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Who doesn’t dream of that glass-like, glowing, better-than-the-sun kind of skin? You know, the skin that looks so flawless you don’t even need a touch of makeup to feel stunning. No spots, no acne, no texture.
Ahhh, if only it were that easy, right?
Well, here’s the thing. Getting clear skin isn’t magic (sadly, there’s no wand for that), and it’s definitely not just 1-2 things away. But oh boy, is it worth it when you finally catch yourself glowing in your bathroom mirror 😍.
So if you’re ready to put in a little effort, here are my tips to get clear skin in max 30 days!
1. Start Your Day with a Gut-Loving Drink
Your skin is your deep-down health’s BFF, and trust me, happy gut = happy face! Kickstart your day with something that loves your insides.
- Warm lemon water is a classic and super simple. Just squeeze half a fresh lemon into a mug of warm water and sip it as you plan your day.
- Not a fan of lemons? Go for apple cider vinegar mixed with water (it’s a game changer for balancing your body’s pH level).
Pro tip? Sip it slowly while dreaming about that clear, dewy glow. (Helluuu manifestation!)
2. Drink 2-3 liters of water every single day
Listen, I know you’ve heard this one 1000 times before, but I’m here to nag you like a bestie because IT WORKS.
Drinking enough water is like giving your skin its glow potion. It flushes out toxins, keeps your skin hydrated, and helps maintain elasticity.
Here are some fun ideas to stay on top of your water game:
- Invest in a cute water bottle with hourly markers (stay motivated throughout the day!).
- Infuse your water with mint, cucumber, or berries if plain water feels boring.
- Set reminders or use apps like Plant Nanny to nudge you to hydrate.
3. Take Ginger Shots for That Extra Glow
Oh girl, do I have firsthand experience in bidding goodbye to active acne and dark spots by drinking ginger shots.
It’s anti-inflammatory, packed with antioxidants, and helps with digestion (which, as we now know, translates directly to better skin). The best part? It’s spicy, zippy, and gives you an instant energy boost!
How to Take Ginger Shots
- Buy pre-made ginger shots from your local health store for convenience.
- Prefer the DIY route? Blend fresh ginger, lemon juice, orange/pineapple (any one) with a touch of honey (I don’t like adding sweetener though), strain, and shoot it back like the boss you are!
Pro tip: Have one ginger shot (15-20 ml STRICTLY) a day for 15-30 days straight. Also, if you’re making them at home, don’t make them for more than 3-4 days because the juices go bad if you keep them longer without preservatives.
4. Use targeted acne treatments in the morning
Not all heroes wear capes, and that’s especially true for salicylic acid (great for under-the-skin pimples), benzoyl peroxide (perfect for active, red, juicy bacterial acne), or niacinamide (for calming irritated skin). These morning warriors tackle pesky breakouts head-on.
Dab a little onto problem areas only (don’t slather it on your whole face if it’s not needed!) and go about your day knowing the battle for clear skin is already underway.
5. Exfoliate Once or Twice a Week (But Don’t Go Overboard)
If there’s one thing in the skincare department that works better than anything else, it’s regular chemical peels. (If you can get them done from dermatologists, there’s nothing better than that) But if not, the drugstore ones will work too!
Think of exfoliation as taking out the skin trash—it clears away dead cells and leaves you fresh and radiant.
I love using The Ordinary’s AHA/BHA peel and Good Molecules’ overnight exfoliating serum. They’re a chef’s kiss!
6. Use exfoliating cleansers
Unpopular opinion but I believe choosing a great cleanser that works for your textured skin is much more important than your serums (they’re nice too but cleansers should be your priority).
Cleansers with 1-2% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide will be a game-changer for your skin.
Pro tip: Just make sure you’re massaging the cleanser onto the skin for 30-50 seconds minimum so that ingredients can have enough time to work.
my favorite cleansers?
7. Double Cleanse at night—Even if You Don’t Wear Makeup
Did you know that even if you skip makeup, dirt, oil, and pollutants settle on your skin throughout the day? That’s where double cleansing comes in!
Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away grime, then follow up with a gentle gel or foam cleanser to wash it all off.
Yes, you can even use micellar water instead of an oil.
Pro tip: If you’ve got a little extra time, take some oil and keep on massaging it into the skin for about 10-20 minutes. Slowly though. After some time, you’ll start feeling chunks of dirt and grime coming out of your face. It’s ugly, but the satisfaction of it happening is extraordinary. Your skin will be extra extra clean and soft after!
My recommendations?
8. Do ice rolling or a Cold Spoon in the A.M.
Did you party a little too hard last night or wake up with that puffy, “I need 10 more hours of sleep” look? 🥴 No worries, sis. Enter ice rolling or a cold spoon!
An ice roller (or dipping your face in ice water) can reduce puffiness, calm irritated skin, and boost circulation to make you look ALIVE & YOUTHFUL.
Just glide it over your face for 5 minutes in the morning, concentrating on areas like your under eyes and jawline.
9. Try working out a little bit but consistently
Nope, you don’t have to turn into a gym rat to get clearer skin (though that works like magic), but a little sweat session here and there can literally work wonders.
Regular exercising boosts your blood flow, flushes out toxins, and gives you that post-workout glow we all obsess over. Plus, sweating helps open up your pores so all the gunk can ~peace out~.
A quick yoga stretch, a 15-minute walk in the evening, or even a dance sesh to your favorite playlist is all your skin needs.
Pro tip? Don’t forget to wash up afterward to avoid sweat-induced breakouts. Or keep a hypochlorous acid spray handy!
10. Say Goodbye to Junk, Sugar, and Dairy (Well, Mostly)
Okay, I know. This one’s tough. Giving up that extra-large caramel frappe with whipped cream is a struggle. But trust me, those breakouts on your chin and cheeks? They’re NOT worth it.
Excess dairy and sugar can ramp up inflammation and mess with your hormones, which often equals clogged pores and pimples.
Not ready to quit cold turkey? Try swapping sugary treats with fruit (berries are fab!) or sipping on green tea instead of soda. Start small. 😘
11. Load Up on Zinc-Rich Foods
Zinc, whether in skincare or in your food, is like your secret armour. It reduces inflammation, controls oil production, and helps your skin heal faster. Basically, a superhero nutrient!
Foods high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, nuts, and oysters (if you’re feeling fancy).
Pro Tip: Snack on trail mix with pumpkin seeds and almonds, or whip up a chickpea salad for lunch. Easy, delicious, and skin-saving!
12. Eat the Rainbow (More Orange + Red Veggies for the Win!)
Carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers aren’t just fab in recipes; they’re packed with beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A = clearer, brighter, and healthier-looking skin.
Add more orange and red veggies to your plate, and watch your skin become your new fave accessory.
Quick meal ideas: Roast sweet potato fries, throw bell peppers in a stir fry, or sip on carrot juice.
13. Change Your Pillowcase Every 2–3 Days
Bet you didn’t see this one coming. Your pillowcase is like a sponge that collects your skincare products, oils, and yes… bacteria (eww). If breakouts have a favorite hangout spot, it’s an unhygienic pillowcase. 😬
Make it a habit to swap your pillowcase every 2–3 days.
Hack: Use silk pillowcases! Not only are they gentle on your skin, but they also help avoid creases and wrinkles.
14. Wipe Down Your Phone Daily
Did you know your phone screen is dirtier than a public toilet seat? Yup. And every time you hold it to your face, you’re transferring all that
bacteria… straight onto your skin. (Ew again.) Start wiping down your phone daily with antibacterial wipes or a microfiber cloth.
Pro Tip: Try using headphones for calls instead to minimize contact. Your skin will thank you.
15. Clean Your Makeup Brushes Weekly
If you’re not cleaning your makeup brushes regularly, I hate to tell you this, but you’re swirling bacteria, oil, and leftover product back onto your face. Gross, right? 😱
Deep clean your brushes once a week using warm soapy water or a brush cleanser. It works wonders for clearer skin AND smoother makeup application!
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