Clear Skin

Clear skin is easy to achieve with a healthy skin regime, reduced exposure to external and internal toxins, and a healthy lifestyle. Clear skin is a result of well-nourished, vibrant skin cells on the skin's surface. A daily maintenance program not only ensures that skin stays vibrant and glowing, but will encourage fresh skin cells to grow. Diet and exercise play a key role in achieving clear skin, and these can be incorporated into a lifestyle over time. A healthy diet allows skin cells to repair and restore themselves efficiently, while exercise can boost circulation and remove toxins.

Layers of the Skin

The skin is comprised of three layers, and all of them must be functioning correctly in order for clear skin to occur. The skin's three layers include the subcutaneous fat layer at the base, the dermis where hair follicles grow, and the epidermis which servesa s the visible layer. All three levels of tissue are interconnected, and when anything is out of balance internally, it can show up on the top, epidermis layer. Clear skin is a result of all three layers coordinating and functioning effectively. Skin disorders and skin irritation is often a result of an imbalance on one of these layers. Even the deepest layer can benefit from an influence in diet and improved circulation. The second layer will benefit from deep pore treatments on a weekly or biweekly basis. The top layer, or skin's surface, will always benefit from exfoliation, buffing, toning, and moisturizing with the right products.

Common Skin Conditions

Clear skin cannot be achieved when there are any skin disorders or conditions present. Common skin conditions include:

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Dry or flaky skin
• Aging skin
• Psoriasis
• Skin rashes or allergies
• Infections

When a skin condition is present, it can be more difficult to achieve healthy, vibrant, supple, and clear skin. When a regular skin maintenance regime is not enough, there are various treatments and products available to help achieve a clear complexion and reduce the chances of outbreaks. Using the wrong products and makeup can have an impact on the skin's look and feel, so it is essential that the right products for skin type are applied on a regular basis.

Achieving Clear Skin with Acne

Acne is the most common problem that leads to blotchy and uneven skin. Symptoms include dryness, itching, redness, bumps or sores, and frequent outbreaks of pimples. If these are left untreated, they can turn into painful blisters or sores. Acne can range from mild to severe, and has many physical and emotional side effects. Oil may become trapped under the skin's surface, and lead to even more discomfort. On an emotional level, acne can cause extreme self-consciousness and reduced self-confidence. When acne strikes, clear skin can be achieved with a variety of topical treatments and lotions. These may include:

• Oil-controlling cleanses
• Toners for sensitive skin (to reduce inflammation and redness)
• Soothing balms or salves to reduce inflammation
• Serums and moisturizers specifically for acne
• Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid treatments
• Laser resurfacing
• Herbal remedies and tinctures that soothe and heal broken skin
• Sulfur-based products that soothe the skin's surface

Healthy Lifestyles for Clear Skin

Toxins from the environment can play a significant role in achieving and maintaining clear skin. Common harmful substances include:

• Smoke from cigarettes
• Fumes, gases, and general smog
• Irritation from fabric and other materials rubbed against the skin's surface
• Sun damage or excessive tanning
• Inadequate or insufficient diet
• Poor sleeping habits or arrangements
• General hygiene

Skin can easily absorb harmful chemicals and substances from the environment, and even poor-quality makeup can lead to outbreaks that prevent clear skin.

Diet is an important part of day-to-day well-being and also plays a significant role in the skin's vitality and overall appearance. Clear skin is possible with the right vitamins, minerals, supplements, and plenty of fresh water. Keeping skin cells well-moisturized and functioning efficiently is simple with a few key diet strategies. These include daily supplements of:

• Omega 3's and natural fats such as fish oil
• Generous servings of fresh, unprocessed food
• Leafy green vegetables, and fruits that are high in antioxidants
• Fresh spring water throughout the day
• Nuts and seeds for steady energy
• Whole grains enriched with vitamins and minerals
• Low amounts of sugary and processed foods
• Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Common Treatments for Clear Skin

Apart from a regular healthy skin care regime, there are a variety for treatments available for clearing up skin after a skin disorder, or just rebalancing the skin on a daily basis. Common treatments include various intensive and natural procedures:

• Skin resurfacing procedures
• Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid therapy
• Deep pore cleansing treatments that unclog pores, including mud and clay masques
• Herbal treatments and products including lavender, chamomile, lemon-based products, and aloe vera
• Oil-free cleansers
• Regular application of nutrient-rich moisturizers
• Reducing the risk of sun damage with sunscreens and protective moisturizers