21 steps to clearer skin when you’ve literally tried everything else

“I would usually introduce AHAs and BHAs two-to-three times per week,” says Shotter. Salicylic acid (a BHA) works wonders on oily skin types, “as it penetrates really well.” If you have rosacea or sensitive skin, “stick to PHAs like gluconolactone as they moisturise while gently exfoliating.”

4. But not too often

When it comes to exfoliation, there is indeed a sweet spot. Overdo it and the skin’s barrier function can become compromised. “Exfoliants shouldn’t burn or irritate the skin,” says Shotter. If they do, chances are you’re hitting the scrubs, toners and peels a little too hard. Redness, dryness, burning, peeling and pimples are all signs of over-exfoliated skin.

To avoid this, introduce chemical exfoliants (aka skincare acids) two-to-three times a week and for physical exfoliants, “only use them twice a week.” Top tip? “Please never use ground up nutshell exfoliators – the ragged edges can cause micro scarring of the skin,” warns Shotter.

5. Strengthen your skin barrier

A good skin barrier is the secret to clear skin. “The outermost layer is important because it serves as the first line of defence against environmental aggressors such as pollution, germs and irritants, while also preventing moisture loss from the skin,” explains Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe consultant dermatologist.

Skin with a disrupted barrier may be dehydrated and flaky as well as red and irritated, “it may also be more prone to breakouts and dermatitis,” she continues. To maintain a healthy skin barrier, Granite recommends hydrating products that contain ceramides, glycerine and hyaluronic acid. “A few favourites include CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser (£12.50), CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£17.00) and Skinceuticals HA Intensifier Serum (£10.50).”

6. Clean your screen

Noticed an uptick in breakouts on or around your cheeks? It could be linked to your mobile phone. “Dirt, makeup and oil can all accumulate on our screens,” says Iris Maglanoc, aesthetic therapist at Dr David Jack clinic. And every time we pick up that screen and hold it to our face, we reintroduce those germs onto our skin, which can lead to congested pores.

“Breakouts that are caused by our mobile phones typically appear on the cheeks,” confirms Iris. To prevent phone-caused breakouts, regularly clean your screen with an antibacterial wipe to get rid of germs.

7. Wash your makeup brushes

Another breeding ground for bacteria? Makeup brushes. Dust, dirt, oil, residual makeup and dead skin cells can all accumulate on makeup brushes – which is why it’s so important to clean your best makeup brushes and sponges on the regular. Not only will it save your skin from a bout of breakouts, but it will also help to keep your tools in tip top shape. “I wipe mine down daily with a makeup wipe, and then clean them with shampoo once per week,” says Shotter.

8. Avoid picking or popping pimples

While it’s very tempting, the experts all advise against popping or squeezing spots. Why? “Picking at spots can worsen inflammation, increase the risk of scarring and introduce bacteria into the skin,” says Ejikeme. Instead, apply a spot remedy containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. “These ingredients can help unclog pores, reduce spot-causing bacteria, and promote skin cell turnover,” adds Ejikeme.

9. Wash your face after exercise

If you’re a regular gym-goer, remember to always clean your skin after exercise. “Even if you’ve done your morning skincare routine before going to the gym, you’ll still want to wash again after exercise to remove sweat,” says Shotter, who adds that “stale sweat gives bacteria a perfect chance to flourish.” She carries a bottle of Clinisoothe in her gym bag to cleanse with after exercise – “it helps to rebalance the microbiome.”

10. Avoid touching your face

“Dirt, grime, bacteria and oil from your hands can end up on your skin if you touch your face constantly,” warns Granite. So, try and keep hands off when you’re not cleansing or applying product to keep skin clear.

11. Wear sunscreen every day

If your daily skincare regime ends with a generous application of your best face sun screen, here’s a virtual pat on the back. “Sun protection is vital to maintaining skin health and preventing signs of skin ageing such as pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles,” points out Granite. And with so many sunscreen formulations now available, it is easier than ever to find a product that is well suited to your skin. Follow Ejikeme’s advice and “apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days.”

12. Introduce vitamin C

A skin brightening hero, Dr Maryam Zamani, oculoplastic surgeon, facial aesthetics doctor and founder of MZ Skin, recommends introducing a vitamin C skincare product into your routine. “This is a well-researched and clinically proven powerhouse antioxidant with exceptional results in overall skin health,” says Zamani. Not only can it help reduce oxidative damage and stimulate collagen synthesis, but it can also “help create clearer skin tone by reducing pigmentation.”

13. Change your bed linen regularly

“Pillowcases get dirty and if you’re not changing your bed linen regularly then this could be contributing towards a bout of breakouts,” says Shotter. Once per week is ideal.

14. Limit refined sugars

“The link between diet and acne is still debated but there is some evidence that high glycemic foods, foods that make your blood sugar spike quickly, can result in inflammation and increased oil production, potentially worsening breakouts,” explains Granite.

15. Get professional advice

“Spots, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads can be related to several skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis (POD), bacterial folliculitis, yeast (or fungal) folliculitis or a form of chronic sun damage called Favre-Racouchot syndrome to name a few,” says Dr Stefanie Williams, founder of Eudelo skin clinic in London. Of these skin conditions, “acne and rosacea are the most common culprits of facial breakouts in adult women.”