Back-to-School Skincare: Tips and Tricks for Clear Skin
The beginning of a new school year is the perfect time to start fresh. While you might be focused on updating your wardrobe and restocking school supplies, it's also a great time to think about any changes you need to make to your current skincare routine. A solid back-to-school skincare plan can set you up for clearer skin while helping you recover from the effects of the summer sun.
The Causes of Outbreaks
Your skin is completely unique, and understanding the basics of your complexion can help you on your journey to clearer skin. Before you can create the perfect back-to-school skincare plan, you'll need to identify your individual skin type. This knowledge helps you choose the right products and techniques, as different skin types sometimes require different kinds of care.
There are five basic types:
- Normal
- Oily
- Combination
- Dry
- Sensitive
While some skin types are more prone to breakouts and skin problems, no skin type is immune to acne and blemishes. Buildup of dirt and oil, not removing your makeup, excess sweat, and hormonal changes can all contribute to pimples even if you have normal, well-balanced skin.
Back to School Skincare: The Quickest Route to Clear Skin
When it comes to healthy skincare, consistency is one of the most important factors. There's no need to worry about developing a complex routine with tons of steps and countless products. A simple routine is easier to implement and easier to stick to, and it can be just as effective as more involved routines.
The Basics
While there's certainly room for personalization, use this essential skincare guide as the foundation for a healthy routine.
1. Cleanse Every Morning and Evening
The only way to remove all of that dirt, oil, and bacteria from your skin is to wash it away. Use a cleanser that's formulated for daily use to wash your face every morning when you wake up and again before bed. Skipping sessions regularly could lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
"Use a cleanser that's formulated for daily use to wash your face every morning when you wake up and again before bed."
2. Use the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin
No matter what your skin type, you need a moisturizer to keep your skin healthy. Even oily skin types should use a lightweight moisturizer every day to keep natural oil production under control. Apply moisturizer after every cleansing session.
3. Apply Sunscreen On a Daily BasisAll of those harmful UV rays from the sun can take a toll on your skin. Sun damage can dry out your skin and can even cause your pores to become enlarged, making them more prone to breakouts.
Daily sunscreen application is a must, so search for products that contain a minimum SPF of 30 and use them every day. Not only will you keep your skin looking its best, but you'll also lower your risks of developing skin cancer in the future.
4. Always Remove Your Makeup Before Bed
When you're up late studying, make sure you always leave time to remove your makeup at the end of the day. Sleeping in those products can wreak havoc on your skin, clogging your pores and leading to more breakouts.
Makeup removers with micellar water are a great option. They make it easier to remove stubborn makeup with minimal effort.
5. Resist the Urge To Touch Your Face
Your hands are constantly picking up dirt, oil, and bacteria from all of the surfaces you touch on a daily basis. When you use those same hands to wipe at your skin, pick at blackheads, and pop pimples, you'll only make things worse.
If you can resist the urge to touch your face, you'll significantly reduce your chances of developing new breakouts. You'll also prevent unnecessary redness and swelling with existing acne and blackheads.
6. Exfoliate the Right Way
While cleansing is essential, it's not enough on its own. Your back-to-school skincare routine isn't complete without some regular exfoliation. Use a facial scrub two to three times a week to remove buildup and dead skin cells for a healthy glow.
Advanced Routines and Additional Tips
Want to go one step further to keep your skin healthy and beautiful? Supplement your routine with these helpful hints. They're easy to add and can work wonders for your complexion.
Avoid overly greasy or heavy foods.
A diet that's high in fatty, fried, or sugary foods can be bad for your skin and may contribute to breakouts. It's not a great option for your overall health either, so try to stick to a nutritious diet and save rich foods for the occasional splurge.
When it comes to washing and exfoliating your skin, don't overdo it.
Using cleansers and scrubs too often can dry out your skin. As a result, your body will increase oil production to rebalance those moisture levels, leading to clogged pores and more acne. Follow the recommendations for frequency of use to prevent overdrying.
"Using cleansers and scrubs too often can dry out your skin."
Use a toner after cleansing.
A quick swipe of toner is a great option for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It's a simple step that only takes seconds, but it can significantly improve your complexion.
Try a serum for better moisture balance.
Serums are simple solutions that offer a high dose of beneficial ingredients in a small amount of product. While you can find serums for all kinds of skin conditions, they're an excellent option for extra hydration.
Add a mask treatment for a weekly boost.
Facial masks can help you destress after a busy week and purify your skin for a deeper clean.
Choose the right products for your skin type.
Achieving clear skin might look differently for different skin types, whether your skin be oily, dry, or combination. As a result, not all products will work for your skin, so choosing the right ones is key. For oily skin, focus on keeping pores unclogged and balancing the oil in your skin with light products. For combination skin, look for products that will be gentle on the drier parts of your skin while purifying and refining the oily areas too. For dry or sensitive skin, make sure products are gentle and give your skin the hydration it needs.
The Best Back to School Skincare Products
Once you've decided on the right plan for your skin, it's time to choose the products that will help keep your skin clean, moisturized, and balanced. Look for products that are dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic so that you don't have to worry about pore-clogging ingredients and can focus on being back-to-school ready!
Cleanser
For daily washing, make sure you choose a cleanser that's gentle enough for daily use, but also tough on oil and acne. Look for one that has salicylic acid, is oil-free and penetrates deep to help treat and prevent breakouts.
Exfoliate
To keep pimples under control and breakouts at bay, look for scrubs that contain salicylic acid, a powerful ingredient that's tough on acne and penetrates deep for a more thorough clean.
Toner
If you have oily or combination skin, you're more prone to acne breakouts. A daily toner with salicylic acid can help remove the impurities that settle deep into your pores, helping to prevent acne flare-ups while purifying your skin for a complexion that's truly clean and refreshed.
A daily toner with salicylic acid can help remove the impurities that settle deep into your pores…
Mask
Don't skip those weekly mask sessions. Masks are an easy way to unwind and treat your skin after a long day of school. Use them up to two or three times every week for a relaxing treatment that helps purify pores and de-stress skin.
Are you ready to enjoy more beautiful skin? Don't let acne and breakouts dominate your year. By creating and sticking to a back to school skincare routine, you can show off clearer and healthier skin for your best year yet.
