How to Get Clear Skin in 1 Week

Co-authored by Joanna Kula

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 References Approved

Most people experience a time when they wish their skin would look better. Whether it's a sudden breakout or a longer-lasting issue, acne is the last thing you want to be worrying about for an upcoming event, whether its a school dance or a wedding. While maintaining clear skin ultimately requires consistent, systematic care and attention, there are fortunately plenty of things you can do to improve your skin in a hurry.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Store Bought Materials

1
Make your desired purchases. If you're looking for the most effective way to get clearer skin in a pinch, it's best to look first at store-bought options. Although you may feel desperate enough to lunge for the most expensive option, they aren't often significantly better than an inexpensive, over-the-counter alternative. For your weekly goal, you're going to want:
- A decent cleanser.
- A chemical-based exfoliant.
- An astringent or alcohol-free toner (depending on your skin.)
2
Apply a cleanser.^{[1]
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Research source} A good cleanser will effectively get rid of bacteria that has made its way into your skin. Although an impending deadline may have you heading to the dermatologist for a high-end cleanser, you may find a supermarket cleanser works just as well. Squirt a bit of the cleanser onto your hands and rub your face with it for around a minute. Using small, circular movements to get it around will ensure the cleanser is spread evenly. Rinse your face with warm water after the cleanser's been distributed.
- If you don't have a cleanser at hand, an anti-bacterial soap may suffice as an alternative.
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3
Exfoliate your skin. While a cleanser intends to wash out trapped bacteria, the purpose of an exfoliator is to scrub away dead skin particles, leaving your face much smoother than before. This step should come after you have used a cleanser; that way, the cells you want to scrub away will be vulnerable. There are a few ways you can go about this:
- Getting a physical exfoliator like a scrub or loofah can be an effective trick you can work into your daily shower. Massage your face with it once your facial pores have been opened. This is actually quite a satisfying technique, as your face will feel noticeably smoother afterwards.
- Chemical exfoliators contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and are generally preferred by dermatologists due to the fact that they're designed to affect the skin on a deeper level than a loofah.^{[2]
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  Research source} Rubbing your face gently in a small, circular motion for a few minutes should be enough to let the exfoliator do its work. Although they are referred to as chemically-based, chemical exfoliators are most often made with natural ingredients like sugar. However, though you may find chemical exfoliators to be a quicker fix than their mechanical and DIY counterparts, they run the risk of agitating sensitive skin and tend to be the most expensive route of the three listed. Nonetheless; a chemical exfoliator should result into at least a slightly pronounced radiance after one use, and if you're looking for a quick fix to have better skin fast, this option may do just the trick.
4
Use a skin toner. ^{[3]
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Research source} Toners are used to further cleanse the skin and minimize the visibility to pores. A good toner will help to restore your skin's natural pH balance and should be used following your cleanser and exfoliator. Toner may be applied lightly with a cotton swab. Again, like the prior steps, there are several ways you can go about getting a skin toner:
- If you have oily skin, using an astringent toner will help to remove the excess oil, keeping your skin in clean order. Astringents often have alcohol and salicylic acid among their ingredients and may be found at a supermarket or drug store.
- On the contrary, alcohol-free toners are available to those with dry skin; use of astringents runs the risk of drying out your skin if you're already lacking for proper oils. If you're unsure which toner is right for you, it may be helpful to check in with a dermatologist to get a second opinion.
5
Repeat your cleansing ritual twice daily for a week. If you're looking to get visibly clearer skin in a week, carry out the cleansing ritual twice every day; once in the morning, and a second time at night before bed. Not only will this virtually double the amount of cleansing in the given week, but this will also keep any progress from being lost during sleep.
- Keep your face clean and moisturized throughout the day. This includes keeping your hands away from your face. Touching your face will transfer oil and bacteria, potentially resulting in new pimples and blemishes.
- If it's hot outside, be sure to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
EXPERT TIP

Joanna Kula
Licensed Esthetician
Joanna Kula is a Licensed Esthetician, Owner and Founder of Skin Devotee Facial Studio in Philadelphia. With over 10 years of experience in skincare, Joanna specializes in transformative facial treatments to help clients achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, and radiant skin. She is also a contributing author for the prestigious Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa magazine and has been featured in a number of magazines including InStyle.

Joanna Kula
Licensed Esthetician

For extra help clearing your skin, schedule an appointment with an esthetician. Everyone's skin is different, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to getting clear skin. If you only have one week to clear your skin of blemishes, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a professional esthetician.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Taking the DIY Approach

1
Wash your face with lukewarm water each morning. Make sure the water isn't too hot, as this can strip your face of natural oils that are necessary for skin. You may want to try one of the simplest DIY remedies before resorting to storebought creams, particularly if money is a concern. Washing your face is a remarkably effective way to clear up your skin. If you have dirt and bacteria in your skin, hot water will open your pores, making it easier to clean the gunk out. Using a gently soaked face towel should do the trick. The water should be hot, but not so hot that it's painful to apply to your face.
2
Make a sugar-based scrub exfoliator. Chances are, you already have everything you need to make a sugar-based exfoliator at home! ^{[4]
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Research source} First, mix two tablespoons of sugar into 2 tablespoons of water. Once fully mixed, add another tablespoon of sugar and stir again. Drain out some of the excess water from your sugar mixture. Following that, splash some water on your face, and rub the mixture on each cheek in a circular motion for one minute each.
3
Make and use a lemon-based toner. If you're the DIY type, you can approximate a good toner at home with a lemon. Get about ten drops of lemon juice on your hands after you wash your face. ^{[5]
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Research source} Smear the drops on your face and wipe away after a few seconds. This should attend to the dirt particles your cleanser may have missed. Make sure to keep the lemon juice away from your eyes. The resulting irritation may be painful if applied carelessly. Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative toner if you don't want to use lemon juice.
4
Finish your cleanse by rubbing an ice cube on your face. This will comprise the end of your 'ritual'. This will close your facial pores again and keep dirt and bacteria from getting in, thus keeping your skin clear. Think of this step like patching up an airlock; now that you've opened up your skin and cleared out the muck, you'll want to close your pores back up again so your progress isn't undone.
- If ice cubes aren't available, a splash of cold water across the face should do, although it won't likely be as effective as the method above.
5
Repeat the above steps twice every day for a week. By making a bi-daily routine of this process, you're effectively doubling the amount of progress you can make in getting clearer skin, than if you were just doing it once in the morning. Making sure that your skin is well-tended before going to sleep is just as important as the morning.
6
Give your skin regular attention in the long-term. By the end of a week, even if your skin has not cleared up entirely, you should still have seen a noticeable improvement in the clarity of your skin. Although you won't need to repeat the cleansing ritual as often now that your skin is looking better, if you have a predisposition for acne, it's recommended you take the time to repeat it at least once a week for maintenance's sake. Although if you want you can keep doing it as normal, just to be safe.

Community Q&A

Question

Could I use citrus fruits or a citrus drink?

Community Answer

You can use lemon and orange juice on your face, but be careful. do a small spot and watch for a reaction, as citrus juices tend to be too acidic for the delicate skin on your face.
Question

Will turmeric help to get brighter skin?

Community Answer

Turmeric does help in skin brightening when mixed with some milk. Add just a pinch of turmeric to 2 tablespoons of rosewater or milk and apply with a cotton pad. Wash with lukewarm water after it completely dries, and then rub an ice cube on the skin.
Question

How many glass cups of water should I drink in order to get clear skin?

Community Answer

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Warnings

Don't irritate your pimples if you have any. Although popping them can feel good, you may run the risk of permanent scarring. Slower-acting methods like moisturizing are much safer.

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Helpful 137 Not Helpful 41
Don't use makeup that covers the face, like foundation. Foundation stores bacteria and may result in pimples. Besides, with clearer skin, you'll see less reason to be using it in the first place!

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Helpful 142 Not Helpful 54
While you've no doubt heard the advice for, it cannot be stressed enough that you should keep away from 'popping' pimples. This tempts long-term scarring, and isn't worth the short-term release.

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Never use herbal products before or after using any chemical containing cleansers or scrubs. It causes the skin to burn and itch.

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Helpful 13 Not Helpful 2
Make sure not to overdo it. Cleansing more than twice a day will cause your skin to overcompensate for the lack of good oils by producing sebum, which will clog your pores and create blemishes.

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