University is a tough time for everyone and the stress can quickly take a toll on our skin. Here are four ways to keep your skin healthy and happy.
Face masks
Now I may be biased as I love face masks, but they should always be a go-to if you’re looking for a quick pick me up for your skin. Unlike your regular skincare, face masks are more potent and soak into your skin easily and maybe the best thing about face masks in exam season – you can put it on and still have your hands free to study. Face masks can also be customised to what your skin needs. If you’re breaking out choose a mask with charcoal, for dry skin look at sheet masks and if your skin is just looking dull go for a mask that describes itself as brightening or radiant.
Recommendations- all available from your local Superdrug or Boots
- L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Detox Face Mask – £7.99 and will last for multiple uses
- Garnier Moisture Bomb Pomegranate Hydrating Face Sheet Mask – £1.99 and great for dry skin
- Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask – £5.99 and brilliant at brightening thanks to the manuka honey
Water
It may be obvious but water is so important not only for your skin but just your overall well-being. Being hydrated helps you with a multitude of things such as keeping focused, increasing energy, stopping headaches and of course, flushing out toxins and improving your skin. Drinking water can be a struggle sometimes and the recommended two litres of water can feel almost impossible but there are ways to motivate yourself! Get yourself a nice water bottle that you’re likely to keep around you, seeing the bottle will remind you to drink or try adding fruit (like mixed berries or citrus fruits) to your water to make the flavour more interesting while also getting all the benefits.
Recommendation
· A bottle with a built-in infuser like the Smash Clear Fruit Infuser Bottle from Sainsbury’s combines both the useful water bottle with the added fruit and takes away the hassle of the fruit getting in the way when drinking thanks to the separate fruit compartment.
Skincare
For skincare to work well you need to start your routine a few weeks before exam season, however, having a good routine set in place can save your skin more than you may think. Making sure you have a few steps that you do each day not only helps keep your skin healthy but also gives you time to stop and relax in the midst of studying – it can even be as simple as cleansing, toner and moisturiser. Each person has different skin needs so your routine may be very different to someone else and so it’s best to listen to your skin and know what it needs.
Recommendation
- If you have spot prone skin add tea tree or witch hazel somewhere into your routine, like a spot treatment for instance
- If you have dry skin look for hyaluronic acid in your skin care either in a moisturiser or a serum, it’s great for drawing moisture to the skin.
- If you have dull or rundown skin vitamin C will help brighten it up, using a moisturiser with vitamin C is the easiest way to incorporate this into your routine.
Sleep
During university and also exam season it can be tempting to stay up all night studying or finishing coursework but this is not a good idea. Sleep is super important as it allows your body to switch off and repair itself, sleep also helps you consolidate memories and sort through information – exactly what you need when trying to remember all the information for your upcoming exams or coursework. Your body also boosts your blood circulation while you sleep and blood flow is key to good and healthy skin, without it you’re more likely to look tired and drained and like a stereotypical student suffering from exams or general university stress.
Recommendation
- Try and set yourself a time to stop studying and get some rest, it doesn’t just need to be at night and could also be a nap during the day to act as a pick me up. The more sleep the better!
Feature Image Credit- Flikr User Lauren Craig
