University is not a fun time for your skin. Just when you think you’ve moved on from the hormone-induced skin problems associated with puberty, stress, poor sleep and unhealthy eating habits lead you back to blackheads, dull-looking skin and the dreaded acne.
Establishing a good skincare routine may be tedious at first, but it’s essential to keeping your current and future skin looking bright and youthful. This doesn’t mean you should purchase every single product that’s recommended by beauty vloggers and make-up artists, it all depends on what type of skin you have and how much time you’re willing to put into a daily routine.
Here are a few staple products you should have in your daily routine listed in the order you should use them to keep your face glowing on even the gloomiest of days:
Cleanser:
Make sure you’re getting every bit of make-up off, oil, and sweat off your face before bed by cleansing. It’s also nice to use in the morning because your face naturally produces oil overnight. A gentle, natural cleanser will do the trick! If you’re prone to acne, salicylic acid and tea tree oil are ingredients you should look for.
Exfoliator:
A reason why you may be breaking out may be due to an accumulation of dead skin cells – gross! Exfoliating 1 to 2 times a week will help skin turnover by removing all the dead skin and definitely helps with flaking. Rub in small circles and don’t do it too hard! Your face is guaranteed to feel baby-soft afterwards. Avoid products with microbeads (they’re now banned) and look for sugar scrubs instead.
Toner:
This should be used after you’ve cleansed your face. Toner helps balance out the pH of your skin (which is naturally a little acidic!). It also helps remove oil and traces of make-up that your cleanser may have missed. Apply a small amount using a cotton pad!
Moisturizer:
A must-have all year round! There are different types of moisturizers for various skin types (i.e. oily, dry, combination, sensitive), so find one that works best for you. Use it as a base before you apply your make-up, or apply some on those days where you want to keep it au natural. Moisturizers with SPF are best – even in the winter – to protect you from the harmful effects of oxidation, pollution, and UV rays.
Eye Cream:
Concealer doesn’t always do the trick to hide those bags! Using an eye cream a few times a week will help with the dark bags, wrinkles and dryness. Apply a minimal amount before bed, or use it as a base for your concealer.
Once you’ve got your basics, feel free to add in these products to your routine:
Serum/Ampoules:
Serum may be one of the more pricier products but they deliver potent ingredients to your skin that make it worth the price! They’re powerful so remember to apply only a bit after toning and before moisturizing. Different serums are available for specific concerns: Acne prone? Try Vitamin C and Retinol. Dry? Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
Spot Treatment:
Ever get a pimple at the worst possible time and in the most noticeable place? Instead of trying to cover it up or prod at it, use a spot treatment to help reduce redness and inflammation. A spot treatment that won’t dry out your skin is the best. Here are some products to check out.
Developing a routine with these products should get you clear skin in no time, but remember that acne is also associated with a poor diet, lack of sleep, and stress. In addition to your routine, make sure to stay hydrated, eat your veggies, and aim for at least 6-7 hours of sleep each night – that might sound overwhelming but it’s definitely possible!
Thanks for reading HCUBC cuties!