College students often deal with a very full schedule due to classes and studying that leaves little to no time for detailed self-care routines. These self-care rituals provide simple and effective skincare routines that, when neglected, can have detrimental effects and lead to various issues for your skin.
To remedy that, today we will explore a skincare routine specifically curated for college students with busy schedules. This routine may be a great solution and way to maintain glowing, healthy skin, all while keeping up with their classes and schoolwork.
Daily Cleansing
Daily cleansing is The first and founding step of any skincare routine, especially this one. Before applying any product, you must use a gentle cleanser once or twice daily according to your skin's needs.
If you do this step once daily, it should be done at night before bed; if you do it twice daily, it should be done in the morning and before bed. This initial cleansing aims to wash off all the oils and dirt that can accumulate on the skin throughout the day and prepare it for the following steps and products.
Exfoliation
The second step in our routine is exfoliation. Unlike our first step, exfoliating should only be done once a week. Exfoliating has benefits but can break down the skin's natural barriers and cause irritation if done too often, so it's best to limit how often.
The primary reason for this step in your skincare routine is to eliminate dead skin cells to allow for skin renewal. However, regular exfoliating can also prevent clogged pores and increase the absorption of other skincare products.
Selecting a mild exfoliant with more natural ingredients is best to further prevent any irritation.
Moisturizing For Simple & Effective Skincare
The third step is moisturizing. When working to maintain healthy skin, you must keep your skin hydrated. Daily use of an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer with SPF can keep your skin hydrated, improve your skin's elasticity, and create a barrier to protect it against environmental factors that could irritate your skin, all while protecting your skin from the sun's UV rays.
Applying Targeted Treatments
The fourth step in our quick skincare routine is applying targeted treatments specific to your skin type. Anyone with specific skin concerns or conditions could benefit from targeted treatments.
These may include spot treatments for acne and/or dark spots, under-eye creams to address puffiness and dark circles, and/or any topical medications to help with any skin condition a student might have.
As always, use these products according to your skin's needs and instructions for each product, including how often these products should be applied.
Applying Sunscreen
The fifth step in this routine is applying sunscreen. Although we already have moisturizer with SPF in our routine, it is still important to apply sunscreen at this point in your routine once daily in the morning as an extra safeguard for your skin.
Sunscreen and its properties that protect us from the sun's harmful UV rays can reduce risks of early skin aging and skin cancer from overexposure to the sun.
Always opt for sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for the best protection, and apply a generous amount on all exposed areas each morning.
Makeup Or Cosmetic Products That Pair With Simple & Effective Skincare
The sixth step on our list today is taking any makeup or cosmetic products off your skin before going to bed every night. Sleeping with makeup on will cause your pores to clog, leading to breakouts and irritation.
Hydrate Your Skin From Within
To prevent this, you must take a gentle makeup remover wipe or some micellar water and thoroughly cleanse your face before going to bed. Going beyond steps requiring the topical application of a product, our seventh step today is to hydrate your skin from within.While it is important to take care of your skin from the outside, it is equally important to keep your body and skin hydrated from within as well. Remember to consume ample water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and maintain good overall health.
Cutting out or reducing the amount of caffeinated and/ or sugary drinks you consume can also give rise to your ability to achieve and maintain healthy, more nourished skin.
Enough Sleep
Continuing on the path of non-topical steps for keeping your skin healthy, the eighth step on our list today is ensuring enough sleep. Adequate sleep is essential for the health of your skin as well as your overall well-being.
Not getting enough sleep can increase your stress levels and give you dark circles under your eyes. A healthy amount of sleep to aim for is about 7-9 hours to allow your skin to rejuvenate, recover from the day, and repair.
Maintaining A Healthy Diet For Simple & Effective Skincare
Maintaining a healthy diet is the ninth and final step on today's list. The food you put in your body can significantly impact how your skin looks. Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, vegetables, and fruits into your diet is essential to promoting clearer skin.
In conclusion, having a busy schedule shouldn't interfere with your skin care. Taking just a few minutes to cleanse your skin, exfoliate, moisturize, and apply SPF to your skin while partaking in a healthy diet and getting adequate sleep can help college students achieve and maintain a healthy complexion.
Taking the time now to be consistent with a simple skincare routine can significantly positively affect your skin in the long run. Keep in mind that maintaining healthy skin not only enhances confidence but also promotes overall well-being. So, nurture your skin, and it will nurture you in return!