Clear skin is an essential part of a winning wardrobe, and it’s the number one objective among people who are interested in skincare. Practice these habits and you're on your way to adopting a clear-skin mindset.
In this article you’ll learn:
- Why sunscreen is essential for clear skin.
- Why skin-checks are important.
- The best way to clean your face is not soap.
- Moisturizing does more than hydrate your skin.
- Clean shave = clear skin.
- Why you should cut down on foods with B12.
- How a bit of sunlight can help fight acne.
- How to get clear skin naturally.
- How Geologie can help fight acne
Clear skin tips
Clear skin is the holy grail of skincare. Here are 8 tips to clear skin, as described by Dr. Steve, Geologie's founding dermatologist.
Protect: If you’re going outdoors, wear sunscreen. According to Dr. Steve, the reason is as clear as the nose on your face. “Sun damage leads to all sorts of issues such as age spots, wrinkles, and even cancer,” he says. It’s imperative to apply protection to all exposed areas, including ears (often a site for undetected melanomas), neck, lips, and scalp (especially for those of us with thinning hair).
For best protection, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. In addition to the face, consider additional protection by wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses that offer UV protection. For more effective sun protection, shop for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.
Patrol: You must check your skin regularly. “You’re looking for any changes,” says Dr. Steve, “especially new spots or moles that bleed, itch, or change color or shape, because those can be early warning signs of cancer.” This routine becomes especially imperative for men over the age of 50, whose risk of developing the most lethal form of skin cancer, melanoma, is higher than most people. Caught early, all skin cancers are treatable. So make sure you check yourself each month.
Cleanse: It probably should go without saying, but washing your face regularly is an important part of your skin routine. Washing daily and after exercise with lukewarm — not hot — water and a gentle cleanser such as Geologie’s Bergamot Cedar Exfoliating Cleanser, which contains 2% salicylic acid, is the best way to ensure that your skin stays clean and acne-free. The salicylic acid will “swab the decks,” and de-clog the dead skn buildup that can prevent your skin from retaining moisture. Note: bar soap can strip your skin of moisturizer.
Moisturize: While your skin is still moist from a shower or shaving, you’ll want to apply a moisturizer. This traps moisture in the skin, which in addition to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, will also protect your skin from environmental stressors. We recommend Geologie’s morning cream, which contains hyaluronic acid, as well as the cell-rejuvenating ingredient niacinamide.
Shave Carefully: Shaving can be a major pain in the face, leading to such irritants as razor bumps and burns, as well as in-grown hairs that lead to acne. But that’s no reason to join the bearded. First, you may want to re-think your tools. For many, multi-blade razors can work too well, shaving too close to the skin. Try a single- or double-bladed razor. You’ll also want to work on your technique. Dr. Steve recommends shaving with the grain. Never dry shave, but make sure your skin is good and wet before you depilate. And remember to change your blade every five to seven shaves because dull blades are much more likely to irritate your skin.
Watch Your Diet: As with much of your health, your skin can be improved by watching your diet. Specifically, researchers have learned that an excess of Vitamin B12 can have a negative effect on your skin because it can fuel the growth of p acnes bacteria, the main driver for zits. And, while the research on this is rather new, it might be a good idea to reduce your intake of meat and dairy, which are high in B12.
Read the Label: We get it, it’s always easier to go for the graphics and ignore the fine print. When it comes to skincare, however, this can be a big mistake. Men with sensitive skin will want to look for products that are fragrance-free since products that have fragrances can leave skin feeling dry. “The ingredients you need depend on what your individual needs are,” says Dr. Steve, “For example, if you’re prone to acne, you should look for products that say either “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic,” because they won’t clog your pores.”
Sunlight in Moderation: Acne sufferers know that exposure to sunlight can work wonders for their condition. However, proceed with caution: “Sunlight does help with acne because the UV destroys the p acnes bacteria. But you don’t want to increase your risk of skin cancer and sunburn, so be very careful.” It’s much better — both short term and in the long run – to fight your acne using products like Geologie’s 0.2% Retinol Night Cream.
How to get clear skin naturally
Dr. Steve: Aside from washing your face, reducing B12 in your diet, getting moderate exposure to sunlight, getting clear skin naturally is a challenge for many people. We all need a little help, and just a few science-backed ingredients can do a lot.
How Geologie can help fight acne
Go personalized! Take our skincare quiz for an anti aging skincare routine personalized just for you.
Want something quick and easy? Try our Acne Duo, Sensitive Acne Duo or Extra Strength Acne Duo. This is our simple 2-step skincare solution made up of our salicylic acid face wash and retinol night cream - perfect for fighting breakouts.
Not ready for a routine? A good place to start is with our best selling Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser 2-Pack. The primary active ingredient is 2% salicylic acid – is an ace exfoliator that combats acne and oil, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.
Still not sure? Browse our entire catalog of acne skincare products.
