Five Tips for Clear Skin in College
The majority or College students have very hectic lives, balancing their studies with social activities can be tricky. For most of them it’s the first time they have lived away from home, so with this new found independence it’s easy to develop bad habits. Some students can forget to take care of their health; this can lead to all sorts of problems, now and in later life. When you’re young, how you look is very important. Acne and other skin problems have a huge effect on an individual’s confidence and self esteem. Below are some tips on maintaining healthy skin.
A good cleaning regime –
Step 1 -Use a cleansing product to remove loose dirt, oil and make-up. Often, these products also exfoliate. Apply in a circular motion with your fingertips and rinse off with warm water.
Step 2 - A toner is the next step to clean skin. Apply toner on a cotton pad and wipe face, this removes any leftover bits of dirt, oil and make-up while penetrating the pores and soothing the skin. Be sure to choose a toner that is right for your skin type. Many contain witch hazel which can be irritating to sensitive or dry skin. Rosewater is a better option for these skin types.
Step 3 - Repairing the skin, many moisturizers contain agents that will repair the skin and leave it looking great. Finding a product that repairs and moisturizes will save you time. Choose an oil-free moisturizer that is fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic and contains an SPF of at least 15. Use this twice a day to replenish and protect skin. This cleansing routine should happen twice a day.
Diet - Perhaps one of the most important factors in getting and keeping clear skin is diet. Eating well during college can be tough but it is possible. Utilize the dining hall for salads, fruit and whole grains. Healthy, self-stable options that can be kept in your dorm room include nuts, dried fruit, and whole grain crackers. You could also have single serving packs of fruit or trail mix. If you have a small fridge, hummus, hard boiled eggs and string cheese are good additions. A daily multivitamin will fill in any gaps.
Hydration - The other important part of good nutrition for healthy skin is to stay well hydrated. Carrying a bottle of water will remind you to drink. If you don't like the taste of water, calorie free drink mixes are available in many flavours. You should consume at least 2.5 litres of water each day. If you have being drinking alcohol, consume an extra glass for each drink.
Sleep - Sleep is another powerful acne treatment. As a college student, you need 8 to 10 hours a night. Focus on getting to bed early a couple of nights a week and sleep in when you can. Studies have shown that taking naps can significant benefit an individual’s health; from increased alertness and productivity to improved memory and learning skills. So next time you go for a nap, don’t feel lazy it could actually help improve your studies. The recommended time for a power nap is 20 -30 minutes.
Sunscreen - Using a sun screen not only protects you from sun burn now, it also protects you from skin cancer, sun spots and other damage in the future. Use a product with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply frequently when in direct sun light for an extended period. Using a moisturizer and lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 on a daily basis will go a long way toward protecting skin. Sun hats, clothing with an added SPF and other options are also available. Prolonged exposure to the sun dries out your skin, this in turn makes the skin release more sebum, excess sebum can get trapped in the pores therefore you experience a break out. It’s always best to limit your sun exposure.
Unfortunately, some skin conditions are not preventable. Other times, a prescription medication is needed. These tips, however, will help to clear up skin leaving you feeling confident, looking fantastic and having fun.
