Maintaining clear and beautiful skin does not need to be an expensive, complicated chore.
Why spend hundreds of dollars on expensive skin care products when some basic skin care techniques can keep your face clear? Follow these simple hints to leave your skin looking beautiful for pennies a day.

1. Wash your face regularly.
   Use a mild soap, like Cetaphil, once or twice a day.
   Gently scrub your skin; if your skin becomes red you are either using too much force or your soap is too harsh.
   Regular washing will remove the dirt and oils that can clog your pores.
   
2. Use a clay facial mask weekly.
   Clay facial masks, or pore masks, are great for sorbing any excess oil or dirt from your pores.
   Most people find that facials leave their skin brighter and healthier.
   You can find pore masks in most beauty aisles.
   
3. Drink plenty of water.
   Hydrated skin is healthy skin.
   Do your face (and the rest of your body) a favor and stay hydrated.
   
4. Try to avoid undue stress.
   This one is difficult, but try to keep your stress levels low.
   Stress is bad for your skin.
   Keep in mind that lowering your stress levels is also beneficial to your heart and mind as well as your skin.
   
5. If an occasional pimple pops up, use a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cream on the effected area.
   Only apply as needed.
   Excess cream will only serve to irritate the surrounding healthy skin.
   
6. Whatever you do, do not pick at any blemishes.
   Picking will only serve to irritate your skin and possibly spread the infection.
   If you must remove a blackhead or whitehead, use a blackhead/whitehead extractor.
   These inexpensive (~$10) instruments are great because they do not damage any surrounding tissue.
   
7. Finally, whatever your treatment routine, do not go overboard.
   It can be tempting to apply skin care treatments more than is needed, but doing this will only leave your skin raw and red without clearing your pores.
   

These simple measures are a great start on the path to clear and healthy skin.
Think of them as your "base" skin treatment to keep your skin healthy.
More severe skin issues will probably require additional care.
For example, comedones, better known as blackheads and whiteheads, require additional steps.