1. Know your skin type

   Before you begin any skincare routine, it’s important to know your skin type. Is your entire face extra shiny or just oily in several spots? Is your skin crying out for cream or easily irritated?

   Here’s a breakdown of the basic skin types.

   • Oily: shiny with excess oil and tends to be acne-prone
   • Combination: cheeks tend to be dry or normal, but the T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin) is oily
   • Dry:your skin typically feels tight and cracks easily
   • Sensitive: thin skin that’s prone to irritation and allergic reactions

   For a detailed look at skin type and which products are best for you, check out The Skin Type Solution by dermatologist, Leslie Baumann, M.D.

2. Practice good hygiene

   With public showers, toilets, cafeterias, computer rooms and classrooms, campus life includes a lot of germs. So protecting your skin becomes less about vanity and more about safety.

   Here’s how to keep your skin safe and healthy.

   • Always wash your hands. Whether it’s before and after eating at the dining hall, walking around campus (think of the many door knobs you touch) or browsing through books at the library, you should always wash your hands.
   • Wear flip-flops when showering in the dorm or at the gym.
   • Don’t share makeup or skincare products.
   • Keep your bath products inside a shower caddy.
   • Don’t rely on hand sanitizers to kill germs. They’re helpful when you can’t wash your hands, but cleaning your hands with soap and water is still the best way to eliminate germs.
3. Find double-duty products

   One of the best ways to save space, time and money is to choose products that are designed for various uses. This means your counter won’t be overflowing with tons of products and your bank account won’t experience a drought. Plus, you can press the snooze button a few more times, because your morning routine will be swift and simple.

   • Cleansing the skin morning and night is the most important part of your routine. Choose a cleanser that removes dirt, oil and grime and exfoliates the skin, keeping your skin healthy and radiant. If your skin is acne-prone, choose an acne-fighting cleanser.
   • Product picks: Dove Gentle Exfoliating Daily Facial Cleanser, M.D. Forte Facial Cleanser I, Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash, B. Kamins Hydrating Acne Wash
   • No matter your skin type, every complexion needs moisturizer. Pick multi-tasking products that provide sun protection, hydration and color all in one — which means applying one product instead of three in the morning. All you need to do is select your color.
   • Product picks: DuWop Revolution Face, Philosophy Supernatural Air Brushed Canvas
   • Another time-, space- and money-saving tip is to use a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath all in one.
   • Product picks: Philosophy Red Velvet Cake, Philosophy The Fragrance, Philosophy Strawberry Milkshake, Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet
   • Speed up your beauty routine with multi-tasking products, such as a cheek and lip stain in one. For eyes, try a three-in-one eye color wand with eye shadow, matching pencil and smudging tool.
   • Product picks: Stila Convertible Color, Stila Convertible Eye Color – Onyx

4. Fit in skincare when staying up

   With late nights at the library and early mornings spent taking weekly exams, it’s easy to forget about your skin. But you don’t need tons of time to maintain healthy skin and look rested.

   • Before going to bed, if you do one thing, always wash your face to fully remove makeup and dirt. This keeps pores from clogging and leading to acne.
   • As you’re studying, apply a mask to deep-cleanse the face, leaving it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Try Murad Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask one to two times a week to exfoliate dead skin, brighten your complexion and restore the skin.
   • After a long night, your eyes can easily reveal your exhaustion. To combat puffiness and dark circles, apply a dab of eye cream.
   • Product picks: Philosophy Dark Shadows, Bliss All-Around Eye Cream

5. Bring beauty with you

   You don’t need to be at home to refresh your look. Rushing to class, running errands and studying doesn’t allow for too many breaks. As such, here are some tips for taking your beauty routine on the go.

   • Whether you’ve got oily, combination or dry skin, when high temperatures hit, everyone has to deal with excess oil and shine. Toss Philosophy Supernatural Blotting Papers in your bag to control oil overload and feel comfortable all day.
   • Refresh skin with a spritz of Caudalie Beauty Elixir.
   • Are your classes miles apart? Do you love to jog around campus during your downtime or catch a baseball game during the day? Shield skin from the sun by keeping a bottle of sunscreen in your bag and apply it daily. And remember to reapply every two hours, always wear sunglasses and invest in a hat.
   • Product picks: MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30, Korres Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 20, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30
6. Don’t tan

   It seems like tanning and college go hand-in-hand, but unless you want to look years older and damage your skin, skip the sunbathing and tanning salon.

   Many think that indoor tanning is a safer option, but it’s just as dangerous, if not more. Check out our articles on the myths of indoor tanning, including the false claims of the pro-tanning campaign and the debate over vitamin D and sunscreen.

   Today, there are plenty of products that provide skin with a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow, without damaging your skin.

   • Product picks: Neutrogena Build a Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion, B. Kamins Sunfree Bio Active Self Tanner, DuWop Bronzerush August

A Good Night's Sleep for Great Skin

3 Tips to Soothe Stressed-Out Skin

Double-Duty Products That Ease Your Routine

Skin Care in Your 20’s