How to Improve Your Skin Complexion

Co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Last Updated: December 4, 2022 References Approved

Having nice skin takes more than just using the right products. You also have to take good care of your skin and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have skin issues that can’t be managed with at-home remedies and lifestyle changes, you may wish to seek professional treatments.

1

Wash your face at least once or twice a day.

Washing your face will help get rid of all the dirt, grit, and oil on your skin. According to dermatologist Margareth Pierre-Louis, daily face washing also prevents you from developing a mild yeast infection on your skin.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.} Washing your face too often, however, will strip the moisture and natural oils from your skin. This will cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate.^{[2]
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Research source} In turn, this will lead to even more breakouts and acne.
- If your skin gets oily during the day, try blotting the oily spots with blotting papers. You can find them in most beauty shops.
- Avoid using hot water when washing your face. Hot water can be very drying. Use warm water instead, and rinse with cool water when you are done.^{[3]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Always wash your face and remove your makeup before going to bed. If you leave makeup on, you may clog your pores and end up with a breakout.

2

Use a gentle facial cleanser meant for your skin type.

Try finding a cleanser that is also exfoliating to clear dead skin. There are different types of cleansers available, and some are meant to help certain problems, such as acne, oiliness, or dryness. When choosing a cleanser, avoid anything that is heavily perfumed or colored, as it may irritate your skin. Exfoliants will help buff away the dead skin cells, and reveal the bright skin underneath.^{[4]
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- If you have dry skin, look for something that says "hydrating" or "moisturizing."
- If you have oily skin, look for something that is oil-free, or is labeled "for oily skin."
- If you have acne or blackheads, try using something that says "deep cleaning" or “purifying.” These products will flush out the dirt inside your pores.

3

Try not to touch your face too often.

More dirt and bacteria gets into your skin when you touch your face. This is especially important for those battling acne. This will lead to more acne and breakouts.^{[5]
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4

Avoid popping pimples.

This could lead to more redness, or worse: scarring. According to dermatologist Margareth Pierre-Louis, popping a pimple pushes the inflammation deeper into the skin, which can create a scar.^{[6]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Try using a sulfur-based pimple treatment instead.^{[7]
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- If you must pop pimples, soften your skin first with steam or a washcloth soaked in hot water. Use a sterilized pimple extractor rather than your fingers. When you’re done, gently clean the area with rubbing alcohol.

5

Use a facial toner and moisturizer.

Toners help re-balance your skin's pH and tighten pores. Moisturizers help hydrate your skin. They are great for all skin types, including oily skin.
- If you have oily skin, try to use a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer.

6

Choose foundation for your skin type.

Foundation can make your skin look and feel worse after you take it off. Sometimes, the way you put on your makeup will also make a difference. Also, try using a face primer before putting on foundation. Primers help fill in any pores and imperfections, and make your skin appear more smooth.
- If you have oily skin, use oil-free, mineral-based makeup. Stay away from cream-based foundation, and reach for the powder or liquid kind instead. Make sure the label on your foundation says “non-comedogenic” (meaning that it will not clog your pores).
- If you have dry skin, skip on the powder foundation, as this can make your skin look flaky. Instead, use liquid or cream-based foundation. Try to find something that is also moisturizing.

7

Clean your makeup brushes.

Dirty makeup brushes can spread bacteria onto your face. This may lead to acne, breakouts, and pimples.^{[8]
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Research source} Clean your brushes a few times a week using soap and water or a makeup brush cleaner.

8

Protect yourself from the sun.

The sun gives you helpful vitamins, but can cause skin damage. Sunlight is not a bad thing, because it gives you Vitamin D, but too much of it can do your skin a lot of harm. Aim for about 20 to 25 minutes of sunlight a day. Too much sunlight can lead to skin cancer and wrinkles. Here are some tips on how to keep yourself safe from the sun's harmful rays:^{[9]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Dermatologist Margareth Pierre-Louis recommends wearing sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Reapply every 2 hours for continued protection. ^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- Try to avoid the sun between 10am and 2pm. It is the strongest during the time.
- If you are going to spend a lot of time out in the sun, be sure to cover yourself with long sleeves and hats.

9

Drink 6–8 glasses of water a day.

This washes away impurities and leaves your skin with a healthy glow. Water will also help hydrate your skin, and make it look more firm and youthful. If your skin looks dull and grayish, you need to drink more water.
- Green tea is also great for your skin. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help your skin look clearer. Try drinking iced green tea, without any sugar added. Hot green tea may increase redness in skin.^{[11]
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10

Get 7–8 hours of sleep.

Sleep gives your skin time to heal and replenish itself. Try to sleep on your back, instead of on your side or tummy. This will help prevent wrinkles, puffiness, and under-eye bags.
- Keep your head slightly elevated while you are sleeping in order to prevent fluid buildup in your face.

11

Eat well for healthy skin.

Foods with vitamins and antioxidants are good for your body and skin. These help your skin look clear and healthy. Here are some things you could add to your diet to improve your skin’s health:^{[12]
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- Healthy fats are found in avocado, fish, nuts, and seeds. Most of these foods also contain Vitamin E. They help hydrate your skin, and keep it youthful.
- Selenium is an antioxidant found in broccoli, eggs, fish, nuts, shellfish, and tomatoes. It protects your skin against cancer, sun damage, and age spots.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It can brighten your skin and give it a healthy glow. It can also lessen blemishes. You can find it in: blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi, oranges, papaya, strawberries, and sweet potatoes.
- Vitamin E is found in avocado, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. It helps slow down aging and makes your skin healthier.
- Zinc helps repair damage and keeps skin feeling soft. You can find it in fish, lean red meat, poultry, nuts, seed, shellfish, and whole grains.

12

Avoid dairy, carbs, and sugar.

These foods may hurt your skin more than help it. These foods may lead to acne, sagging, and premature aging. When it comes to dairy, dermatologist Margareth Pierre-Louis notes that milk in particular can be connected to acne.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

13

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

Exercising increases blood flow to your skin and keeps it healthy. It may also reduce stress. Too much stress can cause your skin to produce too much oil, which can lead to acne.^{[14]
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- Try going to the gym or enrolling in some dance or yoga classes. If you do not have the time or money, you can always go for a walk or jog around the block.

14

Cut back on the stress.

Stress can lead to breakouts and acne. If you can, try to set aside some time during the day or week where you relax, decompress, and de-stress.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Here are some ideas on what you can do:
- Take a walk or exercise. This will help your mind focus on moving, rather than what is stressing you.
- Try meditating. Find a quiet spot, and focus on your breathing. Be aware of your surroundings, but don't focus on them.
- Listen to some relaxing or uplifting music. If you are musically talented, you can also try to sing or play music.
- Try doing some arts and crafts, such as drawing, painting, or knitting.

15

Try to quit smoking.

Studies have shown that smoking can lead to premature aging and wrinkles.^{[16]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Try a cessation product or talk to a doctor about your options.

16

Cut back on alcohol.

Too much alcohol dehydrates your skin. This contributes to dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can also keep your body from absorbing enough vitamin A, which is crucial for skin regeneration. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels in your face, leading to redness, puffiness, and permanent spider veins.^{[17]
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- If you do drink alcohol, make sure to drink plenty of water both while you are drinking and after.

17

Use shea butter as a moisturizer.

Shea butter soothes redness and inflammation. Shea butter is completely natural, and free of any harmful synthetic chemicals. Simply apply a thin layer of shea butter to your face, as you would any other moisturizer. Take care to avoid the sensitive areas around the eyes and mouth.^{[18]
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- Don’t use shea butter on your face if you have oily skin. It may contribute to breakouts or make your skin greasy.

18

Make a banana face mask to treat oily skin.

Bananas and honey give your face a healthy glow. You will need 1 ripe banana, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of honey, and 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of lemon juice. Mix everything together in a small bowl and smooth it onto your face. Let the mask sit for 15 minutes, then wash it off using cool water.^{[19]
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19

Brighten dry, dull skin with a Greek yogurt mask.

The yogurt helps moisturize and tone your skin. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons (29.6 to 44.4 ml) of Greek yogurt with 1 to 2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of honey. Apply the mixture to your face, taking care to avoid the area around the eyes. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.^{[20]
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- You can add a few drops of lemon juice to brighten your face some more, but you will have to avoid the sun for a few hours afterward.
- You can also add some blueberries. They are full of antioxidants, which makes them great for treating acne. You will need to mix your face mask in a blender to get everything smooth.
- You can also use plain yogurt, without any honey, lemon, or blueberries.^{[21]
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20

Try the oil cleansing method.

Massaging oil into your skin could actually relieve acne. Start with a dry face. Your skin does not have to be clean. Mix together some of the oils from the list below, and massage a quarter-sized drop onto your face. Avoid the eyes and mouth. Keep massaging, using a smooth, circular motion, for one to two minutes. Dampen a washcloth in hot water, and press it against your face. Repeat, if necessary, with the other side of the cloth. Use the corners to dab excess oil away from the hard-to-reach parts of your face, such as the nose. You may notice some oily residue, which is normal and actually helpful. Keep in mind that it may take a few days for your skin to get used to this; your skin may get worse before it gets better. Here are some combinations to get you started:^{[22]
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- If you have oily skin, use 1 part castor or hazelnut oil and 2 parts sunflower, grapeseed, or sweet almond oil. Hazelnut and sunflower oil are a great combination for acne.
- If you have combination skin, use 1 part castor or hazelnut oil and 3 parts sunflower or any other oil.
- If you have dry skin, go for pure avocado, apricot kernel oil, jojoba, or grapeseed oil. Use very little to no castor oil. Keep in mind that jojoba oil may clog pores.
- Avoid using coconut oil or olive oil. Both tend to clog pores, which leads to breakouts.

21

Make a face scrub to brighten and clarify your skin.

You might even have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Simply combine oil and salt or sugar in a small bowl. Mince the fruit or vegetable of your choice, and add it in. You want to use just enough fruit or veggies to thicken the scrub, but not so much that it becomes clumpy. Massage the scrub onto a damp face for a few minutes, then rinse it off using warm water. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Here are some recipes to get you started:^{[24]
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- To make a moisturizing mask, you will need 2 parts salt, 1 part olive oil, and tomato pulp.
- To make a clarifying mask, you will need 2 parts sugar, 1 part safflower oil, and a peeled kiwi.
- To brighten your skin, you will need 2 parts sugar, 1 part almond oil, and strawberries.
- If you have sensitive skin, try making a soothing mask. You will need 2 parts brown sugar, 1 part avocado oil, and a peeled cucumber.

22

Treat deep wrinkles with fillers.

Filler treatments may last anywhere from six months to a couple of years. Fillers are substances that can be injected into the skin to fill in wrinkles and stimulate the production of skin-plumping collagen. Common fillers include:^{[25]
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- Radiesse, a filler made from tiny calcium beads (lasts about 18 months)
- Sculptra, a synthetic lactic acid (lasts about 2 years)
- Hyaluronic acid, a filler with shorter-term effects that last for about 6 months

23

Improve wrinkles with laser resurfacing.

This treats deep wrinkles, but could be painful. Laser treatments can significantly improve the appearance of wrinkles, and the effects may last for several years. Laser resurfacing comes in a couple of different forms: nonablative (which is relatively gentle and superficial) and ablative (which removes the top layers of your skin).^{[26]
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24

Clear up redness and inflammation with topical medications.

Antibiotics may relieve the underlying cause of redness. Redness on your face can have a lot of different causes, ranging from sun damage or allergies to infection. Depending on the underlying cause of the redness, you may be able to treat it with an antibiotic ointment (such as MetroGel or Sulfacet) or a medication that reduces immune reactions, like Elidel.^{[27]
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- Consult with a dermatologist to determine the cause of the redness, and come up with a treatment plan.

25

Treat discoloration with KTP and IPL treatments

These procedures reduce redness from blood vessels in your skin. KTP laser therapy and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are both effective at reducing redness caused by clusters of blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They can also be used to treat discoloration caused by sun damage, hormonal changes, or injuries to the skin.^{[28]
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- You may need to do several treatments of KTP laser therapy or IPL therapy over the course of a few weeks to get the desired result.

26

Get a chemical peel to improve the overall look of your skin.

Chemical peels can improve wrinkles, discoloration, and sun damage. According to dermatologist Margareth Pierre-Louis, chemical peels are different than facials and actual alter the surface of the skin.^{[29]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} They may even work well on fine lines and scarring too. If you would like to achieve a fresher, more even skin tone, consider getting a chemical peel.^{[30]
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- Take care to protect your face from the sun after a chemical peel, as your skin’s sensitivity to the sun will be temporarily increased.
- Some people may experience scarring or discoloration of the skin after a chemical peel.^{[31]
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27

Treat acne with prescribed medications.

Prescriptions tackle stubborn acne when OTC options don’t work. If your acne won’t respond to over-the-counter treatments or lifestyle changes, talk to your dermatologist. They may be able to prescribe a medication that will work for you.^{[32]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Common medical treatments for acne include:
- Topical retinoid treatments.
- Antibiotic ointments, often used in combination with retinoids.
- Oral antibiotics.
- Hormone-based treatments, such as oral contraceptives (the pill) or anti-androgen agents.
- Isotretinoin. This medication is very effective, but because of the risk of severe side effects, it is only used to treat extremely severe and difficult to treat cases of acne.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How important is washing my face in keeping a healthy complexion?

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

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For healthy skin, you should wash your face daily. Our skin has natural oils on it and our face has oil glands. Over time, what can grow in those oil glands and on the surface of your skin is yeast. So if you don't wash your face daily, you can start to get a mild yeast infection of the skin, which can lead to itchy, flaky skin.
Question

I just turned 32, and I am starting to see a few lines coming through (mostly on my forehead). What kind of treatment would work best for this?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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Retinols are a great choice for anti-aging. You can find over-the-counter products that contain them or get a prescription for a higher dose. Using a chemical exfoliant, particularly a beta-hydroxy acid, will help remove dead skin cells and keep your skin radiant. You should also apply a moisturizer every time you wash your face and use sunscreen daily.

Warnings

If you get an allergic reaction to a product, mask, or scrub, stop using it immediately and talk to your doctor.

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Everyone's skin is different. What works for your friend may not work for you.

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Some facial cleansers need to be used a few times before you start seeing any effects. If nothing happens at first, do not throw away the product. Give it a few more tries.

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The type of water you have at home may affect your facial cleanser. For example, soft water doesn't rinse very well, while hard water prevents soaps from lathering. If this happens to you, try using less cleanser, or going for one that doesn't lather as much.^{[38]
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