The balancing act of work life, family responsibilities, and keeping up with our friends can leave every moment of our calendars booked. So when we’re battling acne, with so much of our time already spoken for, what’s the best way to streamline our skincare and quickly address breakouts?

If your already packed schedule makes the thought of adding a complicated skincare regimen to your daily routine feel impossible, worry not. Read on for a no-fuss, minimalist skincare approach and discover the skincare essentials dermatologists recommend to help keep your skin clear, healthy, and breakout free.

Clear skin begins within. 

Acne can stem from numerous causes, from hormonal imbalances and genetics to certain medications, stress, poor nutrition, excess oil production, environmental irritants, and residue from hair and skin products (to name a few). 

Many root causes of acne begin below the surface of the skin. In addition to choosing the right topical products, using a bi-directional skincare approach by nourishing skin from within is crucial for supporting clear, healthy skin. Focusing on skin-supporting nutrition can help to keep underlying breakout triggers at bay while requiring little – if any – of your time. 

Research suggests that following a low glycemic diet may help to improve skin clarity, and numerous studies have shown the efficacy of certain nutrients, like vitamin A, zinc, and detoxifying botanicals, in promoting clear, healthy skin. Incorporating more of these nutrients into your diet can be helpful in supporting skin health, but the easiest way to fool-proof your nutritional intake for clear skin is by adding clinically-proven natural acne supplements into your daily wellness regimen. 

In a recent clinical study of Clear Skin Formula acne nutraceutical, nearly all users reported improved acne after 12 weeks, with some seeing improvements as soon as two weeks. These gentle, physician-formulated acne supplements work to support a clear complexion by helping to regulate oil production, promoting the balance of certain acne-causing hormones, and calming and preventing blemishes from the inside out by supporting skin’s natural healing processes. 

Another way we can help to support our bodies in promoting clear, healthy skin is by tending to our gut health. The gut microbiome, an ecosystem comprised of trillions of microorganisms, helps us digest food, absorb nutrients, and support critical bodily systems, including our immune defenses. Gut health has also been clinically linked to skin health, with research showing that gut microbes can have a significant effect on acne.

Imbalances in the gut microbiome have been observed in individuals with acne, and studies have demonstrated that supporting gut health by incorporating probiotics into your routine can help to quickly alleviate and reduce inflammatory acne. Probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt, fermented sauerkraut, and miso, but the simplest way to a balanced gut is a daily probiotic supplement. Try a high-quality, broad-spectrum daily probiotic, formulated with both pre and probiotics, like Daily Balance Probiotic-8. 

Given the intricate links between the gut and skin health, and because the skin has a vast microbiome of its own, research has also found probiotics effective in helping to reduce acne when applied topically.

Do you really need a time-consuming, multi-product skincare regimen to keep skin looking clear and healthy? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the answer is no. In fact, they say, using too many products can actually irritate the skin. They recommend focusing on the basics: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.  

Ditch the elaborate skin systems and cluttered bathroom vanity, and reach for these effective, balancing skin care products for acne, perfectly tailored to your busy schedule.

Step 1: Wash with a gentle, water-based cleanser. 

The AAD recommends cleansing your face twice daily using lukewarm water, and gently patting dry. 

Try this: Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser, a mild, water-based face wash, formulated with balancing probiotics, hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing aloe, and niacinamide to brighten skin and diminish the look of large pores. This lathering acne gel cleanser is perfect for daily use and suitable for all skin types.

Step 2: After cleansing, apply an acne-friendly moisturizer.  

According to the AAD, you’ll want to look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Applying directly after cleansing can help to prevent moisture loss and keep skin hydrated.   

Try this: Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer, a lightweight, water-based moisturizer for acne prone skin that won’t clog pores or leave skin feeling greasy. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalane to lock in moisture, antioxidant vitamin E to shield skin, and avocado to soften, smooth, and replenish. Plus, probiotics help to support a strong skin barrier and optimal pH levels. 

Step 3: During the day, apply sunscreen. Look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen formulated for the face, and according to the AAD, with an SPF of at least 30.

Another tip from the AAD that takes no time at all: Keep your hands off your face. Touching skin can transfer dirt, oil, and germs to your skin, which can contribute to acne. 

No time for acne? Clear breakouts while you sleep. 

If blemishes do pop up, avoid harsh chemical spot treatments and opt for natural, non-irritating hydrocolloid pimple patches. Hydrocolloid patches, originally developed for wound care, helps to heal pimples and zits by drawing out fluid and impurities while protecting skin from bacteria or infection. These patches can help to speed healing, while reducing the size and severity of acne blemishes. 

Try this: Clear Skin Spot Dots, designed to stop breakouts on the spot. Hydrocolloid patches formulated with a therapeutic dose of salicylic acid to deeply penetrate, exfoliate, calm, and minimize redness without overdrying. Bonus: These incognito patches are low-profile, transparent, and great with or without makeup. Perfect to help banish blemishes overnight, or for stealth wear during your busy workday. 

Effective skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or involve lengthy, cumbersome regimens. With the right nutrient support and targeted, time-saving products, a clear, healthy complexion is possible– no matter your schedule. 

To learn more about the causes of acne, skin-supporting nutrition, and helpful healthy skin habits, download your free copy of the Clear Skin Essentials ebook here.