As you rush off to your 8 a.m. lecture, spend time working on assignments in the library, and fit in internships or part-time jobs, it’s easy to neglect your skin. Some students choose not to do any skincare at all while others have a long list of products they think they need for healthy skin. However, the truth is that keeping your skin clean, hydrated, and protected is simpler than that; a regular routine consisting of a few products will provide you with the perfect skin complexion and texture.
No matter what type of skin you have, whether it’s oily, dry, combination, or acne-prone, establishing a habit of taking a few minutes each morning and night can help reduce the chances of common skin concerns, such as breakouts and dullness, as well as help alleviate problems caused by dehydration or clogged pores. Therefore, focus on establishing a routine around basic skincare products that will allow you to work towards maintaining a healthy complexion without spending too much time on it.
Read this guide to find out more about the perfect skincare routine for students.
Use a Mild Cleanser
To start off your day right, stick to simple daily cleansing which includes washing all the dirt, oil, etc., that has accumulated on your face during the night while you slept and also preparing your skin to receive any products you may apply next. When selecting the right cleanser for your skin type, consider using a mild one that will not leave your skin feel tight or dry, rather than a harsh soap.
Moreover, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, a cleanser containing salicylic will help remove excess oil and keep your pores clean. Similarly, if you’re suffering from dry or sensitive skin, consider using a cream or gel-based product that contains hydrating agents such as glycerin or ceramides. Be sure to wash your face using lukewarm water rather than hot, since excessive hot water can remove the natural oils produced by your body. Massage the cleanser into your face for 30-60 minutes before rinsing off with cool water to make sure your skin is clean.
Apply a Suitable Serum
To achieve flawless skin, you don't need a lot of different products. Just one well-formulated product can help you with your biggest skin concern without adding unnecessary steps to your routine. For example, if you often experience oiliness in the middle of class or have a tendency of breakouts, using a niacinamide serum will help you reduce oiliness and strengthen your skin barrier. On the other hand, if your biggest skincare concern is dryness, a serum that contains hyaluronic acid will help pull moisture into your skin, thus giving it more hydration throughout the day. When applying the serum, use 2-3 drops on a clean face, and then gently dab the serum onto the face rather than aggressively rubbing it. After using the same serum every morning, you will notice visible results.
Wear a Moisturizer and Don’t Forget Sunscreen
There’s a misconception among many people that moisturizing only benefits dry skin and this couldn't be further from the truth! All skin types require hydrating products. When you fail to hydrate your skin, it disrupts your skin's natural barrier, making it more likely to experience irritation, extra oil production, and breakouts. If you have oily skin, try using lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers. On the other hand, if you tend to have dry or sensitive skin, use a thick hydrating cream.
Along with moisturizer, it’s important to apply sunscreen to protect your skin. Even if you'll mostly be inside a classroom, UV rays can still get to your skin. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen as your final step before any makeup goes on. Sunscreen will protect against precocious ageing, decreases your chances of developing irregular pigmentation, and prevents post-acne scarring from getting darker.
Add Weekly Skin Treatments
Remember, keep your skincare routine simple! You can do extra work on your skin once or twice a week. If your skin is rough or dry, use gentle exfoliation products with lactic acid, mandelic acid or salicylic acid. These acids help remove dead skin cells to make your skin feel soft and smooth. However, do not use harsh scrubs as these may cause excessive irritation and aggravate acne-prone skin. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, apply a hydrating facial mask every week to add moisture back into the skin. If you have oily skin, consider using a clay mask.