Indeed, exams are stressful, for your physical and skin health. Long hours studying, irregular sleep, unending cups of coffee and the pressure to do well can all take a toll on your skin. If you’ve ever had a breakout just before a major exam, this isn't your imagination anymore. This is a time when even students with comparatively clear skin experience acne breakouts.
But here's the good news: though stress can be a factor in acne, it doesn’t mean you’re destined to break out. There are a few straightforward adjustments you can make to your daily routine to keep your skin healthy without eating into study time. Remember, don’t look for quick fixes but rather work on developing healthy habits that will benefit your skin and overall well-being.
Manage Stress
One of the most significant factors contributing to acne breakouts during exams is stress. When you’re under stress your body makes hormones like cortisol which can lead to more oil production and cause inflammation. Stress does not trigger acne, but it can worsen existing breakouts and hinder your skin's recovery process.
However, you don’t need to fully eliminate stress. After all, that’s not realistic during exams, but discovering little ways to control it can be good for your skin and focus. Regular breaks between the study sessions, short strolls, light exercise, physical activity, and deep breathing are all great ways to help lower stress levels. Even just getting away from your desk for ten minutes helps. Remember, that taking care of your mental health is just as essential as selecting the right skincare products.
Follow a Simple Skincare Regime
When your schedule gets hectic, skincare is frequently one of the first routine tasks to get neglected. However, consistency is much more crucial than having a fancy routine. To help get rid of any extra oil, sweat, sunscreen and dirt that built up during the day, wash your face morning and evening.
Use a gentle cleanser that won’t deplete your skin of its natural oils, then follow with a lightweight, non-comedogenic cream. If you're studying near sunlight or strolling between classes throughout the day, remember to put on sunscreen. UV exposure can make acne marks and discoloration worse, which is why spots can last a long time after they have healed.
Ensure Your Study Table is Clean and Organized
During exams, you are always using your laptop, cell phone, notebooks and face without even knowing it. These daily routines may spread oil, dirt and bacteria on to your skin. Bacteria aren’t the only cause of acne, but minimizing unintentional contact can help keep itchiness and clogged pores to a minimum.
All you have to do is clean your phone screen regularly. If you spend hours on the phone or online study time, it will come in handy. Clean your makeup brushes often, replace your pillowcase once in a while and don't rest your face on your palms while studying. If you are working out to alleviate stress, shower and wash your face afterward instead of letting the sweat sit on your skin for an extended amount of time.
Don’t Experiment with Quick Acne Fixes
There’s nothing worse than waking up to a breakout the night prior to a major test or presentation. At times like this, many people begin to use multiple acne therapies at once or try trending DIY remedies from the internet. Sadly, this often results in irritated, dry skin which becomes even more apparent. Instead, just keep it simple. If you already have a dermatologist-approved spot ointment, use it as directed. A hydrocolloid pimple patch at night can also help quell inflammation, plus keep you from pulling the blemish. Don’t squeeze your pimples as this can cause more redness and result in dark marks that will take quite a while to fade.
Focus on Sleep and Nutrition
While late night study sessions may feel inevitable, frequently losing sleep may impact your skin. Even while you sleep, your skin is healing. Not getting enough sleep on a regular basis can make your skin look dull and make inflammation and breakouts more noticeable. Big changes in dietary habits can also occur at exam time. So many students stay up by eating candy, fast food or drinking multiple caffeinated drinks. For some, consuming a diet high in heavily refined foods and sugary beverages can contribute to inflammation, but one meal won't cause acne. Keep healthy snacks on hand as you study, such as yogurt, nuts etc.