Now that summer is nearly over, everyone is busy with back-to-school preparations. While you’re shopping for new books and other supplies, don’t forget about your skin. Check out these 8 tips for back-to-school skincare.
Stress & Hormones
Stress can trigger acne. When the body is stressed, hormones called androgens ramp up. These hormones stimulate the skin’s oil production, which can lead to breakouts. There are also other factors that play a role in acne, like bacteria and clogged pores. However, there are some things you can do to try to manage stress and keep your skin happy and healthy.
Practice A Routine
Summer is the time of no routines, no schedules. But getting enough sleep, exercising, and practicing a simple morning and evening skincare can help you get into the groove and add a satisfying rhythm to your days.
Establishing skincare is essential to preventing and treating acne. Even a simple routine can work. Get into the habit of practicing your skincare routine once in the morning and once at night. Check our dermatologist recommended skincare here.
Pore Friendly Products
Skincare, hair care, makeup, and body products can all contribute to breakouts. Check the ingredients on your product and avoid the bad stuff.
Organize the Day
Carrying a planner is a great way to keep track of your day. Write down your to-do lists, schedule big tests and track due dates all in one place. This is a great way to stay organized and benefit your mental health.
Mindful Eating 
Just like stress, our eating habits can impact our hormones. This can trigger acne in some people. Make it a point to get all the nutrients your body needs. This can make a significant difference in your daily life. There is evidence that dairy, sugar, and certain carbs may trigger acne in some people. However, its not a one size fits all. But if you notice that you always get a breakout after eating a certain food, you may want to steer clear of it.
Quality Sleep
Getting enough quality sleep is important to your overall health as well as your skin. Sleeping well keeps your skin healthy. If you have trouble falling asleep, stop scrolling through your phone and try reading a book instead. Screen time can contribute to insomnia so its best to skip that before bed.
Rinse After Workouts
Consistent exercise is a staple of self-care but working up a sweat may contribute to your breakouts. To help avoid these sweat induced flare ups, be sure to rinse off after your workouts and change into dry clothes.
Use Blotting Papers
As we mentioned before, stress ramps up oil production. Keep blotting papers handy throughout the day. They won’t smudge makeup but they will help keep excess oil off your skin.
Don’t Touch Inflamed Skin
As tempting as it can be to pop those pimples, DON’T. If you are dealing with a breakout, don’t touch it. Seriously. Squeezing, popping, and picking at your skin only hurts you more and increases your risk of scarring. If you can, apply a hydrocolloid bandage and then leave it alone.
Dermatologist for Acne
If you experience acne that is severe or scarring, or just won’t go away, it may be time to speak to your dermatologist. While over the counter products work great for many people, some people need prescription grade acne treatment. Your dermatologist can help you choose the best products for your skin type and get the prescription treatment you need.
Tips for Back-to-School Skincare
While we should all focus on managing stress, eating well, and getting enough rest, sometimes our skin needs a little more. If you would like to learn more about keeping your skin healthy, contact Integrated Dermatology of Reston today.
