As we approach the final stretch of the quarter, it’s easy to feel caught in a relentless race against time. The quarter system, with its fast-paced nature, often leaves us with little room for self-care. However, amidst the stress of finals season, it’s essential to pause and consider our well-being.
Using self-care activities helps us recognize the importance of maintaining our mental and physical well-being. For instance, delving into a skincare routine can be a great way to take a break to do something more personal and nurturing. This routine is broken down into four easy steps and done in no time.
Here, I will guide you on what to use when creating an efficient routine throughout finals week.
Skincare type
Before developing a skincare routine, we first find your skin type. An easy way to discover this is by checking your skin two hours after cleansing. If your skin feels tight or appears flaky, it most likely means your skin type is dry; if it appears shiny, it’s oily; and if your skin is only shiny around the t-zone area (cheeks and forehead) but dry in other areas, it’s a combination skin type.
1) Cleanser
After finding your skin type, you can start with the first step of a skincare routine: cleansing. This is part of the skincare routine that deep cleans and rids all the excess dirt from throughout the day. Without cleansing, your skin is more prone to breakouts and dryness. That being said, it’s important to choose the right cleanser. This all circles back to your skin type. For instance, if you have dry skin, you should lean toward using hydrating water cleansers, whereas if you have oily skin, you may consider using foaming cleansers instead.
2) Toner
The next step after cleansing is toner. Toner is a water-based liquid form that may be infused with skin-soothing ingredients like eucalyptus, peppermint, and aloe. A toner’s job is meant to gently refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. Additionally, toner removes any last traces of dirt stuck in your pores after you wash your face. When added to your daily skincare routine and used regularly, it can have a major positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores. Toners may contain harsh ingredients like BHA or AHA acids that are typically drying to the skin, so when using toner, it’s important to remember not to use it daily. Just like the cleanser, toners vary by skin type as well.
3) Moisturizer
After toner, it is optional to go in with serums as well; however, for the sake of keeping this short and simple during finals, we will move on to the second to last step of a skincare routine: moisturizer. With Evanston’s harsh winds, this step will help add more moisture to the skin, improving its overall hydration. Oftentimes, it’s believed that moisturizer is only a step for people who deal with dry skin. This is false! Oily and combination skin types also need to implement this step in their routines since it helps regulate oil production. When it comes to choosing the right moisturizer, it’s again important to consider your skin type. For instance, if you have oily or combination skin, look for a lighter formula. If your skin is on the dry side, shop for a thicker cream product.
4) Sunscreen
The very last step in your skincare routine is often overlooked. Beyond its common oversight, sunscreen plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your skin. Acting as a protective shield, it fends off harmful UV rays that can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and, in severe cases, skin cancer. To help make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, I recommend buying moisturizers with SPF (preferably 30 or above) already added to them. Although Evanston’s climate isn’t exactly the sunniest, incorporating SPF is still an essential practice for year-round skin health and future well-being.
Accomplishing these four easy steps helps promote your well-being quickly and efficiently. Although finals week may be overwhelming, taking at least ten minutes out of your day to care for your skin can demonstrate a positive impact, creating a brief break for personal nurture. As you navigate the final stretch of the quarter, remember that taking care of yourself is an essential component of success. Embrace these self-care practices, and may your skin glow as brightly as your academic achievements.