Clear Up Your Complexion in 3 Easy Steps

If you’re lucky, your last pimple was at your high school prom. However, as we get older, problem skin can creep back into our lives.

Whether it's a pesky pimple or crater-sized pores, I’ve got the solution for clearing up all of your complexion complaints.

Step One: CleanseA clean base makes for a happy face. If blackheads are a problem, you’ll want a clarifying cleanser. One of my favorite brands, Kiehl's, has a GREAT line called the Rare Earth collection. These products are designed to not only purify your skin, but help minimize the look of pores. The Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser is gentle, and it's a great way to remove dirt and grease. In addition to cleansing daily, you should also use a deep cleansing mask, at least once per week, to really help target those pores. The Amazonian White Clay in this mask is great for absorbing excess oil — you can actually feel it drawing the dirt out of your skin! Before you apply the mask, though, put a warm washcloth on your face for a few minutes to help open the pores. You can also try pore cleansing strips which literally stick to dirt and pull out blackheads.

Step Two: ExfoliateNext, you want to exfoliate your skin. A good exfoliation will remove the top layer of dead skin cells and prevent dirt from getting trapped in your pores. You can either use a facial scrub or try an exfoliating device like the Clarisonic brush, but this step is extremely important in helping to prevent future breakouts. However, only exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week; over-exfoliation will actually strip your skin and cause it to produce more oil.

Step Three: TreatFinally you want to target those pores and TREAT them! Try a pore minimizing toner or lotion, like Estee Lauder's Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher, to help eliminate surface toxins from the skin, absorb excess oil and help refine the look of your pores.

While you can’t turn back the hands of time, you can certainly get better skin going forward!