How to Get Clearer-Looking Skin: A Balanced Approach

Learning how to manage breakouts begins with understanding the underlying causes. Blemishes are common and often influenced by a combination of factors like excess oil, internal changes, certain types of food, and using products that aren’t suited to your skin. By identifying the potential causes of breakouts, you can take proactive steps to help keep your skin clearer and healthier looking.

A comprehensive skincare routine for clearer-looking skin should gently cleanse the skin, help absorb excess oil, and target congestion. Remember that consistency is important for making a visible difference.

What Causes Breakouts?

Breakouts typically occur when pores become clogged, often from a combination of excess oil and dead skin cells. These blockages can result in blemishes. Several factors may contribute to breakouts:

Excess Oil Production

Sebum is an oil naturally produced by your skin. If the skin produces too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, leading to breakouts.

Dead Skin Cell Accumulation

Without regular exfoliation, dead skin cells build up on the skin's surface. These dead skin cells can block pores, leading to blemishes.

External Irritants

Environmental factors such as pollution and dirt can settle on the skin, which may lead to congestion and breakouts.

Certain Types Of Food

Research has shown a link between certain types of food, like those high in sugar, and the occurrence of breakouts.

Internal Factors

Internal shifts can lead to an increase in oil production and breakouts. Many people report experiencing a greater number of blemishes during teen years, at certain times of their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and menopause, or in response to stress

Harsh Skincare Products

Using harsh cleansers or exfoliants too frequently can strip the skin, leading to irritation and a damaged skin barrier. Blemish-prone skin is already more prone to skin barrier disruption, so it’s best to avoid practices that may exacerbate the issue.

THE ORDINARY What Causes Breakouts?

Clearer Looking Skin: Adopting a Targeted Skincare Regimen.

THE ORDINARY Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

When building a regimen for clearer-looking skin, it’s important to tailor the routine to your skin type and specific concerns. The following 3-step regimens address the look of breakouts, uneven skin tone and texture, and provide barrier support whether your skin is dry, sensitive, or oily. 

A Hydrating Regimen

Blemish-prone or not, all skin can benefit from a gentle cleanser and lightweight hydration. This regimen addresses the look of breakouts without drying out your skin. 

Step 1: Prep

  • Squalane Cleanser This gentle cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin. Formulated with plant-derived squalane, it leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Step 2: Treat

  • Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 This serum combines four types of hyaluronic acid with pro-vitamin B5 to provide deep hydration while working to smooth skin and support the skin barrier.

Step 3: Seal

  • Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Designed to mimic the composition of skin’s natural hydration, our original surface hydrator provides both immediate and lasting moisture without any greasy residue.
THE ORDINARY Squalane Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
THE ORDINARY A Soothing Regimen

A Soothing Regimen

This regimen works to address the look of breakouts while helping visibly reduce redness.

Step 1: Prep

  • Glycolipid Cream Cleanser: Our gentle cleanser utilizes a plant-derived glycolipid cleansing agent to remove makeup and impurities while respecting the skin barrier.

Step 2: Treat

  • Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution: This lightweight serum is formulated for blemish-prone skin. A combination of aloe vera and N-acetyl glucosamine visibly soothes the skin, reduces the appearance of post-blemish marks, and supports skin recovery.

Step 3: Seal

  • Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: Lightweight and gentle this moisturizer supports the skin's barrier, helping skin remain balanced Suitable for sensitive skin, too.
THE ORDINARY A Soothing Regimen
THE ORDINARY Glucoside Foaming Cleanser, Balancing & Clarifying Serum, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

An Oily Skin Regimen

Excess oil can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. This regimen helps promote clearer looking skin targeting excess oil, while minimizing shine, and improving the look of skin texture. 

Step 1: Prep

  • Glucoside Foaming Cleanser: This gel-like foaming cleanser effectively removes dirt and excess oil, helping to maintain the skin's moisture barrier while improving the look of skin texture.

Step 2: Treat

  • Balancing & Clarifying Serum: This multi-active solution that promotes visibly clearer skin, by working to reduce excess oil, uneven skin texture, and the look of pores. This serum also provides all-day hydration to help balance the skin.
  • Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: Our cream-like formulation brightens skin and visibly improves texture. Azelaic acid acts as a gentle exfoliant, helping to refine skin texture. 

Step 3: Seal

  • Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: This lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer provides all-day hydration without clogging pores. By promoting improved moisture retention, it helps skin stay balanced.

THE ORDINARY Glucoside Foaming Cleanser, Balancing & Clarifying Serum, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
THE ORDINARY A Smoothing Regimen

A Smoothing Regimen

Uneven skin texture and tone can make skin appear dull. This regimen gently exfoliates and brightens, while addressing excess oil and pore congestion to help reduce and prevent the look of blemishes.

Step 1: Prep

  • Glucoside Foaming Cleanser: This gentle but effective cleanser removes dirt and impurities while maintaining skin clarity and preparing the skin for subsequent products.
  • Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner: A water-based toner that effectively exfoliates, helping remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and revealing a smoother, more even skin texture.

Step 2: Treat

  • Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: This water-based serum combines a high concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3) and zinc PCA to balance oil, boost brightness, and improve texture.

Step 3: Seal

  • Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan: A lightweight gel moisturizer that provides all-day hydration. The inclusion of beta-glucan and ceramides fortifies the skin's natural barrier, and promotes a smoother appearance.


Before adding new formulations to your regimen, take a moment to learn about effective layering. Our Guide to Layering offers clear, step-by-step guidance that helps you build a regimen tailored to your needs.

THE ORDINARY A Smoothing Regimen

Managing Breakouts: The Main Takeaway

Achieving clearer looking skin is a journey that requires understanding your skin's unique needs, consistent care, and mindful lifestyle choices. By understanding the potential causes of breakouts and adopting an effective skincare regimen, you can pave the way to a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.

THE ORDINARY Managing Breakouts

Try our personalised Skincare Regimen Builder now and receive tailored product recommendations to suit your unique skin type and concerns. It's quick, easy, and designed to help you achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin.