It’s no secret that we all want clear skin for the summer months, however, achieving the pimple-free look can often be a mystery. However, after a recent visit to the dermatologist we have discovered simple solutions for better skin! Check out our step by step, dermatologist-approved guide to pulling off summer’s most desired trend.

Step 1: A Little “TLC”

Achieving clear, healthy skin can certainly be an uphill struggle when dealing with acne-prone skin, as there will always be those good days when your skin looks and feels beautiful and others when breakouts seem to drag your confidence down to an all-time low. However, by washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, the likelihood of having significantly more “good skin days” as opposed to bad days is much higher.

For cleansing purposes, dermatologists recommend applying a gentle cleanser like CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser with your hands rather than using a buff or loofa as both can over exfoliate the skin causing dryness and irritation. The cleanser is perfect for acne-prone skin as it both exfoliates and cleanses the skin while fighting acne with salicylic acid.

When it comes to hydrating the skin, generally, people believe that it is essential to moisturize the skin daily, both day and night. According to dermatologists, this is not necessarily always the case as many moisturizers can lead to worsening acne conditions. Therefore, it is suggested to moisturize only if the skin is visibly dry!

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser ($9.38), CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM ($16.13), CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM ($8.73)

Step 2: “Bare” It Or Don’t Wear It

If you truly want clear skin this summer season, it is highly likely that a change in your makeup collection is in order as certain brands and products are famous for clogging pores and causing breakouts.

For acne-prone skin, it is essential to be aware of what exactly you are applying to your face. Dermatologists recommend steering clear from all oil-based or oil-containing products as these are typically the products that can irritate the skin and enhance acne conditions. Instead, search for products that are both oil-free and non-comedongenic, however, be sure to check all ingredients as many products are labeled as such with very little truth behind the claim.

Among cosmetic brands like Almay and Neutrogena, Bare Minerals/Bare Escentuals is the go-to recommended beauty brand for people with acne as the brand contains a wide range of products that are suitable for reducing and treating the appearance of acne as they are created in conjunction with certified dermatologists. Within the wide variety of products that are available to get your hands on, here are a few of our favorites!

READY Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($29.50)

Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream ($29.50)

BareSkin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer ($20)

ORIGINAL Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($28.50)

Step 3: Care For Your Hair

After several years of receiving different advice from several different dermatologists, one question remained a constant concern for all; “What shampoo do you use?” And while I changed my answer each and every time based on the product I was using, not one seemed to be the “right” shampoo.

Because what you apply directly to your skin is merely one piece of the acne fighting equation, the products you use to cleanse your hair are often the main cause of acne. Finding the right shampoo could not be more critical, especially if you have sensitive skin.

However, discovering such a shampoo that lacks silicone and any oils like moroccan, argan, and coconut could be very difficult with the recent shift toward more natural ingredients. Even dermatologists admit that it can be a real struggle!

Therefore, one shampoo and conditioner combination I find to be successful in reducing breakouts is L’Oréal’s EverStrong Sulfate-Free Hair and Scalp System as it lacks sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate, both of which act as detergents and create that sudsy lather in shampoo. Although most of us love that rich, sudsy consistency, the sulfate that it is produced by can be a serious threat to clear skin. If you have sensitive skin, replace your shampoo with a sulfate-free alternative instead!

Other products to avoid include shine sprays and serums as well as leave-in conditioners.

EverStrong Thickening Shampoo ($6.99)

EverStrong Thickening Conditioner ($6.99)

Step 4: Water Is The Skin’s Best Friend

If you ask any supermodel about their secret to maintaining clear and healthy skin throughout fashion month, each answer will be one in the same; drinking plenty of water. This is because not only does water keep your skin hydrated, but it aids in flushing out the toxins and bacteria in your system. Therefore, when you drink enough water, your skin will respond by fighting the bacteria that caused the breakouts you may already have and prevent others from forming.

Equally important to drinking clean is maintaining a healthy diet. Straying away from foods heavy in sugar, dairy, and oil can prove beneficial in healing acne conditions.

Recent studies also suggest that there is a link between acne and consuming foods with high glycemic indexes as they can increase the rise of glucose in the blood stream, which can later lead to pimples. Unfortunately, this means no bagels!

Step 5: See You Later Acne

If such changes do not quite act as the solution to your sensitive skin, don’t worry, there are other ways to to treat your acne. However, as many are to be prescribed by your dermatologist, it is essential to pay them visit in order to receive topical therapies and oral antibiotics.

After a recent visit to the dermatologist, I received prescriptions for the topical gel, Aczone, and capsule antibiotic, Minocycline, which both serve to fight and prevent breakouts. Combined with each step above, I have noticed a significant improvement with my skin as it looks and feels clearer and healthier every day.

Check out other expert beauty tips from Fashion Week’s top models below!

Enjoy your summer skin!

Ciarralorren xox

Photography by ciarralorren