No one:
Instagram model: “Hey guys, I know all of you have been asking about my skincare routine:)”
Skincare is such an important aspect of our hygiene and overall health so more people should be asking about it, yet it is one if the areas people often neglect altogether. With finals right around the corner, we are about to give our bodies a lot more caffeine and stress, but a lot less sleep. Talk about a recipe for a skin disaster. I know your skin is not your chief concern during finals, however, your mental health should be. As it turns out, skincare does impact your mental health. Having a skincare routine puts at least one thing back in your control during a time of chaos and provide at least one constant in your life. Not to mention, taking care of your skin can be relaxing, which is huge during finals season.
After doing some research, I found there are about 3.5 major steps to a good routine: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. I say 3.5 because the last steps can be combined if your moisturizer has SPF. I am sure a majority of you have heard of these steps somewhere from someone in your life. Although, you may not have known the level of personalization that comes along with each step. You can personalize these steps by evaluating your skin type and concerns. If you ever have the opportunity to get a facial, do it. Yes, they can be expensive, but the esthetician gives you a little lesson in your skin and emphasizes what you need in your routine, not to mention they’re relaxing and leave your skin feeling amazing. A dermatologist can also be helpful if your skin is especially problematic. I found an article from NY Times that outlined each step in detail. I summarized some basics for each step below.
Cleanser
Cleansing should always be your first step. It is best to wash your face every morning and night, but stick to exfoliating only once or twice a week.
- Foaming liquids are great for oily or acne-prone skin
- Creams and Lotions are good for dry, red, and/pr eczema-prone skin
- Oils are best for sensitive skin
- Micellar water is great for all skin types
Toner
Toner is more or less optional. It evens out complexion while adding more nutrients and helping your skin absorb other products. It should be applied after cleansing and before anything else.
- Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are gentle in removing dead skin cells and are good for sun-damaged skin and minimize dullness
- Hyaluronic acid works to improve hydration and help minimize fine lines
- Rose water and green tea reduce redness and irritation with an anti-inflammatory effect
- Vitamin E and C are used for anti-aging
Moisturizers/Serums
Serums are concentrated with active ingredients that tend to target a specific skin issue. They should be put on before any moisturizer and should not be mixed as it will limit the absorbance. Use multiple serums on different areas of your face to help with specific issues. Moisturizers should be used by all skin types year-round to hydrate and soften the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid serums seal in hydration by preventing moisture loss
- Vitamin C serums helps with dullness, acne scars, and overall helps with any dark spots over long periods of use
- Retinol, vitamin B3, and peptide serums all promote collagen and elastin production to prevent fine lines and wrinkles
- Colloidal sulfur and niacinamide serums both have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects to calm redness and irritation, as well as improve acne
- Gel moisturizers are lightweight and absorb quickly so they are best for oily skin
- Lotions are good for normal/combination skin
- Creams are more oil-based and heavier than lotions, which is better for dry skin
- Balms are good to use for inflamed and sensitive skin that is not acne-prone
I thought I would treat you guys this finals season and give you a chance to get some new products! If you leave a comment on this post including your name and favorite skincare product by Friday, May 3rd you will be entered to win a Sephora gift card! You have to sign-up/login in order to comment, but I promise you won’t be getting any unnecessary emails or anything like that!:)
One last thing, if there are any guys reading this (who am I kidding? It’s probably only my dad), do not be afraid of skincare! It does not take away from your “manliness,” I promise. It is important to take care of ourselves, and this includes our skin. #realmenmoisturize #kidding #allmenarerealmen #butstillmoisturizepls
Overall, I encourage everyone to take the time to do a little research and figure out what kind of products are right for your skin, because it can truly improve your mental and physical health. Now, I am going to apply a face mask and get studying. Good luck on finals everyone! (oh and if anyone has any recommendations for under-eye dark circles, hit me up because I’m always tired and it shows)