Summer is slowly coming to an end, and a new school year is on the horizon — so, what better way to show you’re back-to-school ready than with a fresh face?
Whether you’re heading off to experience #DormLife, spending a semester abroad, or practicing social distancing with online classes, some beauty products can take your skin from dull and sad to flawless and fab.
What are those coveted products, you ask? Keep reading — here are the unsung heroes for blemish-free and healthy skin:
1. Makeup Wipes
A word to the wise: Never, ever hit the hay without taking off your makeup, no matter how late you were up rallying and playing beer pong — er, we mean “studying” (wink, wink).
We know, we know; you’re tired, and you might not be able to complete all 100 steps of your Korean skincare routine, but don’t stress — a handy-dandy makeup wipe will work just fine for the night.
P.s — Stock up on makeup wipes. Trust us; your skin will thank you later.
2. Moisturizer
Keeping your skin hydrated is of the utmost importance, especially as fall rolls in and the temps start to drop.
You see, as the air cools, it loses its ability to retain moisture — so as temperatures dip in the autumn, your skin will also be losing moisture. Fortunately, a good moisturizer can do the trick to re-hydrate your skin.
Opt for an oil-free and fragrance-free moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration as well as broad-spectrum SPF protection (yes, you still need sunscreen in the colder months #SorryNotSorry).
Pro Tip: Hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking lots of H2O throughout the day!
3. Pimple Patches
If you ask us, there’s nothing worse than coming home after a stressful day only to find a shiny new pimple making its debut on your skin. *ugh*
Seeing as the cardinal rule of acne is “don’t pick” — we know, easier said than done — you’ll need to turn to your skincare arsenal for some assistance. Not sure what to use? Try a pimple patch.
A back-to-school beauty secret, pimple patches (aka zit stickers) are a godsend for those pesky acne bumps that seemingly come out of nowhere. Simply apply the spot treatment over your zit, leave it on for the recommended amount of time (which varies by product), and your blemish may be smaller and less swollen.
4. Vitamin C
The holy grail of skincare, brightening vitamin C, contains soothing properties that may help to reduce the redness and swelling that typically goes hand-in-hand with breakouts.
While there are many wonderful food sources that are rich in this essential vitamin — like oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli — let’s be honest; sticking to a healthy diet while taking classes and studying for midterms is tough.
In fact, a recent study found that many college students engage in poor dietary habits and don’t fuel their bodies with the nutrients they need (*cough, cough* like vitamin C) to maintain optimum health. This is where supplements shine.
So, if less-than-favorable skin is wreaking havoc on your self-confidence and skin tone and you’re lacking in the “good nutrition” department, we recommend taking a vitamin C supplement — like Good to Glow. This antioxidant-rich formula is made with vitamin C and tackles skin issues for people of all ages to enhance smoothness for clear, radiant complexions.* What’s not to love?
5. Retinol
Next to vitamin C, retinol is the mainstay acne-fighting topical — thanks to its ability to remove the top layer of skin that can clog pores and cause breakouts. This beloved skincare product can also help to keep excess oil (aka sebum) in check, making it a must-have for those with acne-prone skin.
Worried about using retinol on your oh-so-sensitive skin? Fret not; most dermatologists say retinoids can be a beneficial addition for most skin types. Just be sure to avoid some other skin-care ingredients — like glycolic acid — which can sometimes be too harsh when used with retinol.
Note: Retinoids should only be applied to the skin when the sun is asleep at nighttime. Why? Because these blemish-banishing ingredients can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, that’s why. When you go outside, use SPF 30 (or higher) to protect your face from a nasty burn.
6. Probiotics
We know what you’re thinking:probiotics for skin, huh? But trust us on this one; for baby-bottom soft skin that’s free and clear of acne, you’ll want to invest in a good probiotic supplement — like Clear Skin Probiotics.
Clinically tested to clear acne† and support the gut-skin connection, our shelf-stable formula is made with a powerful strain of bacteria that can do wonders for your complexion.* And the best part? To reap the benefits of this supplement, all you need to do is take one capsule a day. Easy-peasy!
7. Cleanser
Putting your skincare routine on the backburner may be tempting as you get busy with school work, but trust us when we tell you that it’s a bad habit to start. Now, we’re not saying you need a tedious skincare regimen that takes over an hour to complete from start to finish, but you should make sure to cleanse your face every morning and night.
A purifying cleanser or face wash can help remove dirt, oil, dead skin cells, pollutants, and other icky impurities that have accumulated on your face throughout the day, clogging your pores. Who doesn’t love that clean skin feeling?
When choosing a cleanser, don’t forget to keep your skin type in mind as well as your specific skin concerns — oily skin has different needs than combination skin or dry skin, for example.
Note: If you have super sensitive skin, you may want to steer clear of salicylic acid (a BHA and exfoliator) as well as benzoyl peroxide (a topical medication) and opt for a gentler facial cleanser, like glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.
A Final Word
Summer might be over, but that definitely doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your dewy, youthful complexion. Whether you’re dealing with blackheads, pimples, clogged pores, or dark spots, the back-to-school clear skin products we’ve listed can help keep your skin fresh all year round.
At Love Wellness, we believe it’s time to start feeling good about feeling good. That’s why we create natural solutions made with doctor-developed ingredients for natural problems. From healthy skin and good gut health to even sleep and mood support, you can always count on us to have just what you need to thrive.
Sources:
Dry skin: Who gets and causes | American Academy of Dermatology
Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help? | Mayo Clinic
Salicylic Acid (Topical Route) Side Effects | Mayo Clinic
The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging | PMC