Maintaining your skincare routine in college

Stacey Franciamore, Managing Editor

Fun fact: your skin is your body’s largest organ. It acts as a protective barrier between the outside of your body and the inside of your body. As you go through your day, your skin comes into contact with dirt, oil and harmful bacteria that can clog your pores and get trapped underneath your skin. Without a skincare routine, this buildup of unwanted bacteria can cause your skin to feel congested and dull. What’s even worse is that you can get painful, frustrating breakouts. This is why it’s important to take the right measures to give your skin the care it deserves so that it can look and feel healthy.

The first step in starting your skincare routine is determining what kind of skin you have. There are four skin types: dry, oily, combination or normal skin. People with dry skin usually have very tight skin and may even notice that their skin is normally flaky or irritated. Oily skin appears shiny and feels greasy. Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others. Those with normal skin don’t have dry or oily skin because the moisture in their face is more balanced.

When it comes to skincare, there are other factors to take into consideration. Is your skin sensitive? Do you suffer from acne, eczema or other skin-related issues? These are all questions to ask yourself when determining which products are right for your skin. It’s also key to pay close attention to the ingredients in the products you buy. Many products contain harsh chemicals and formulas that may irritate your skin or strip it of its natural oils. Try to avoid products with parabens, sulfates and phthalates. The more natural, the better.

These are some affordable products for different skin types and conditions:

  1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

What’s great about this product is that it treats dry to normal skin, so whether you have oily or combination skin, this product is perfect for you. It is fragrance free, free of parabens and non-comedogenic, which means it delicately cleanses your skin and is specially designed not to clog pores. It contains hyaluronic acid to ensure it deeply cleanses your skin without damaging it. This product ranges from $10-$16 depending on where you buy it.

  1. The Ordinary Niacinamide10% + Zinc 1%

This facial serum is formulated with niacinamide and zinc, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties that help treat skin conditions marked by inflammation, such as acne, eczema or rosacea. Additionally, these vitamins help treat oily skin by balancing sebum activity. You can order this product online for $10.

  1. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar water gently removes makeup, cleanses and tones skin. Micellar water is made up of tiny micelles suspended in water. This is a great option for those with sensitive skin. This product is $7 and available for purchase at most major pharmacies.

  1. Bioré Deep Charcoal Cleanser

This product is great for acne-prone skin and targets dry, oily and combination skin. Made from natural charcoal, it’s designed to dig underneath your skin’s surface and remove impurities. It is also oil free to ensure your skin doesn’t retain any unnecessary moisture. You can purchase this cleanser for as little as $6.

  1. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15

Suitable for all skin types, this moisturizer is lightweight and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s non-irritating and fragrance free, making it particularly fitting for sensitive, dry skin. It also contains sunscreen, which is crucial for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

After you choose the products for your skin type, remember to use them in the right order: cleanser, toner, serum then moisturizer. It’s important to note that not everyone needs to use a toner or a serum, it’s only a matter of trial and error to see what works for you. Everyone’s skin is unique and reacts differently to products. What works for you may not work for someone else