Do you want to get rid of acne, blackheads, freckles and other skin imperfections? You don't need to spend a fortune to get a smooth, flawless perfection. Read this guide to learn how to get clear skin.

There are hundreds of products out there claiming to give you a clear complexion. Some do what they promise, while others are a waste of money. The key is to find just a few good products to use in combination with each other. Following the steps below will help you get the beautiful skin you desire.

No matter what your skin type, it should be washed twice a day--once in the morning and once at night. Any more than this will irritate your skin and can cause breakouts.

• Choose a gentle cleanser, even if you are prone to acne. Stripping the oils from your skin will only create more problems. Use a noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic, oil-free formula, such as Cetaphil or Phisoderm. No need to waste money on fancy brands with irritating additives.

To treat acne on your full face, use a gentle product. Oxy pads for sensitive skin are decent, or if you have a bigger budget try Murad's gentle acne treatment. Reserve the maximum strength formulas for spot treatment only. it may seem like you need a strong formula if you have a lot of pimples, but in reality these will most likely only contribute to the problem by irritating and drying out your skin, causing it to produce too much oil.

• To treat freckles, spots and post-acne marks, use a fading product containing hydroquinone or retinol (Neutrogena makes good retinol products). Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy peels will also help.

Many people with acne do not moisturize, because they fear it will make them break out. Actually, moisturizing will control oil production, helping to keep your skin clear and smooth. It is especially necessary after using drying acne treatments. Use an oil-free moisturizer with as few additives as possible. An inexpensive lotion such as Aveeno can work wonders--just remember to only use a small amount.

Acne-prone skin is often quite sensitive, and harsh chemicals or materials may cause breakouts. Stay away from any makeup, lotions or sunscreens that are not hypoallergenic and noncomedegenic, as these may only make your pimples worse. In addition, avoid contact with scratchy materials or fabrics. If you sleep with your face on your pillow, use soft cotton pillowcases, and wash them often.