounces or just under 2 liters of water a day to help rehydrate your skin and flush toxins.

Don’t forget about your skin care routine

A regular morning and evening skin care routine can do wonders when it comes to supporting clear skin. Your skin cells are constantly growing and replacing themselves. But it doesn’t happen overnight—it takes skin cells 30 days or more to turn over and regenerate. That’s why consistency is key when it comes to a good routine.

Immediate results are rare in the realm of skin care, but by getting in the habit of a morning and night routine, you’re setting yourself up for skin success down the road. You wouldn’t do one set of crunches and expect to see defined abs immediately. The same goes for your skin!

Your ideal routine depends on your skin type and your personal preferences. At minimum, every routine should include a cleanser, toner and moisturizer. But there are plenty of targeted products out there to support your clear skin goals, especially when it comes to unwanted spots!

How to remove unwanted spots

Even when you’re following all the rules for clear skin, those unwanted spots can pop up at the most inconvenient times. The key is to be prepared to add products to your skin care routine. Some of the easiest and fun ways to tackle unwanted spots are the stickers, patches or dots for your skin.

Whether they’re designed to blend in or come in fun, colorful shapes, they provide targeted treatment for misbehaving skin. Artistry Studio™ Spot On Dots are clear and shaped like circles, hearts and stars. They are designed to help improve the appearance of those unwanted spots.

If dots aren’t your thing, you can try more traditional treatments that include Salicylic acid, such as Artistry Studio Done with Zit! Acne Treatment + Clearing Gel or Artistry Studio Rosé All Day Anti-Acne Toner + Pore Refresher. The salicylic acid gently exfoliates and brightens skin, shedding the old and welcoming the new.

Looking for more specialty skin care products to add to your routine? Check out all the Artistry™ serums, moisturizers, masks and lotions that can help you on your journey to clear skin!