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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

During lockdown in 2020, many people were not interested in doing a full face of makeup to just stay at home. As such, the rise of skincare trends seemingly replaced that of makeup trends, and luxury skincare products were no longer seen as an expense only celebrities could afford. It was during this time frame that I began experimenting with skincare, and I’ve finally narrowed down the practices that work the best for my skin. For reference, I have very dry skin and only minimal issues with acne. 

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Liubov Ilchuk

Disclaimer: This is very generalized advice, so if you have specific skincare problems, the best option would be to visit a dermatologist to address your personal needs! 

  1. Working From the Inside: the best thing I ever did for my skin was realizing what foods that my skin is sensitive to. I personally noticed that consuming too much salt had a negative impact on my skin. Inversely, avocados did wonders for both my skin and hair. This is because of Vitamin E present in avocados, which combats skin dryness. I have also heard of soy, meat and dairy, alcohol, and high GI foods giving people problems with their skin. If you suspect that one of these foods can be triggering for your skin, I’d highly recommend bringing it up with your doctor to get more specifics on potentially cutting the trigger food from your diet, as well as emphasizing the foods that make a positive difference in your skin health. 
  2. Water, Water, Water!!: I know this one seems like it is beating a dead horse, but increasing your daily water intake will seriously give your skin the extra glow that it needs! Water helps to hydrate your skin and give it elasticity. It also aids in recovery from any scars or soft lines. 
  3. WEAR SUNSCREEN: Even if it’s cloudy. Even if you’re not going outside much. Sunscreen not only is a preventative measure against damage to your skin, but many other skincare products such as acids will make your skin especially sensitive to the sun, and neglecting sun protection will be counterintuitive. 
  4. Getting Specific With Skincare: There are a million product reviews, skincare routines, and skincare advertisements online these days. It can be overwhelming, especially if you are just starting out in skincare. I spent a long time wasting my money on products that either weren’t compatible with my skin type or were meant to address a skincare need that I did not have. If you are just beginning in skincare, I would recommend beginning with the double cleanse system (aka using both an oil and water-based cleanser), moisturizer, and any extra acids or toners that can be specified to the skincare issues you’d like to address. Here are some examples!  
  1. If you have a lot of red splotches or scarring on your skin, try Niacinamide! Niacinamide is good for repairing the skin’s barrier. I use the Niacinamide from the brand The Ordinary, as it is cost-friendly, and I have also seen good reviews for the Anua brand Peach Niacin Serum. 
  2. AHA (or Alpha Hydroxy Acid, or glycolic/lactic acid) works on the surface of your skin. It helps with sun damage and skin dullness. BHA (beta hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid) works inside your pores to unclog them and even your skin tone. Generally, dryer skin works best with AHA and oilier skin with BHA, but there are also products that contain both. 
  3. If your main issue is antiaging, try a retinol! Retinol products work to firm your skin. This is because it increases skin cell production.
jewel-toned makeup for fall season
Photo by Leah Kelley from Pexels

4. Try Different Moisturizer Ingredients: There are three main types of moisturizer, and I would recommend including them all in your skincare routine! Firstly, there are Humectants: these attract moisture to your skin. Examples would be Aloe Vera or Hyaluronic Acid. The second type is Occlusives: these trap in moisture to form a barrier on your skin, and they’re a bit thicker. Examples are Vaseline and beeswax. The last product is Emollients: these repair your skin barrier by filling in cracks. Examples are ceramides or avocados. 

5. The MOST IMPORTANT Tip: Patch test. Make absolutely certain, especially with acids, that you are not going to have a negative reaction to your products! I would recommend trying a product on the back of your hand first, then your neck, and only then going in on your face. Remember, your face is very sensitive, and it takes a while to get it comfortable using newer products. If you have specific concerns, always reach out to a dermatologist!! 

Thank you for reading! What’s your favorite skincare secret?

A fourth year English undergrad with enough bursts of sporadic, random knowledge to write intriguing articles! Self-published author of "Decima Unwritten," a short story depicting young lovers in Pompeii before the eruption, under the nom de plume NJ Standley. Frequent poetry and song writer, as well as beginning music producer. You can find me on YouTube (and probably every other social media ever). Born in the Valley, on a Navy base in Lemoore, CA. However, I have since moved over a dozen times, throughout CA, OR, MD, and CT. Most of middle and high school was spent in Sonoma, California, though my family recently relocated to Santa Rosa. Go bay area! I would love to travel outside of the United States, as well, and I am (slowly) learning Japanese and Greek! I am obsessed with food, wellness, literature, music, dance, cats...and it would be easier to list what I am not obsessed with, so I will stop there! Frequent visitor of Trader Joes, Kpop enthusiast, and kitten mom to my beautiful three-month old Calico, Mochi. Beginning to dabble in astrology. (If that strikes your fancy: I am a Sagittarius, Mochi is a Cancer). INFJ. I’m super bubbly, but also incredibly introverted. As Lana del Rey would say, “I contain multitudes.” Huzzah.