As college students, we have a lot of stress on our shoulders. Cramming for midterms and pulling all nighters to finish research essays all have an effect on our bodies. Add on the fact that we might not have enough time to cook a healthy meal every night and the effects of the stress we already face can become obvious in the way our skin looks.

Skin care is extremely important. Whether you’re a college student or a working adult, the way our skin looks can affect how we feel. Although your self-worth is not measured by the way you look whatsoever, maintaining a healthy complexion can make you feel good inside and out.

Here are some tips and tricks on how to maintain healthy and glowing skin.

Wash Your Face

Always wash your face before going to bed. Not only will you feel clean and relaxed before bed, but it will also help prevent breakouts. Dirt can build up and clog your pores which in return can cause pimples and break outs. Also by washing your face with cold water in the morning, you will be energized and ready to take on the day.

Cleanse Daily

Using a cleanser to wash your face daily can be very beneficial for your skin as it will clean dirt that may be stuck on the surface. Make sure you don’t use something that is too harsh however, and leave that to an exfoliator that you can use weekly.  One of my favorite cleansers is the Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Foam Cleanser and purifying Mask.

Exfoliate Twice a Week

To ensure that your skin stays fresh and clean, exfoliate a few times a week. I don’t reccomend exfoliating daily however, because although you want to make sure your skin is clean, you also don’t want to hurt it as exfoliators can be pretty harsh. I personally have sensitive skin so I only like to exfoliate twice a week. One of my favorite products to use is the Ocean Salt face and body scrub by Lush.

Toner

Finding the right toner that works for you is essential in maintaining a healthy skin routine. Toning your skin after using a cleanser will ensure that all oil, traces of dirt and grime are removed from your skin. Certain toners will also tighten the skin. Toning is extremely important in preventing breakouts for people who wear a lot of makeup. One of my favorite toners is Neutrogena’s Alcohol-Free Toner.

Moisturize

Whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, you should always moisturize to keep your skin hydrated. You should look for a moisturizer that caters to your specific skin type and use daily after cleansing and toning your face. One of my favorite moisturizers is the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer.

Take Care of Yourself

You can use the best skincare products in the world, but if you aren’t taking care of yourself physically and emotionally, your skin can be a reflection of an unhealthy lifestyle. Drinking water is vital to maintaining healthy skin. It will not only hydrate your skin, but will also give you a natural glow. Also, remember to get enough sleep as that can affect your skin as well. If you are well rested, your skin will look fresh. According to the University Health Center at UGA, it is reccomended that college students try to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

Homemade Breakout Zappers

You don’t always need to spend a lot of money to get clear skin. Products that you have at home can be used to get rid of unwanted breakouts. Try using tomato juice, toothpaste or Neosporin the next time you breakout. Trust me, you’d be surprised as to how these items work their magic.

Remember that when it comes to maintaining healthy skin, a consistent routine plays a very important part. Find products that work for you and create a routine that you can follow.

Until next time, stay fabulous!

Natalie Kalamdaryan
Opinion Editor
Published November 18th, 2015