First— congratulations.
Getting clear takes commitment, patience, and trust in the process, and you did the work. Now the goal shifts from clearing acne to maintaining clear, healthy skin long-term.
Clear skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency, awareness, and knowing when to make small adjustments.
Clear Skin Maintenance Starts With Consistency
The single most important thing you can do to stay clear is this:
Continue using your home care products exactly as you did during treatment.
Acne is not something that gets “cured.” It is controlled. When acne-safe products are used consistently, the skin stays balanced, pores stay clear, and inflammation stays low.
Stopping products too soon or using them sporadically is the most common reason acne returns.
Stay Aware of Stress & Sleep
Stress remains one of the biggest acne triggers—even after skin is clear.
If you notice new breakouts:
Check in with your stress levels
Prioritize sleep (7–8 hours whenever possible)
Remember that stress-related breakouts often appear 3–5 weeks after a stressful event
Supporting your nervous system supports your skin.
Maintain Acne-Supportive Nutrition & Hydration
You don’t need to be perfect—but staying mindful matters.
Drink plenty of water
Watch for iodine-containing foods (seaweed, kelp, iodized salt, many sports foods/drinks)
Avoid peanut products
Limit dairy if it’s a known trigger for you
Your skin will often tell you when something isn’t working—listen early.
If You Start to Break Out Again—Don’t Panic
Breakouts don’t mean failure.
If you notice acne returning and:
You’ve been consistent with your products
You haven’t added anything new
Reach out right away.
Your routine may simply need a small adjustment.
Early tweaks prevent bigger setbacks.
Lifestyle Habits Still Matter
Even with clear skin, these habits remain important:
Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets
Minimize heat and friction (resting your face in your hands, hats, helmets, backpack straps)
Be mindful with hot tubs, saunas, and excessive heat exposure
Clear skin thrives in a calm, low-irritation environment.
Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable
Daily sunscreen is essential—not optional.
Wear acne-safe sunscreen every day, rain or shine
Reapply every two hours when outdoors
Sunscreen protects against inflammation, pigmentation, premature aging, and future breakouts
Healthy skin ages better—and clearer skin stays clearer.
You’re Not On Your Own
Just because your skin is clear doesn’t mean our support ends.
We’re always here to:
Help you choose new products
Adjust routines during seasonal or life changes
Support stress-, hormone-, or lifestyle-related flare-ups
Clear skin is a relationship, not a finish line—and we’re honored to be part of yours.
You’ve done something amazing.
Now it’s about protecting your results with confidence, consistency, and support.
Clear skin is possible to maintain—and you deserve to enjoy it.
Next Up:
Author
Celine LeClerc
Celine LeClerc is a licensed esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and the lead esthetician at Art of Skin Care, where she also serves as the Director of Education and Research & Development. With 14 years of experience in the skincare industry, Celine is renowned for her deep expertise and exceptional ability to match clients with the most effective, results-driven skincare solutions.
Guided by a passion for innovation, Celine scours the globe in search of cutting-edge, science-backed products that deliver visible transformations while supporting skin health at every stage of life. Her expertise spans everything from clearing stubborn acne to creating advanced, holistic routines for healthy aging.
At Art of Skin Care, Celine leads with a commitment to education, training both clients and estheticians on the latest advancements in skincare. Her mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, tools, and routines they need to achieve radiant, resilient skin without compromise.
