By Vannessa Tamara Marovats
Keep it Simple.
College is a time of greatly increased activity for most of us, and the last thing you need as you learn to adapt to an ever changing timetable – figuring out which societies to join and parties to attend – is a complicated skin care routine. These simple “me” moments, such as keeping to a skincare routine, will become increasingly precious as you grow older. So, use them to allow your mind to relax and your skin to be nourished – not worrying about which brand of slime or cream goes first, last or 11th.
Know Your Skin Type.
An easy way to figure out your skin type was shown to me by my aunt. Simply pinch the skin for a few seconds and let go; if it springs back to shape easily, you most likely have normal to combination skin. Otherwise, your skin type is dry. Another thing to note is the importance of nourishing your neck: whatever you put on your face, you should probably repeat on your décolletage as well.
If Mum is Doctor and Food is Medicine…
Be your own beauty supply store. Ads for skincare products these days would lead one to think that unless your face mask or cream was made by gluten–free vegan monks dancing through moonlight rain, the product simply isn’t worth it. Poppycock. Everything you need for flawless good skin can be found in your kitchen. Olive oil makes for an excellent moisturiser. Soaking oats for breakfast the next morning? Skim the water off and refrigerate for a cooling dry skin remedy. The possibilities are endless; it’s a matter of knowing your ingredients and allowing yourself to be playful. Also, sterilise all containers (plus your makeup brushes) as often as possible, to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Healthy Food, Healthy Skin.
Other than this time of life being when your body decides to show you it’s ageing, the main reason so many of us suffer upsets with our skin upon entering college is diet. Your skin is your largest organ and the one most exposed to wear and tear – the importance of a healthy diet for its upkeep cannot be stressed enough. Some practical tips for healthy eating include eating your veggies, avoiding starchy or fatty foods and drinking plenty of water instead of fizzy, high-calorie drinks. Money can be tight as a student, but learning to be savvy in where and how you shop can rectify this. Fruits and veggies on sale in supermarkets tend to be in season and quite delicious. Buying those in bulk and freezing say, half, for later use can be an efficient way to spend less and eat more.
Know Thy Holy Trinity.
Be it Sudocream, Bio Oil and sunscreen or your trusted Micellar water, the simplest approach to skin care is to find 3 good products that work for you, then build your routine from there. Any more than twelve products, without some sort of chronic skin condition, is overkill. Truthfully, the best thing you can do for your skin other than basic maintenance is leave it alone. No matter the type, all skin is very sensitive. It is, by necessity, the most sensitive part of our body and as we care for it , the keyword is care. Not warfare. Which leads me to my final tip…
Skincare is Self-Care.
College life is hectic, y’all. It truly is. Yet ‘mist all this hustle and bustle, it’s important to find time to centre and collect yourself. Like many, I use what little free time I do have to take care of myself and my skin. Keep it simple but make it fun: you don’t have to handpick roses for your rosewater or have the latest in Skin Care Technology(™), all you need is some time to care for both yourself, and the skin, you’re in.