For someone who’s obsessed with skincare and having clear skin, I can say taking care of the skin can seem like a daunting task at times. From getting out-of-the-blue breakouts, scary skincare myths, and a zillion products we are told we need to fix problems we never knew we had, we can’t blame you for feeling confused. But you don’t need a Ph.D. class or a flight to outer space to achieve clear skin. With the help of skin care experts at DCL, we’ve put down five simple steps you can follow to achieve that clear, healthy and glowing complexion you’ve always dreamed of.

5 Simple Steps to a Clear Skin

1. Always hydrate

Drinking plenty of water is an important part you should not ignore in your quest for a red carpet-worthy complexion. Downing at least eight glasses of water a day will rid the body of toxins and give you a healthy, and radiant glow.

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2. Exfoliation is key

A build-up of dead skin cells and blocked pores can leave the skin looking dull and can easily cause those out-of-the-blue breakouts. Regular exfoliation with a gentle facial scrub will not only give you as clear skin, but it will also reduce breakouts by keeping pores free of excess acne-causing sebum. Who said smooth and soft skin can only be found in mars?

3. Never sleep in your makeup

Sleeping in your makeup is a one-way ticket to bad skin days. Keeping makeup on overnight can clog up pores, dried mascara can damage your lashes and you can even cause inflammation of the delicate eye area.

Tip: Keep moisturizing makeup wipes next to your bed for any late-night skincare emergencies; just make sure to give your skin a deep clean the following morning.

4. Clean your brushes

Your makeup tools can accumulate dirt and bacteria over time which can then lead to breakouts, and a big distance between yourself and clear skin. Always wash your makeup brushes regularly with baby shampoo or a brush cleanser to remove germs and keep bad skin at bay.

5. Have quality skincare saviors

Invest in quality skincare to target blemishes and control breakouts. We are loving DCL Clear Skin Anti-Blemish Hydrator. It is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lactic acid, which helps clear existing blemishes and prevents future breakouts. In addition, it has Vitamin C, which we know evens out skin tone, and diminishes the appearance of dark spots & acne scars.