That dreaded time of the year is here (cue the creepy piano background music). That’s right; it’s finals. The end of the semester is in sight. While your brain is basically in summer mode already, your body (and hopefully a little bit of your brain) are stuck studying for finals.
There is one word to describe finals week and that is stressful. Unfortunately, this type of stress often forces us to resort to some practices that are less than healthy. The result of this can be detrimental to your skin so it’s extra important to really focus on skincare in times of high stress, like finals week.
Here are a few bad habits cause by stress that can wreak havoc on your skin and how to fix them.
The Problem: Caffeine Overload
While caffeine can sometimes be a lifesaver it’s important to consume it in moderation. You might not want to hear this, but caffeine has similar effects to sodium, it is incredibly drying. This can leave your skin feeling dry or irritated and makes it more prone to acne and redness.
(Photo via @withlovethelms)
The Fix: Drink Water, drink water, drink water!!
It’s is so important to stay hydrated. Keeping your body hydrated can make you feel more awake, it aids in keeps your skin calm and helps combat headaches. What could be better? It’s so easy to keep a bottle of good ole h2o on your desk to sip on while cramming for that final!
(Photo via @kierraxmakayla)
The Problem: Lack of Sleep
Surprisingly, the amount of sleep you get can also have a large impact on the moisture in your skin. Depriving yourself of too many z’s can cause your skins pH balance to get out of whack which results in dry, irritate and acne prone skin.
(Photo via @sarahgargano29)
The Fix: Set a study time limit and stick to it
This one can be challenging, but trust me it’s worth it. You don’t want to give up too much sleep because it has adverse effects on your skin and it lessens your ability to perform well the next day. Set a time for yourself to put down the pencil, close the laptop and hit the bed. This is a surefire way to get the sleep you need and your skin will surely thank you.
(Photo via @sarahdewald)
The Problem: Bad eating habits
When you’re crunched for time before the timer starts on that last final it can be easy to settle for foods that are less than the best. This is a big no-no. You need foods high in nutrients that will keep your skin feeling good and keep you feeling full and focus on the finals ahead.
(Photo via @taylormackenzieh)
The Fix: Stock your fridge with healthy snacks
When you’re filling your cart at the grocery sore for the stressful week ahead make sure you pass-up the ramen and frozen meal isle and head to the produce section. Stock up on fruits and veggies; a smoothie bowl is a yummy and healthy snack for when you’re craving something sweet!
(Photo via @livcaffeinated)
What are your tips for keeping your skin healthy during finals? Let us know in the comments!
