College Prep Skincare Routines
Summer is drawing to a close, and college students throughout Georgia are getting ready for rush week and the start of classes that will be here before they know it. One thing college students rarely prepare for is the extreme shift to dorm life in their freshman year. Planning ahead and working with your dermatologist can help ease skin into its new shared environment with others that may or may not prioritize skincare the same. The excitement of a new school and the beginning of a college career, whether near or far from home, brings challenges as students face things they have never had to deal with previously. Sharing communal and often bathroom space is part of dorm life, and choosing the right products and being diligent about skincare routines can keep skin looking healthy and bright as new students shine their lights on college campuses across the nation!
Preparing for the New Chapter
Freshman students are preparing for a new chapter in their lives that will force many adjustments and flexibility as they make decisions about priorities with a full plate of classes and social activities. No student wants to worry about their skin, whether a breakout or an allergic reaction to something, as they meet people for the first time. Sending a skin and self-care package can be a great way to help freshmen feel more at home and have some of the comforts they may have overlooked. Transitioning to college can bring stress, and stress is not a friend of the skin! Skin health is directly connected to skin health, which is why many students face acne and breakouts when they start school. The all-night study sessions, dietary cafeteria food choices, and falling asleep with makeup on can cause damage early on and be difficult to overcome, so avoiding it in the first place is what the best dermatologists recommend! Acne, dehydration, and dryness are common issues that most new college students face initially, but having the proper routine and products can make a significant difference.
Don’t Make Excuses for Skipping Skincare
The most organized college students face the same challenges as others, and the demands of classes, study sessions, and social activities can blur the lines between day and night, leaving them with little to no rest. College students will experience a new level of exhaustion during this transition, particularly during the first semester as they establish new routines. Deadlines and finals create high stress for all students, and when they feel they have less time, self-care is the first to go. Please prioritize self-care and skincare in these initial months. As you develop this habit, you’ll avoid the side effects of poor skin health.
Parents can remind their college students to take time to care for themselves. Daily washing and skincare, along with quality daily sunscreen, can help prevent unwanted skin conditions during those first months in college dorms. When time feels scarce, consider products like wipes that can be used on the go and moisturizers that are easy to apply, allowing even a minute to keep skin looking healthy. Sending face masks and fun extras to college students can be just the motivation they need to take a few extra minutes or make a girl’s night of beauty in the dorm.
Counter the Party Look
It is no mystery that many students participate in parties during their college experience. Some students may have their first sip of alcohol in their freshman year, and alcohol can do a number on young skin! Alcohol consumption makes skin dehydrated looking, creating a playground for white and black heads. Gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer, and drinking lots of water can quickly counter that after-party look. Doing a charcoal mask when a few extra minutes are available is a great way to get rid of those unwanted blackheads!
Sustainable Skincare Routines
No college student will tell you they are bored in their first year in school. College life is known to be busy, with students running from class to class and social events, being outdoors for sports rivalry games, and forgetting to hydrate. This can leave skin looking lifeless and even result in skin conditions being experienced for the first time. College students can prepare by meeting with their local dermatologist before heading off to campus. Alternatively, thoughtfully planning for a sustainable skincare routine can also result in greater success amidst a busy lifestyle. Backpack hydration spritzes can revive skin at the end of a long day, and a weighted eye mask can be just the right thing after a hectic exam!
If you live in the Atlanta area or are attending college in Georgia, consider visiting Buckhead Dermatology to keep your skin healthy during this transition!