The start of the college semester is a stressful time for students. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, you’re delving into a new school year, oblivious to what the next year holds for you.  You finally have the freedom that you’ve always dreamed of, yet suddenly realize that you are completely responsible for yourself. You have to find a way to keep a steady balance between your burdensome schoolwork, social activities, making friends, and adjusting to dorm/apartment life, all while simultaneously attempting to take proper care of yourself. The weight of college stress can affect your body in a multitude of ways. You may start experiencing problems sleeping, stomach-aches, fatigue, and an overall lack of motivation. In addition to these physical effects, the bustle of college can also affect the appearance of your skin! You may start noticing that your skin has become more sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive. This is a result of stress causing your body to produce hormones such as cortisol, which causes the glands in your skin to produce more oil, therefore making your skin more prone to breakouts and blemishes. Maintaining a proper skincare routine can aid in keeping the blemishes away, and will give you that gorgeous glow that will allow you to rock the fresh-faced, no make-up look to class. The products on this list will keep your complexion clear and glowing, even when the stress of midterms and a diet of late-night french fries are starting to catch up to you.

Makeup Remover

Despite how much or how little makeup you wear, removing your makeup at night is the most beneficial thing you can do for your skin. Using makeup-remover nightly will ensure that your face will be cleared of any dirt or build-up prior to washing it with a cleanser. A personal favorite that I have been using for years is the Ponds MoistureClean™ Towelettes infused with Vitamin E. These towelettes will leave your skin feeling refreshed and clean while also soothing the skin! 

Toner

Utilizing a toner once a day will restore your skin’s pH balance and tighten cell gaps in your skin, greatly reducing the penetration of impurities. The Mario Badescu Facial Spray is a spray-on toner that is refreshing and revitalizing, making it perfect for dry skin. My go-to toner is The OrdinaryGlycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.  This product exfoliates and tones the skin with 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepper berry, improving the overall radiance of your skin.

Facial Cleanser

Cleansing always takes precedence in a skincare routine. Try finding a facial cleanser that thoroughly cleanses without causing irritation  - leaving only soothed and hydrated skin. I love using the Lancôme Creme Radiance facial cleanser in the morning. This product gives you a brightening effect that fights against hyper-pigmentation . At night, I use The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash to wash off makeup and buildup that forms throughout the day. This product adds an extra layer of moisture to my skin, which is essential for dry skin during the winter months.

Face oils

Though a fairly new addition to most people’s skincare routines, facial oils are extremely beneficial and are the key to glowing skin. Facial oils seal in moisture while adding extra nourishment to your skin, promoting that healthy glow. Kora Organics Noni Glow Facial Oil is for all skin types and is a product that greatly aided in clearing up my skin. Every time I use it, I wake up with a radiant glow! The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Serum-In-Oil is also perfect for adding extra moisture to dry skin.

 Moisturizer

No matter what skin type you have, moisturizing is essential. Using a daily moisturizer boosts hydration in your skin and prevents flaking and dullness. An extremely popular moisturizer for sensitive skin is the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and helps retain your skin’s natural moisture.

 Night cream

Applying night cream before getting your beauty sleep has endless benefits. It supplies a healing effect to your skin, boosts collagen, and aids in improved blood circulation. Every night, I apply The Body Shop Nourishing Night Cream to ensure that I’ll wake up with soft and replenished skin.

Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen is essential to any skincare routine. It ensures that your skin is looking healthy, wrinkle-free, and youthful for years to come. Dr. Shilesh Iyer, M.D., a Board Certified dermatologist with the renown New York Dermatology Group states, “[Ultraviolet rays] are independent of cold or hot weather and are not blocked by clouds. On overcast days, only visible rays (but not UVB rays) from the sun are blocked. The best way to protect the skin is with sun protection.” Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is for all skin types and leaves your skin smooth and nurtured while protecting against skin-damaging rays.

Eye cream

The under-eye area is extremely sensitive and prone to wrinkles, dark circles, and fine lines. Using a basic under-eye cream will diminish signs of aging and brighten your under-eyes, while also replenishing the area so no one will ever know that you pulled an all-nighter studying for that math exam! Origins GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream brightens and depuffs your under-eyes, making you appear wide-eyed and awake. 

Face masks

Pampering yourself with a face mask is the key to relaxation. Besides being the focal point of super cute selfies, consistently using face masks can help remove dirt, dead skin cells, excess build-up, and primarily improve your skin tone. A personal favorite of mine is The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask. It minimizes breakouts and leaves your skin feeling cool and refreshed.

College students maintain overwhelming schedules and tend to have slacking diets and sleep schedules. This, along with lack of time and increase of stress can result in the absence of a skin-care regimen. Regardless of your skin type or current state of your skin, caring for your skin and treating it with care is necessary to avoid future problems. Using these products and having a proper skin-care routine will keep your skin’s youthful glow, as well as prevent future skin problems that may require expensive procedures or costly products.