How to Get Clearer-Looking Skin: A Balanced Approach

Learning how to manage acne begins with understanding the underlying causes. Acne often results from a combination of factors like excess oil production, internal changes, certain types of food, and using harsh skincare products. By identifying the factors that contribute to acne, you can take effective steps to 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.

Understanding Acne & What Causes It

Acne typically occurs when pores become clogged, often from a combination of excess oil and dead skin cells. These blockages can result in breakouts. Several other factors may also contribute to experiencing acne:

Excess Oil Production

When overactive sebaceous glands produce more oil than necessary, the excess sebum can clog pores and lead to the formation of 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?

How to Build A Skincare Routine for Clearer-Looking Skin.

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 acne, 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 replenishes lost hydration and helps fortify the skin barrier over time. It’s 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 acne. This regimen helps by 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.
  • 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: lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer provides all-day hydration without clogging pores. It also promotes improved moisture retention.

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

Acne can cause uneven skin texture and tone. 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: Formulated with an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that effectively exfoliates the skin, this toner helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, revealing a smoother, more even texture.

Step 2: Treat

  • Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: This water-based serum combines a high concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3) and zinc PCA to absorb excess 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. Applying formulations in the right order helps minimize potential ingredient conflicts and irritation. 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

The Acne Takeaway

Getting 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 acne and adopting an effective skincare regimen for your specific needs, you can pave the way to a smoother, clearer-looking complexion.

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.


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THE ORDINARY Managing Breakouts