It’s that time of year again. Yes, the holidays, but also the season where everything is getting in the way of clear skin: end of semester due dates ramping up, the potential worries of another year coming to a close, and the temps starting to drop outside. It is easy to let your skincare go by the wayside at the expense of looking and feeling your best naturally. With more exciting and paramount moments to look forward to, worrying about breakouts should be the last thing on your mind. Spend your free time thinking of what’s on tap for Thanksgiving dinner and taking a much-needed break from school instead. Here are five tips to make small changes in your routines to promote clearer skin.

1. Keep Your Hands Off! 

One of the most common ways our pores trap unnecessary dirt and grime into the skin is through repeatedly touching our faces. When studying, our hands often go to our chin, or we rest our heads in our hands without even noticing! Keeping hands clean and away from the face can make a noticeable difference in persistent chin and cheek acne. 

2. Switch Pillow Cases Often

Whether we like to admit it or not, our sheets and pillowcases may not be getting washed as often as they should. One small but sneaky way breakouts can occur is from sleeping on dirty pillow cases too many nights in a row. Silk pillowcases are perfect alternatives for cotton and other blends that tend to hold onto more dirt. Try at least tossing your pillowcases into your weekly laundry cycle to help alleviate this surprisingly problematic source.

3. Humidifiers, Honey

The benefits of humidifiers in a room are vast and include benefits such as cleaner air in your space, but they also help acne. Adding humidity can create moisture to replenish dry skin and add an extra plump and fullness to your face, which rejuvenates and contributes to overall skin health.

4. The Truth About Toothpaste

Rumor has it that a dab of toothpaste on a bothersome breakout before bed can have you waking up to less redness and clearer skin. According to Healthline, however, this might be a bust. Overall, the skin can see more irritation and over-drying that isn't beneficial in the long run. Instead, they suggest using moisturizers to prevent excess oil production in your pores, which leads to added acne.

5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Hydration may be the easiest tip of all, so we saved it for last. Putting good into the body will benefit you on the outside, too. Keep drinking lots of water throughout the day and putting cleaner foods into your body, as well! This emphasis on nutrition will make a world of a difference.

It is always good to remember that not all acne can be miraculously treated with these tips, and other dermatologist recommendations may be necessary, but having healthy skin care habits is the best place to start. Good luck the rest of the semester, and keep glowing!

Written by: Grace Bercher, Photography: Olivia Garza, Design: Josh Carley, Social Media: Marilyn Espinoza