The best strategy for clear skin that lasts involves doing things differently from the inside out. What we put inside our bodies, the skincare products we use, and regular lifestyle choices all matter. No change is too small, because it all adds up and makes a big impact on the skin. Here are six things you can do today to help you reach your clear skin goals as quickly as possible.

1. dOUBLE CLEANSE WITH MICELLAR WATER

Double cleansing can do wonders for acne-prone skin. “Micelles” are little balls of oil that attract debris, excessive skin oil, and makeup – all with a saturated cotton pad. Long popular in France, micellar waters are incredibly gentle on the skin and contain no alcohol or harsh chemicals. After cleansing your skin with this first step, I recommend using a clay or gel-based cleanser as your second step to remove any remaining dirt and grime. If you have more sensitive skin, you may want to use a cream-based cleanser for your second step.

2. TAKE A PROBIOTIC WITH AT LEAST 10 BILLION CFU

Your gut houses TRILLIONS of bacteria. Because the gut bacteria outnumbers our DNA (by far), they can actually influence genetic expression! The helpful bacteria in our gut can help stop the acne-formation process. It’s best to start with 10 billion CFU, and then work your way up to 100 billion CFU if desired.

3. HELP BALANCE HORMONES WITH DIM

DIM (diindolylmethane) is a natural plant substance found in veggies, like cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. DIM helps to balance healthy levels of estrogen and testosterone in your body. It can also block the effects of estrogen-like chemicals that we accidentally pick up from the environment.

DIM may not be the answer to all hormonal woes, but it can certainly help accelerate the healing process. This supplement should be avoided if you’re pregnant or breast feeding. Please advise with your doctor before taking this supplement if you have any concerns.

4. EXFOLIATE WITH ACIDS

Mechanical exfoliators use texture to manually remove dead skin. However, if you have cystic acne, scrubs and bristles could spread bacteria and further irritate inflamed skin. I recommend using acids that can provide more even and effective exfoliation. AHAs (one type of exfoliating acid) can help treat acne and fade hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid is the most common type of AHA, and it’s very potent because it penetrates deeply into the skin due to its low molecular mass.

5. DRINK WATER BEFORE YOU FEEL THIRSTY

Water flushes toxins out of your body – so it may reduce your body’s inflammatory response, which in turn, can help reduce breakouts. Water also hydrates every cell of your body, but it takes care of internal organs first before reaching the skin. That’s why it’s critical to get more than what you feel you may need.

Since thirst is an indication your body is already dehydrated (and more acne-prone), the key is to not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. Just from personal experience, if I wait until I’m thirsty to drink water (and do this for several days), I tend to drink less of it, which has lead to several breakouts in the past – so it definitely can make a difference.

6. DE-STRESS LIKE IT’S YOUR MISSION

Take a breather, have some fun and why not start meditating (even just for 10 minutes a day)? Meditation has the power to rejuvenate you down to your DNA – as proven by science! Stress can cause breakouts for many women. I’ve even changed my entire profession before to help my skin. Jobs and circumstances can be changed, but we will only ever have one, irreplaceable body. Read more about reducing stress here.

READY FOR YOUR NEXT STEP?

Want to get more and dive in deeper? Come check out this free course, where we go address and provide solutions to the imbalances inside our body that are triggering persistent breakouts. Before I learned about these internal triggers, I went through a round of Accutane hoping it would work. When the results didn’t last, I decided to approach my acne treatment differently. As I understood more about my body, I discovered lasting solutions without having to rely on prescription medications.