Quick Drugstore Skincare Routine For College Students

The secret is out: the modern drugstore skincare routine can give you the same glowing skin as La Mer without the fussiness and mortgage payment. College students have access to that confidence-boosting, clear complexion like never before, as OTC quality skyrockets and prices stay low. With a wide array of product types gracing the shelves, how do we know if we’re making the right choices? Here is the perfect college skincare routine that will accommodate almost any skin type:

Don’t overthink your cleanser.

If there’s any place to save in your drugstore skincare routine, it’s the cleanser. Cleansers spend a grand total of about 20 seconds on your skin before they are rinsed off, meaning they serve only one purpose: to buff away dirt and grime like any other soap. Use simple, non-irritating formulas that are free of fragrances and harsh chemicals, but don’t try to get too fancy with your cleanser’s ingredients. If you have acne prone skin, it may be a good idea to invest in a wash containing benzoyl peroxide in order to oxygenate your skin before applying product, but beware of BP’s drying effects.

Get squeaky clean with witch hazel.

You read that correctly. Head over to the first aid aisle to get the world’s most versatile toner. A natural astringent, witch hazel is known to shrink your pores while reducing inflammation. Particularly effective for acne sufferers, witch hazel has soothing properties that zaps redness on the spot, and it will never sting or burn. As with all skincare, look for pure formulas without added fragrances and extra ingredients. With most bottles ringing up for less than $5, you can’t beat this perfect skincare essential.

Moisturizer is your friend.

This is where you can get most creative, as you deliver tailored potent ingredients to your skin. For oily-skin girls, opt for a gel formula that won’t leave a filmy residue. Look for water-based products that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. For the drier skinned ladies, find a creamier formula with soothing ingredients like aloe. Remember, simpler is better, so don’t fall for extravagant claims and catch-all products. Look for short formula lists with your desired active ingredient. Oh, and don’t forget a simple daily sunscreen!

Nighttime Punch

You’re young; we get it, but it’s never too early to preserve that natural radiance. Drugstores are coming out with increasingly popular retinol formulas that are less potent than prescription products, which is perfect for younger skin. Retinol’s main ingredient, Vitamin A, penetrates deep in the skin and assists in promoting a healthy dermis and epidermis. Encouraging cell turnover, retinols reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation while keeping acne at bay. Shake the stigma and introduce your young skin to a light, drugstore formula to up your skincare game!

See Also

Should you choose to forgo a retinol treatment, find a serum that caters to your specific needs. Salicylic acid works best for whiteheads, while benzoyl peroxide attacks inflamed bumps. If your skin is ultra sensitive, look for products containing niacinamide to reduce redness.  Vitamin C and lactic acid can take care of uneven skintone.

Sometimes, it’s ok to wear a mask.

Drugstores are buying into the sheet mask frenzy, which is good news for college beauty junkies on a budget. Look for the same potent ingredients listed above, but take advantage of the concentrated formulas offered in sheet masks. Save any extra serum at the bottom of the pouch, and apply after you have removed the mask for an extra punch of nutrients!

What are some of your favorite drugstore skincare routine finds? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Image Source: www.pinterest.com
Taylor Covington

Recent Posts

10 Adorable Gameday Outfits at University of New Hampshire

We all get that subtle desperation to look cute at our school sports games. Although you may be more than…

11 hours ago

10 Adorable Gameday Outfits at North Carolina State University

If you are proud member of the Wolfpack you know that when fall rolls around, Saturday’s are for football. While…

20 hours ago

10 Mistakes Every Syracuse University Freshman Makes

1. Walk in a pack looking for a party. Upperclassmen will "Moo" at you because you look like a heard…

24 hours ago

10 Adorable Gameday Outfits At Penn State

Gamedays are treated like a national holiday here at PSU. If you wear any of these adorable outfits, you will…

1 day ago

20 Mistakes Every Oakland University Freshman Makes

College, it’s the time of your life. But the road to academic excellence can be a bumpy one. Especially during…

1 day ago

10 Cute Gameday Outfits At Penn State University

Along with the score of the game and the weather, the most important part of any game day is your…

1 day ago