Achieving clear, glowing skin can feel overwhelming—there are so many products, routines, and tips (and a ton of saved TikTok beauty hacks) floating around. How do you know what really works? Here’s the truth: Clear skin isn’t about perfection or cramming your bathroom counter with expensive products.
It’s about using the right combination of acne-safe products, nourishing supplements, and consistent, intentional lifestyle habits. And yes, it’s absolutely doable!
This guide is your, affordable, acne-safe, CLEARSTEM-approved toolkit. Whether you’re tackling hormonal acne, fading scars, or just looking for expert tips to achieve long-lasting clear skin, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!
How To Create The Best Skincare Routine
Creating and sticking to a routine is one of the most effective ways to achieve radiant, clear skin. It’s not just about results; it’s a daily moment of self-care that leaves you feeling empowered.
The order of your routine matters more than you might think. Using products in the right sequence ensures they penetrate your skin properly and work their magic.
Here’s the ultimate acne treatment skincare routine:
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SLS-Free Cleanser (AM/PM): Clears dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the barrier
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Treatment Serums (AM/PM): Target skin concerns like acne, clogged pores, scarring, or fine lines.
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Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer (AM/PM): Hydrates and balances your skin without creating new acne
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Zinc-Based Sunscreen (AM only): Shields your skin from UV damage and prevents the darkening of acne scars.
You can confidently use all CLEARSTEM products, knowing they target both acne and aging with no pore-clogging ingredients, ever.
PRO TIP: Always check your skincare labels for hidden pore-clogging ingredients like coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, or algae extracts. There are HUNDREDS of these hidden pore-clogging ingredients, even in “clean” brands. Use CLEARSTEM’s Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker to spot potential culprits before you buy or use anything.
The Right Cleanser Changes Everything
Cleansing is step one in your clear skin journey. The goal is to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin barrier. A great non-comedogenic cleanser is the foundation of any affordable clear skin toolkit that works.
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GENTLECLEAN: A holy grail of cleansers for acne-prone skin, it keeps your skin hydrated all day, even after rinsing, removing impurities, and supporting your skin barrier at the same time.
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VITAMINSCRUB: A gentle exfoliating scrub that polishes away dead skin cells to reveal a clearer, brighter, smoother, more radiant complexion.
PRO TIP: Cleanse twice daily (morning and evening) with lukewarm water to keep pores clear. Over-cleansing and using hot water can lead to irritation and increased oil production, so stick to a balanced temperature.
Serums for Specialized Treatment
Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to tackle specific concerns like acne scars, fine lines, or dullness. Serums are your secret weapon—they deliver potent active ingredients right where your skin needs them.
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CLEARITY: Nicked the “blackhead dissolver,” this gentle exfoliating serum with Mandelic Acid reduces the appearance of pores to reveal firmer, brighter skin overnight.
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CELLRENEW: A regenerative serum that renews your skin, helps reduce redness, and provides a more balanced and hydrated complexion.
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BOUNCEBACK: Nicknamed our “no-tox” serum, it revitalizes your skin while visibly minimizing the appearance of fine lines and dullness.
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BRIGHTEYES: A Peptide and caffeine eye gel that brightens and refreshes the delicate skin around your eyes while helping to reduce puffiness.
Moisturizing = Skin Hydration
Hydration is non-negotiable, even for oily or acne-prone skin. Using a non-comedogenic moisturizer ensures your skin stays balanced and calm without clogging pores.
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HYDRAGLOW: A daily plumping moisturizer that gives you softer skin in minutes, and all-day hydration.
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HYDRABERRY: An overnight mask that hydrates and locks moisture into your skin for a plump, dewy complexion.
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SOFTSKIN: A moisture-locking body lotion that nourishes and restores your skin for a more even, hydrated complexion.
Advanced Hydration Picks
Want to get next-level results? These acne-safe speciality products provide deep hydration and barrier repair:
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GOLDENHOUR: A powerhouse facial oil for acne-prone skin that instantly boosts skin hydration by 46% and works to restore your barrier.
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SKINSPRAY ALL DAY: Our viral Hypochlorous Acid + Magnesium PCA hydration mist that Instantly hydrates and refreshes your skin, with all-day support.
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BODYGLOW: An illuminating body oil that hydrates your skin and delivers a sun-kissed shimmer from head to toe.
Sunscreen as a Last Step
If you’re skipping sunscreen to avoid breakouts, let’s change that. Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from UV damage and prevent acne scars from darkening.
We love using mineral sunscreen because of its many benefits like being gentle on sensitive skin.
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SUNNYSIDEKICK: An easy-to-reapply mineral SPF 30 brush-on sunscreen to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays.
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YOUARESUNSHINE: A mineral-tinted SPF 50+ sunscreen that provides sheer, broad-spectrum protection while nourishing your skin.
PRO TIP: Make sunscreen a daily habit—even if you’re indoors or it’s cloudy. Consistent use prevents premature aging and improves skin tone over time.
Essential Supplements for Naturally Glowing, Acne-Safe Skin
Skincare works best when paired with internal support. Supplements can balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and nourish your skin from the inside out.
Be mindful not to overload on supplements like B12, Biotin, and Vitamin D), which can exacerbate acne, and remember that consistency is key with supplements. It can take 4–8 weeks to notice significant results, so stick with it!
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MINDBODYSKIN: A daily capsule that helps control acne from the inside out. It is clinically tested to target key areas that impact skin health like oil, digestion, and detoxification—all at once.*
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MINDBODYSKIN2: A daily capsule that helps control acne from the inside out–without 5-HTP–for those on psychotropic medications.
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GOOD SEEDS: A skin health & hydration softgel crafted to complement your diet with omega-rich oils and essential nutrients that help support skin hydration, gut health, and overall well-being.*
Getting to the Root of Acne
Sometimes acne requires deeper investigation. Hormonal imbalances, stress, and diet can all play a role. CLEARSTEM’s Acne Lab Test takes a personalized approach by identifying potential internal causes like:
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Hormonal fluctuations
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Nutrient deficiencies
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Blood sugar imbalances
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Inflammation markers
This customized panel gives you the tools to address acne from the inside out, offering expert tips for achieving long-lasting clear skin.
The Ultimate Diet for Clear Skin: What to Eat and Avoid
Your skin is a reflection of what’s happening internally, and diet plays a massive role. Here’s a simple breakdown:
What to Eat:
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Anti-inflammatory foods: Leafy greens, berries, and turmeric.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, these reduce redness and improve hydration.
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Zinc-rich foods: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and quinoa.
What to Avoid:
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Dairy: Linked to hormonal acne, especially eggs and skim milk.
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Sugar and processed foods: These spike insulin, increasing inflammation and oil production.
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High-glycemic foods: White bread, pasta, and sugary snacks can exacerbate breakouts.
PRO TIP: Hydration is everything. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, and consider adding lemon or cucumber for extra detoxifying benefits.
Prioritize Sleep for Skin Regeneration
Sleep is when your body—and your skin—repairs itself. Poor sleep can increase cortisol levels, leading to more breakouts and slower healing.
How to Optimize Your Sleep for Clear Skin:
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Stick to a consistent bedtime to align with your body’s circadian rhythm.
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Use a silk pillowcase to minimize irritation and bacteria buildup.
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Try a magnesium & inositol sleep supplement or chamomile tea to promote restful sleep.
Your Affordable Clear Skin Toolkit That Works
Clear skin doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With CLEARSTEM’s acne-safe products, targeted supplements, and expert-backed lifestyle practices, you’ll build an affordable clear skin toolkit that delivers real, lasting results.
Now it’s your turn—what’s the first step you’re going to take from this toolkit? Whether it’s upgrading your moisturizer, starting a supplement routine, or simply drinking more water, every little step brings you closer to making clear skin your new normal!
*This supplement is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate supplements; therefore, we recommend checking with your doctor for any contraindications.
