Preventing Dry Skin

Living in dry desert weather, none of us are stranger to dry skin.  It is a problem you can’t conceal and when you try to fix it with lotion all you end up with is an uncomfortable burning sensation.  You wish you could just take sandpaper to your face and be done with it. Here is a face care routine that will guarantee you smooth healthy skin even in the driest climates. 
1)     A clean face is a happy face.  With a face-wash of your choice, wash your face at least once a day. Ideally once right after you wake up, and once right before you go to sleep.  If you’re not sleeping through your morning classes, you’re definitely not getting up early enough to exercise a healthy skincare routine. Even while you sleep, bacteria can make its way on to your face from your pillows and sheets creating irritation and dryness.  Along with washing your face washing your linens is an important step in preventing skin irritation.  I suggest at least once every two weeks. 
2)     Exfoliate.  Go on a target run and pick out a dermatologist approved face scrub.  (St. Ives Apricot Scrub is dermatologist approved and my own personal pick.  Fits right into your student budget at $4).  Add this to your shower basket and exfoliate your face in the shower 3-4 times a week.  Scrubs remove dead skin cells, leaving your face smooth. 
3)     Moisturize.  Exfoliation can sometimes leave your face feeling stiff and uncomfortable.  After you get out of the shower, use a small amount of facial moisturizer.  Finding a moisturizer that is right for you can be difficult sometimes because everyone has different skin. Moisturizer is the key to healthy skin because it not only keeps your face hydrated and smooth, but it creates elasticity of the skin which will go a long way in preventing wrinkles for the future. 
Everyone has different skin and different skin care routines so you cannot rely on anyone else to tell you what’s right for your skin, but these are the basics.  I know a long routine is a pain, but taking care of your skin is as important as taking a shower.  In the long run you will be happy you stayed up that extra 10 minutes to wash your face.