Common Skincare Mistakes Made by College Students
Late nights, busy schedules, and a host of other factors can take their toll on the skincare routines of college students, but you can avoid the most common mistakes and make sure that you are sticking to the right regimen.
Forgetting to Wash Your Face Before Bed
While it may seem easier to fall asleep without taking the time to cleanse your face at night, in the long run this is a bad idea for your skin. In fact, nighttime is the most important time to wash your face. During the day, pollutants, dirt, and makeup collect on the surface of your skin. It is important to remove these with a gentle cleanser and to avoid scrubbing the skin too much before you put your head on the pillow. Exfoliation is good in moderation, but too much abrasion can actually irritate skin and lead to burning and irritation. Often men don’t use a cleanser at all, opting for body soap and similar products, which is also a mistake. Both men and women should use a proper cleanser, and there are so many products on the market that it is easy to find one to meet your skincare needs.
Neglecting to Tailor Routines to Skin Type
Skin that is normal, dry, oily, or combination each requires products and routines that are geared toward its specific needs. While college students needs manageable and easy skincare routines, it is essential to take skin type into consideration when determining the best cleansing and moisturizing options for the face. For example, dry skin tends to fare poorly in winter’s dry and hot classrooms. Avoiding temperature extremes and very hot showers can help to regulate moisture. For students with oily skin, a cleansing pad may help to remove sweat and dirt that can accumulate over a long day.
Skipping Eye Cream
While an anti-aging regimen is not something most college students are thinking about, it is important to protect the most delicate skin on your face – the area around the eyes. Since this area is so susceptible to early aging, it is important to make sure that it stays well hydrated. Heavy creams are not necessary, particularly for those with oily skin, but a moisturizer is important for all skin types. Certain creams have added benefits of reducing puffiness and dark circles, but a moisturizing formula is key.
Not Using Sunscreen Daily
The effects of sun damage on the skin often take years to be evident, but college is a time when much sun exposure can accumulate. When spending time between classes, on the way to campus buildings, and outdoors with friends, students are exposed to a great deal of sunlight. Premature aging can be prevented by proper usage of sunscreen, so it is recommended to use sunscreen or products that contain it every morning. If students will be spending extended time in the sun, it is important to reapply sunscreen as needed.
With all of the demands of college, skincare may not be the top priority for many students, but avoiding some common mistakes can go a long way toward preserving the health and youthfulness of skin for many years to come.
