Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at VCU chapter.

Almost every single person in the world cares about how they look. A big part of that is how your skin looks. People will try anything to get rid of acne, tighten their pores, even out their skin, and more. However, there are some serious dos and do nots.

Do: Wear Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is super important. It does not matter if you tan easily or do not burn, sunscreen is vital to your health. It protects your skin against harmful UV rays which can cause cancer.

Do Not: Use “Anti-Aging” Cream

These creams do little to nothing, it’s just a huge marketing ploy. Honestly, it’s the same thing as creams that supposedly get rid of cellulite. Just embrace your aging, it is completely natural and beautiful.

Do: Moisturize

It does not matter if you have acne or naturally oily skin, you need to moisturize. However, it is important to find the one that is right for you. I would recommend finding a dermatologist to see what your skin needs in order to pick the right moisturizer for you.

Do Not: Apply Skincare Right Before Bed

Think about it, what do you do while laying in bed? Put your face all over your pillows. Therefore, you need to apply your skincare an hour before bed so that it can absorb into your skin.

Do: Thread Your Brows

Threading your eyebrows is better for your skin. There is less of a risk of ingrown hairs. It is way less prep and less of a clean-up afterward as well. Additionally, it is more precise so you do not have to worry about having a mishap.

Do Not: Wash Your Face with Hot/Cold Water

This should be fairly obvious being that hot water strips your skin of essential oils. Why cold water though? It tightens your pores, which can trap bacteria in them resulting in blackheads or acne. Most dermatologists suggest that you use lukewarm water on your skin.

Do: Use Retinol

This cream is extremely beneficial to your skin. It helps with fine lines and wrinkles plus unclogs your pores. However, I would be super careful with this chemical being that it can dry out your skin and cause redness. Another huge tip is to only use a pea-sized amount.

Do Not: Buy Skincare Products without Research

Due to the fact that we live in a world with the internet, everything becomes viral or a trend. There have been several products that are not good for your skin that have received popularity. It is imperative to look into what your skin needs and base what you buy on that. Another reminder is that it does not have to be expensive.

Ultimately it is up to you what you do with your skin. However, I hope that these eight tips help you with discovering what you like and what works for you. Remember you are human and the biggest thing to do for your skin is to love it no matter what.

Kaitlyn Austin is an alumnus of Virginia Commonwealth University, with a bachelor's in political science with a concentration in civil rights. She is passionate about social justice, advocacy, and astrology.