This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at IUP chapter.
College is a very stressful time for most of us–especially when you’re approaching the mid-to-end of semester and midterms and finals week begin creeping upon us. If you’re acne prone, or even just prone to breakouts due to stress, this article will fill you in on how to take care of your skin especially during busy or hectic times.
- Drink water. Every self-care, beauty, or health expert will tell you to do this, but it truly can’t be overstated. Staying hydrated not only helps stress, but it does wonders for the body and for your skin. Try using a reusable water bottle and fill it up throughout the day at work or class. (Photo via @rawpixel https://unsplash.com/photos/IdozdXHNZRk)
- Try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep. It can be hard when you have endless loads of school work to do, but try to prioritize your time so you can get a good night’s sleep. Our skin needs it’s beauty sleep too! (Photo credit via @AlexandraGorn https://unsplash.com/photos/smuS_jUZa9I)
- Create a skin care regimen and stick to what works for you. You may need to try a few different products (cleansers, toners, moisturizers, etc…) before you find the right one, but once you do it’s worth it and your skin will thank you! Be aware of what types of products you buy based on your skin-type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, be sure to get something gentle to avoid irritating the skin. (Photo credit via @CharisseKenion https://unsplash.com/photos/3bdSGpKVAmk)
- Watch your diet. Dairy products, starchy vegetables, fried foods, alcohol, coffee, and anything containing lots of sugar can cause breakouts. Try to focus on incorporating leafy greens, avocados, tomatoes, eggs, lean proteins, and fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and oranges into your daily intake. (Photo credit via @BrookeLark https://unsplash.com/photos/jUPOXXRNdcA)
- Use sunscreen, even in the winter. Our skin is exposed to the sun year-round, so it’s crucial that you’re protecting it even when it may seem unnecessary. Many skin care companies even make sunscreen for acne-prone skin too! (Photo credit via @KoriNori https://unsplash.com/photos/3YrtBEpMh60)
- Wash your face and always take off your makeup. Most experts recommend that you wash your face twice-a-day, but if you have sensitive skin you may want to use caution and use gentle products to avoid irritating or drying your skin out. (Photo credit via @IanDooley https://unsplash.com/photos/y_CSTKJ0bEs)
- Avoid touching your face throughout the day. Our hands contain so many germs and bacteria, so if you’re constantly touching your face you can trigger a bad breakout. (Photo credit via @AbdiLopez https://unsplash.com/photos/h4uZA62deCQ)
Keep in mind the importance of practicing good self-care along with skin-care. Sometimes the little things we do to take care of ourselves can reduce stress more than we know. Share with us some of your favorite skincare products!