I'm not a dermatologist and I don't have perfect skin. What I am is a person with pretty decent, clear skin, who comes from a family with imperfect skin genes. I've spent my life fixated on making sure my face was clean and clear, so I've tried it all. Lots of products, no products, and every happy medium in between.

I won't be giving you magic tips to clear your skin, but what I will offer are a few quick tips that are sure to help clear up your complexion and give your skin a brighter glow.

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1. Drink water

The sugar and contents of most other drinks are not good for your skin. Water is good for basically every part of you, but if you're like me and need a more vain motivation, this would be it. If you cut out or cut back on soda and juices, and switch to drinking water, your skin will thank you.

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2. Wear sunblock

This is one that most people forget. Sunblock is not only important in the summer, it's important always. Sunlight ages your skin each and every day, so it's important to cover up against the harmful rays. Again, this is relevant for seasons other than summer.

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3. Don't overuse products

I've been that person before, and it's not fun. Blogs and magazines make products look so effective and tempting, but what they often fail to mention is that certain products work well on only certain types of skin. What works well for your favorite celebrity may not work well for you. It's better to use less than to use more.

If you're using products, and your skin is not getting better or is getting worse, stop using them. Your skin may not like a certain ingredient in a product you're using.

4. Exfoliate

You don't have to exfoliate too frequently, but you still have to do it. If you use products or wash unexfoliated skin, it'll basically be like making muck. You gotta clean off that top layer and get to the fresh one underneath.

5. SLEEP

Staying up late is not edgy or cool. It's not good for you, at all. Your skin and body need time to process, and if you don't sleep you're not giving them the time to do the work that they need to do. Don't do that to them.