9 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Skin In College

Great skincare is about more than moisturizing every now and then. It's a commitment to keep your skin healthy, especially during busy college days. So here's nine ways you're sabotaging your skin in college.

Your skin's health depends on a lot of factors, including how hydrated you are, what your diet is like, and how much sleep you're getting. College can be a hard time to keep up self-care — pulling all nighters to study or party and snacking on whatever is cheap and available can cause dehydration or acne.

The good news is that most of your college classmates will be dealing with the same thing. Almost everyone experiences some degree of adult acne or skin issues. But you don't need an elaborate or expensive skincare routine to keep your body's largest organ working well — letting go of a few bad habits can make a world of difference.

As you get ready to head to campus, consider your skincare routine (or lack thereof) and commit to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You'll feel better internally, but a healthy lifestyle will also keep you feeling positive and clear-headed, ready for the classroom. So here's a few ways you're sabotaging your skin in college.

1. You Never Wash Your Face

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If you're feeling too tired to wash your face before bed, think again: The build up of skin cells, oil, and dirt can cause bacteria to fester in your pores. Gross! Wash and exfoliate to keep your skin feeling good.

2. You Skimp On Sleep

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"Sleep deprivation causes stress, which can aggravate all skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis," said skincare expert Renee Rouleu, according to Teen Vogue. Pulling all-nighters to study or party, or both, may seem like fun until your skin is looking tired and dull. Give your body rest and it will thank you!

3. You Drink Too Much Alcohol

Alchohol is dehydrating, and is actually a toxin. It can cause puffiness, dullness, acne, and premature aging. Yikes! Instead of bingeing on salty margaritas, opt for a vodka or glass of red wine.

4. You Drink Too Little Water

Staying hydrated on water is the best thing you can do for your overall health, so grab a tumbler and commit to drinking from it throughout the day. You'll feel more refreshed and look it, too.

5. You Eat Junk

Stay away from the campus vending machines and late night take-out menus and grab moisture-heavy foods like melon and berries. These foods contain collagen, so it makes your skin look more youthful and bright from the inside out. You can even put cantaloupe on your skin as a topical solution — the Vitamin C will fight free radicals, the culprits in cell breakdown.

6. You Smoke (Even Rarely)

Even if you're just bumming a cigarette at a party now and then, it's still damaging to your skin. It creates blotchy, sagging, and dry skin that can make you look much older than you are.

7. You're Too Stressed

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Stress can certainly cause skin problems, and stress is plentiful in college. "A lot of nerve endings are connected to the skin, which wraps around the organs, so as emotions are played out neurologically, they can be expressed through the skin just as stress can be expressed through gastrointestinal symptoms, increased anxiety, or hypertension," said Karen Mallin, PsyD, according to WebMD. Take time to balance working, studying, and partying with plenty of rest and relaxation.

8. You Use Dirty Brushes

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Using dirty brushes is a big no-no, and using your roomie's dirty brushes is even worse. Dirty bristles can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria around your skin, so keep your makeup brushes clean with antibacterial soap.

9. You Take Too Many Selfies

Did you know that selfies can potentially cause wrinkles? According to The Telegraph UK, dermatologists believe that exposing your face to "the light and electromagnetic radiation from smartphones" can damage the skin. As a result, it can speed up the aging process and cause wrinkles.

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