Back to School Skin Care Tips

August has arrived, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about your back-to-school skincare routine! Taking care of your skin can help you look and feel more confident as you start the new academic year. Simplicity and consistency are key for your skincare routine. It is important to use products that are specific to your skin.  

Here are some essential tips to get you started for your back-to-school skincare:

1. Cleanse your face twice daily.

Cleanse your face in the morning and twice before bed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type (dry, oily, combination) to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils. Cleansing is the most important step in your skin care routine. Proper cleansing will allow the additional products that you are going to apply to penetrate and work as that are intended.

2. Exfoliate regularly.

Gentle exfoliation 1-2 times a week can help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as it may cause irritation. A chemical exfoliant that is used daily is preferred over harsh, granular scrubs or more aggressive exfoliation methods. Scrubs create micro tears in the skin and serve as an entry for bacteria. Many toners contain AHA’s that will assist in gentle exfoliation and are safe to use on a daily basis. One of my favorites is Derma-Lac from Environ. The key ingredient is lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and moisturizes the skin.

3. Stay hydrated.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and maintain a healthy complexion. Your skin is the last organ to benefit from the water that you drink, so it’s essential to drink an adequate amount. The recommendation is to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces. For example, someone who weighs 130 lbs should drink 65 oz. of water per day.

4. Protect your skin from the sun.

Apply a mineral sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even if it's cloudy outside. Wearing sunscreen daily is the best way to prevent premature aging, preserve collagen and elastin and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Now is the perfect time to develop this habit – you are young and beautiful with time on your side. Please, do not skip this step!

5. Moisturize.

Use a lightweight moisturizer suitable for your skin type. Vitamin is a key ingredient to incorporate into your everyday routine. A fan-favorite (and mine as well) is AVST Moisturizer from Environ. It’s lightweight and contains low levels of Vitamin A and antioxidants. You start low and glow slow. It is important to use a moisturizer twice a day to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.

6. Avoid touching your face.

Touching your face can transfer dirt and bacteria from your hands to your skin, leading to breakouts. Try to minimize touching your face throughout the day. Also, be sure to wash your hands before you begin your skincare routine, both morning and night.

7. Remove makeup before bedtime.

Always remove your makeup before going to bed to allow your skin to breathe and regenerate overnight. Double cleansing is essential to “wash the day away”!

8. Eat a balanced diet.

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants can contribute to healthier-looking skin. Enjoy a rainbow of colors in your fruits and vegetables as well as additional water content.

9. Get enough sleep.

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to allow your skin rejuvenate. During the day our skin defends us and at night it repairs and regenerates. Be sure to get as much sleep as possible.

10. Manage stress.

High stress levels can trigger skin issues, such as acne breakouts. Engage in stress-reducing activities, like exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends.

11. Avoid harsh products.

Be cautious with using products containing harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin. Look for gentle and non-comedogenic products. Professional and medical-grade products will give you the most bang for your buck. Consider a consultation with a skincare professional so that they may evaluate your skin and make the best recommendations for you and  your skin type.

12. Don't share personal items.

Avoid sharing towels, makeup, or skincare products to prevent the spread of bacteria and potential skin issues.

13. Change your pillow case often!

Linens, such as pillowcases, towels and washcloths harbor bacteria which can lead to breakouts. Change your linens as often as possible.

14. Be consistent.

Establish a daily skincare routine and stick to it consistently to see the best results. Dedicate 5 mins in the morning and 5 minutes at night to care for your skin. Keeping your routing simple with effective products will also encourage you to stick to it.

Remember, everyone's skin is unique and what works well for your friends may not work well or be the best for your skin. If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, consider consulting a skin care professional for personalized advice, product recommendations and treatments. Heading back to school can be challenging enough, your skin care routine should not be. Best wishes for a fun and successful semester!