Beauty Hacks: Stress-free Skin
Midterms are never ending, and finals are already around the corner. Let the stress begin.
With the constant studying and the strain of being at a school as competitive as Northwestern, stress breakouts are unavoidable. While school is certainly important, so is skincare, and it’s time to value yourself as much as you value your academics. Here are STITCH’s tips for keeping up with skincare while also keeping up with the constant flood of exams:
Take care of your skin
Making time to clean your skin is just as important as making time for studying. Stress triggers acne, so it is important to have a daily skincare routine to combat breakouts. For college students on a budget, it may be hard to splurge on creams, washes, and toners, but fear not, because there are plenty of products that won’t break the bank. Leave a DIY mask like coconut oil, honey or avocado on your face while you’re studying in order to maintain smooth, healthy skin. You can also try out one of these inexpensive face masks while you’re cramming for a test in your room.
From left to right: Mario Badescu Drying Mask, $18; Nugg Deep Cleansing Face Mask, $3.29; Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Mask, $18; The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mask, $17
Go makeup free for a day
Finals week is the perfect excuse to go makeup free. Give your skin a break as you devote hours to studying for your exams. There’s no need to put on makeup when you’re going to be spending countless hours in the library, and going fresh-faced will give you a boost of confidence. Makeup can clog your pores, and with the stress from exams, the last thing your skin needs is another reason to breakout.
Avoid greasy snacks
Studying and snacking basically go hand in hand. But instead of munching on a bag of chips, try eating something that will satisfy your hunger and your skin. Foods like grapes and nuts have been proven to prevent breakouts. Red grapes prevent skin inflammation while nuts have high amounts of vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and iron which can all help fight acne. And instead of drinking endless amounts of coffee, opt for green tea. Not only will it relax you, but it also is high in antioxidants and will reduce skin redness.
Make time to exercise
Take a study break and head to the gym, because exercise is great for reducing stress, which will lead to clearer skin. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells. Exercise also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts overall mood. Head over to SPAC because exercising will not only make you look and feel great, it will also help you ace your finals.
Get your beauty sleep
Let’s face it, sleep is something foreign to every college student, especially during finals week. But to reduce stress and maintain clear skin, it is important to get eight hours of rest. Not getting enough sleep can worsen existing skin conditions and cause breakouts. While you’re sleeping, your skin’s hydration is restored which prevents dryness and redness. So try not to stay up all night, you need your beauty sleep.