By Neema Khalili
Presenting: a skincare routine with the tired and overworked law student in mind. This routine will assist you in looking your best on campus, whether it’s for torts class or a firm event. The products listed have taken into account that most readers are broke students and therefore affordability is essential. Further, this routine is minimal and practical since law students are always on the go.
Morning Routine
Step 1) Cleansing
Most people should be cleansing in the morning. You can skip this step if you have dry to very dry skin. In the sink or shower, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Make sure the water is lukewarm. Pat dry with a towel. Do not rub, as this leads to wrinkles over time. Law school increases stress, which leads to more acne and breakouts. You can opt for a 2% salicylic acid cleanser to fight those pestilent pimples.
Recommended Product: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser
Step 2) Targeted Treatment: Optional
Treatment products are the ones you will use in between your cleanser and your moisturizer. Different products can be used depending on your concern. Have puffy eyes and dark bags from studying all night? Not to worry, a caffeine serum will fix those. Feel like your skin is dull looking from long days in lecture? Try a vitamin C serum!
Recommended Product: The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum and the CeraVe Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Step 3) Moisturizer
Use your favourite moisturizer and make sure to get your eyelids, jawline, and neck. No law student should be roaming the hallways with scaly skin. Calgary has very dry weather, and therefore moisturization is vital when travelling to and from campus. Remember that lotions are lighter than creams. Use a lotion if you have oily, combo, or normal skin or a cream if you have normal, dry, or very dry skin. Bonus points if your moisturizer has ceramides in it—they strengthen your skin barrier!
Recommended Product: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
Step 4) Sunscreen: Most important
Do not skip this step, you should be wearing sunscreen every day of the year! Even when it’s not sunny, your skin is being damaged by UVA rays. Sunscreen will protect your skin and prevent wrinkles, aging, and dark spots. This step is especially important when you’re sitting by a window or walking to Mac Hall for a snack. Make sure the sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and broad spectrum. Opt for sunscreens without zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (unless it’s tinted) as they will give you a terrible whitecast.
Recommended Product: Skin Aqua Moisture Gel Sunscreen SPF35
Night Routine
Step 1) Cleansing
Essentially the same as the morning, although you will want to use a stronger cleanser in the evening to take off the sunscreen that was applied in the day.
Recommended Product: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
Step 2) Targeted Treatment: Optional but highly recommended
Retinol is a law student’s best friend! It’s a powerful multi-tasker (like you!) that regenerates your skin. Retinol targets acne, wrinkles, and skin texture (to name a few). Consistent use should give you a glowy complexion that will make the partners at your favourite firms jealous.
Recommended Product: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Cream (no need to use a second moisturizer) or CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Step 3) Moisturizer
Seal everything with a night cream. If you’re on a budget, then you can use your daytime moisturizer. However, if you’re feeling bougie, then opt for a night cream with niacinamide as it will help repair your skin while you sleep.
Recommended Product: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
