Bumps and blemishes got you down? It’s time to get your skin back on track with some expert-approved advice that’s both practical and easy to follow. Whether you're facing stubborn breakouts or just looking to fine-tune your routine, these 26 esthetician-recommended tips will have your skin feeling clean and clear. 

1. Remove your makeup and cleanse your skin before bed: Never skip this crucial step! Removing your makeup before bedtime clears the day's grime to avoid clogging pores with oil and debris, allowing your skin to breathe and repair overnight. Try pore thing – a daily cleansing gel with 1.5% salicylic acid and azelaic acid to target problem pores.
   
   
2. Wash your hands first: Before you cleanse your face, make sure your hands are clean. Wash your hands to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria to your skin.
   
   
3. Give your skin an oxygen boost: Acne-causing bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments. Insufficient oxygen supply to the skin can create conditions that favor the growth of these bacteria, potentially leading to acne breakouts and inflammation. Add oxygen boost barrier treatment to your routine to wake up cells with a burst of essential oxygen.
   
   
4. Shampoo and condition your hair before cleansing your face: In the shower, start with your hair before your face. This prevents shampoo and conditioner from lingering on your skin, which can cause breakouts.
   
   
5. Change pillowcases regularly: Your pillowcase can harbor oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. Swap it out every few days to keep your skin from getting an unwanted extra layer of grime.
   
   
6. Resist the urge to touch your face: Touching your face throughout the day can transfer oils and bacteria, exacerbating acne.
   
   
7. Use a gentle laundry detergent: Choose a mild, fragrance-free laundry detergent and skip fabric softeners to avoid irritating your skin.
   
   
8. Clean your face after workouts: Sweat can contribute to breakouts, so cleanse your face as soon as possible after exercising. Try pore thing – a daily cleansing gel with 1.5% salicylic acid and azelaic acid to target problem pores.
   
   
9. Sanitize your phone: Your phone’s screen can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Clean it regularly to prevent those germs from transferring to your face.
   
   
10. Use facial acne treatments on your chest and back: Breakouts don’t just happen on your face! Use facial acne products on your chest and back for a comprehensive approach. 
    
    
11. Manage stress effectively: Stress can lead to breakouts, so find ways to unwind. Whether it’s yoga, meditation or a walk in the park, mindful activities can help reduce stress and keep your skin calm.
    
    
12. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
    
    
13. Stick to your routine: Consistency is key. Keep up with your skin care routine and consider introducing new products if you’re not seeing results. Remember, it may take 4-6 weeks to see visible results, so stay patient with your pimples! Daily meds is a great formulation to add on – it’s a daily use serum that works to clear and heal acne as it diminishes lines, uneven skin tone and dullness.
    
    
14. Eat a balanced diet: Your diet impacts your skin. Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains while limiting processed foods and sugar.
    
    
15. Consider professional treatments: For more stubborn acne, professional treatments like acne facials can make a difference. The Acne + Pore Clearing Treatment offers a deep pore cleanse in 3 corrective activity levels, giving you a tailored approach to meet your skin’s individual acne needs.
    
    
16. Review your medications: Some medications can worsen acne. Check with your healthcare provider to ensure your meds aren’t contributing to breakouts.
    
    
17. Try a spot treatment: Apply a fast-acting treatment directly to the affected areas on clean, dry skin (and make sure your hands are clean too!) Try spot defy – its effectiveness in clearing and healing acne overnight with no irritation is a game-changer for your breakouts.
    
    
18. Clean your makeup brushes: Dirty brushes can spread bacteria and cause breakouts. Clean your brushes weekly to keep them fresh and skin-friendly.
    
    
19. Incorporate antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamin C help protect and repair your skin from environmental damage. Vc10 daily glow is a potent choice that gives your skin some serious glow while offering damage protection.
    
    
20. Avoid over-scrubbing: Scrubbing too hard can irritate your skin and worsen acne. Use a gentle touch to cleanse.
    
    
21. Get enough sleep: Your skin does a lot of its repair work while you sleep, so make sure you’re getting enough rest. Aim for at least 7-9 hours nightly.
    
    
22. Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Use a gentle exfoliator like peel breaker, a 2% BHA + PHA leave-on liquid exfoliating treatment, once up to three times a week.
    
    
23. Use lukewarm water: Hot water can irritate your skin and worsen acne. Cleanse with lukewarm water to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils.
    
    
24. Avoid over-cleansing: Washing your face too often can lead to dryness and irritation. Stick to cleansing twice daily to maintain your skin’s natural balance.
    
    
25. Moisturize your skin: Even oily, acne-prone skin needs hydration. Use a clinical formula like barrier fix daily hydrator – its soothing properties help calm reactive skin while providing comforting hydration.
    
    
26. Protect against sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure can aggravate acne and lead to pigmentation issues. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen like raydefense daily to keep your skin protected. Lightweight and hydrating, it offers protection without adding shine and is dermatologist-tested to be non-irritating.