As the end of the first quarter draws near, stress isat an all time high, especially at Academy. This time of year, can be especially hard to keep up with your skincare regime. Whether you are trying to get the perfect selfie or need flawless skin for after school activities, such as dances, here are 8 tips and tricks to live by so you can have flawless skin:

Tips/Tricks:

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet

Make sure you drink plenty of water to rid your body of unwanted toxins. Dehydration can cause breakouts because your skin will try to overcompensate for the lack of water, producing excess oil. Have a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin C (berries are a good source of nutrients).

Wash your face and use exfoliators

Make sure to wash your face 1-2 times a day for the best results. Helpful tip: exfoliate your face while in the shower. The steam from the shower opens up your pores, which allows for a better cleanse of your pores. 

DO NOT GO TO BED WEARING MAKEUP!!

This is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. The makeup will clog your pores allowing bacteria to build up overnight, resulting in zits and pimples.

Apply sunscreen daily

This is one of those things that most people overlook on a daily basis. It is not uncommon to find that many do not think to apply sunscreen unless they are going somewhere like the beach. Applying sunscreen will not only help keep the acne away, but will also help you look younger in the long run.

Take a break from stress

Stress hormones produce acne, and sometimes taking a break can be the best remedy around. Relax by taking a bath, reading a book, catching up on sleep, or working out. Be sure that you wash your face before and after working out to help open up your pores. When you sleep your skin regenerates, which will allow you to look more awake and vibrant throughout your day.

DIY remedies can be a girl’s best friend 

“One remedy that has worked for me especially is applying lemon juice to your problem areas,” confessed sophomore, Lauren Perez. Lemon juice, which is rich in vitamin C, works well as a spot treatment because it is an astringent. This means that it literally causes your pimples to dry out and at the same time reduce the redness. 

DON’T POP YOUR ZITS!! 

This is a very important tip for the benefit of your skin in the long run. Popping pimples and zits causes acne scarring which is very hard to cover up and does not look very flattering.

Here are some of the best products used by Academy students:

Best Face Wash: Clean and Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub

Not only is this a great face wash, but it doubles as an exfoliator. Sophomore Kayla Eckerman stated, “It’s a great product because it exfoliates your skin without being excessively rough. I use it everyday, and I have never had clearer skin.”

Best Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Rylee Johnson, senior, always makes sure she has the clearest skin so she can take the perfect selfie.  “A moisturizer is key to your daily skincare routine because it allows your face to glow in all lighting,” added Johnson.