Everyone gets stressed out, but the first couple weeks of college are especially stressful for college students. Homework, paperwork, reading assignments, and essays are thrown at students all at once.
On top of all the work, students have to balance social time, meal time, and other necessary functions. Unless you’re blessed with amazing food choices, most college dining hall food is far from healthy. The combination of stress, unhealthy eating, and seasonal changes can cause your face to resemble a pizza. And though pizza may be all you want to eat, you sure don’t want your face to look like one.
Here are some tips to keep your face from becoming a beacon of stress.
1. Wash your face.
Really, it’s that simple. There are many benefits to washing your face, and many reasons why you should. However, the simplest explanation is that if you wash your hands, body, and teeth, why wouldn’t you wash your face? I use Clinique’s Liquid Facial Soap in Extra-Mild. Keep in mind that the skin on your face is sensitive, so use a gentle cleanser and keep the exfoliation and harsh chemicals to a minimum. Stay away from sulfates, which can dry out and irritate your skin.
2. Moisturize.
This is a must for all skin types, but especially dry skin. If skin is too dry, it can look cakey under makeup, peel, and even itch. Even oily skin needs hydration, just a lighter type of moisture. Without moisture, the sebum levels in oily skin can become unbalanced, which causes your face to produce even more oil. Look for a moisturizer with SPF in it, which helps guard your skin against UV rays and signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots.
3. Use a face scrub.
If your everyday routine is minimal, consider using a face scrub a couple of times a week. I use St. Ives Nourished And Smooth Oatmeal Scrub. However, I usually only use this once or twice a week, or when I feel like my face needs a little extra love. It’s great to use after a workout, when your face needs extra cleansing.
4. Use a face mask.
Face masks are the current trend, and for good reason. When you or your skin is stressing, a mask can be like treating yourself to a facial at the spa. The scrub mentioned above can be used as a mask, though its consistency is a little too watery to be effective as a mask. If you suffer from oily or problem-prone skin, a clay mask can deep-clean and unclog pores. I use the Montagne Jennesse masques. The Juiced Cucumber Peel Off Masque is my favorite. It gently but effectively deep cleanses my pores and is satisfying to peel off.
6. Take off all of your makeup at the end of the day.
Take the extra five minutes. Just do it.
7. Drink lots of water.
There’s only so much you can do for the outside of your face. As the saying goes, beauty comes from within. I suffered from bad acne in high school, and though there were many factors that caused my face to stress, one of the reasons was because I didn’t drink enough water. Monitor your intake, but don't over-do it.
8. Try changing your diet.
Certain foods cause more breakouts than others. For example, some people are either allergic to dairy products or sensitive to them without knowing it. For a week, a couple of weeks, or even a month, do a trial test and cut dairy out of your diet. See if eliminating dairy, eating more fruits and vegetables, or taking vitamins improves your skin.
Here's to a good school year and a happy face!
