Summer has been great for you. Time off, sun and good times have filled the last three months. Now it’s back to campus. It’s time to catch up with old friends and make new ones. And of course, there are the girls. The last thing you want is acne or anything else to knock you off your game. You’re at your best socially and academically when you are confident. Here are some tips to help you put your best face forward this fall.

Antibacterial Hand Soap

If you’re living in the dorms this fall, then chances are that you are sharing a bathroom with a bunch of other guys. No matter how you rank your own personal hygiene habits, odds are that most of the guys sharing your bathroom are worse – much worse. And no matter how careful you are with using paper towels as your barrier between your skin and any surface in that restroom, you never can be too careful. So do yourself a favor and invest in some antibacterial hand soap. And use it often. It will help keep your mind at ease and also help you steer clear of any illness that may start making the rounds in your dorm.

Acne-Fighting Cleanser

Stress, less than ideal eating habits and late nights can all combine to wreak havoc on your skin. A good acne-fighting cleanser is your best defense against breakouts.   Use it when you wake up in the morning and again before you go to bed. If you have problem skin, look for an antibacterial variety for extra protection. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are both great acne fighters, but some people respond better to one than the other. If you don’t know which one works better for you, try them both and compare.

Oil-Free Moisturizer

Depending on the climate of your school and the air quality of your dorm, you may be in a drier environment than you are used to. When your skin dries out, it prompts you to produce more oil (sebum) to compensate. That oil can combine with those dry dead skin cells and clog your pores – causing the dreaded breakout. When you’re shopping for school supplies, don’t forget to pick up a good oil-free moisturizer. It will help keep your skin balanced without adding extra oil. Plus it can help you hold on to that summer tan a few weeks longer.

Shower Shoes

If you’ve never shared a shower with 20 other guys before, you may not think to pick up some shower shoes before you move into your dorm, but trust us – dropping 98 cents on a pair of drug store flip flops is the best money you can spend on your feet. With that many guys, you run a pretty high chance of being exposed to athlete’s foot or some other kind of foot fungus. And, depending on the variety, they can be tough to clear up. Believe us – prevention is your best defense.

Good Habits

Your social calendar is definitely going to fill up and here will be some late nights (studying of course). Don’t let the time you spend with your friends derail you from a good skincare regimen. Make it a point to use your cleanser morning and night and remember to moisturize. Try to get enough sleep. No skincare product can replace the benefit of adequate rest. Remember – it’s college – it’s your last chance to take long naps in the afternoon and not lose your job, so enjoy it.

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