How Do Girls Keep Their Skin So Clear?

If you're wondering how some girls manage to keep their skin so clear, it's probably because they set time aside to care for their skin every single day, no matter what. Flawless skin requires regular attention. While it may be tempting to skip proper cleansing if you're tired or busy, slacking may lead to blemishes and less than perfect skin. Additionally, other factors can affect your skin, including hormonal changes and those all-important genetics.

Girls with clear skin usually wash their faces at least once every day -- or twice if they have oily skin or acne. It's nearly impossible to have clear skin if your skin isn't clean -- really, really clean. Additionally, you should wash your face after hard, sweaty exercise. Use a mild, oil-free cleanser and avoid harsh, perfumed soap that cause irritation and redness. Work the cleanser gently into your skin with your clean fingertips and then rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Don't scrub and don't use rough washcloths or scrubbies. Apply a mild, oil-free moisturizer after cleansing your face. It may seem counterproductive, but a light moisturizer actually soothes the skin and helps prevent acne.

Shampoo your hair daily with a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo if you have oily hair. It may seem like your hair has little to do with your skin, but oily bangs resting against your forehead cause oily skin and pimples. Pull your hair away from your face at night or when you're hanging out at home.

Pimples and blackheads occur when the pores of the skin are clogged with natural oil and dead skin cells as well as makeup or grime. Don't pick, poke or squeeze pimples or blackheads because you may make the problem worse, creating red, irritated skin and even more pimples. In some cases, picking pimples may cause scars that last a lifetime. If the problem continues, use an over-the-counter product containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Read the label and follow the directions carefully.

Many girls think tanned skin camouflages blemishes, but the sun actually irritates the skin and makes pimples worse. Additionally, overexposure to sun over time often causes wrinkles, dry skin, premature aging and -- in some cases -- cancer. Apply a noncomedogenic sunscreen, which won't clog the pores. Use a product with an SPF factor of at least 30. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is best because it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Girls with clear skin usually don't pile on makeup, especially oil-based blush and foundation that can clog the pores. Apply oil-free or noncomedogenic makeup, using a clean, disposable cotton ball or pad. Don't reuse soiled, bacteria-laden applicators. Similarly, throw out old, odd-smelling makeup. Always wash your face before applying makeup and take time to remove makeup before bed, even if it's been a long day and you're tired.