7-Step Clear Skin Routine

Step-by-step clear skin routine

Step 1: Cleanse your skin

Cleansing is the first and most crucial step in any clear skin routine. Choose a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser suitable for your skin type. In the morning, cleanse your face to remove excess oil and impurities that have accumulated overnight. Try using a gel-based cleanser with refreshing ingredients like vitamin C.  This will help you work up that glow before you hit the door.

In the evenings after a long day, add a double cleanse to your skincare routine for clear skin. First, use a micellar cleansing water to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants from the day. Try to use oil-based micellar water if you wear waterproof makeup throughout the day. Follow it up with a gentle face wash to purify your pores completely. Ensure your products are free from fragrance, paraben and alcohol to keep your clear skin routine gentle.

Step 2: Exfoliate at least 2-3 times a week

Exfoliation in a clear skin routine helps to remove dead skin cells, promotes cell turnover and prevents clogged pores. However, be gentle, as excessive exfoliation can cause irritation and damage your skin barrier. Your clear skin regimen should work towards strengthening your barrier. Go for an exfoliant with ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, as they are effective yet gentle on the skin.

Step 3: Use a toner

Toning is the next step in this clear skin routine as it helps to balance your skin's pH levels and tighten pores. Look for an alcohol-free toner with soothing ingredients. Apply it with a cotton pad or spray it directly onto your face and gently pat it in. Leave it on for a few minutes before hopping onto the next step of your skin routine for clear skin.

Step 4: Apply a serum

Serums are a great addition to all regimens, especially clear skin routines. They are packed with potent ingredients that target various skin issues. Look for serums containing hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamins C and E for antioxidants, or niacinamide for overall skin improvement. If you’re trying to repair your skin overnight, try to look for vitamin C serums that will help you fight oxidative stress. Gently massage the serum into your face and neck to boost its absorption. These serums also help you tackle existing blemishes like dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Every once in a while, when you want to make your skin routine for clear skin extra special, use serum sheet masks. You can also replace it with a sheet mask to provide intense hydration and target pimples to get clear skin. Under-eye masks are also a great addition to your clear skin routine.

Step 5: Moisturise your skin twice a day

Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Choose a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type—whether it's lightweight for oily skin or richer for dry skin. Apply moisturiser to your face and neck, ensuring even coverage. Moisturising twice a day maintains your skin's moisture balance and keeps it looking plump and youthful, helping your clear skin regimen. Go for gel-based moisturisers if you have an oily skin type. If your skin tends to go dry, pack your skincare routine for clear skin with richer yoghurt creams.

Step 7: Never skip sunscreen

Sunscreen is non-negotiable for any skin type. UV rays can damage your skin and cause premature ageing, pigmentation, and even skin cancer. Add a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50+ and PA++++ to your clear skin regimen. Apply it generously to your face, neck, and any exposed areas, and reapply every two hours when outdoors. If you’re not a fan of the heaviness and white casts, try a lightweight sunscreen serum instead of conventional sun protection. Keep your face shielded through the day by reapplying your sunscreen every few hours. A mist sunscreen comes in handy at such times.

Remember to be patient, as it takes time to see visible results. Despite having the best skincare routine for clear skin, you won't see results without consistency. So, tailor your clear skin routine to your specific skin type and concerns, and keep at it. Get yourself the right skincare products that suit your skin and build a clear skin routine with Garnier India. Check out more skincare tips and how-tos for everything you need to know about achieving flawless skin.