Back-2-School: Back-2-Breakouts

I've always liked the first day of school. A new outfit. The ability to see friends who have been away all summer at camp. A fresh set of teachers and classes. It's certainly exciting.  Unfortunately, from my experience, those early September days often bring with them a barrage of breakouts. Figures. On the one day of the year you hope to make a good impression. Below are some specific reasons why this frustrating back-to-school phenomenon occurs.

1.) You're a ball of stress: Even if you like school—even if you are a social butterfly itching to flap your wings—the start of the school year is abuzz with stressors. Is Eric still together with Jenna? Will you be able to survive AP physics? When should you start studying for the SATs?

This stress would, at worst, cause some mental anguish—if it wasn't for cortisol, a hormone released during stressful situations that causes skin irritation. This irritation inhibits your skin's barrier function, or its ability to keep out toxins and keep in moisture. The result? Breakouts and skin trouble when you want to look your best.

How do you beat this? Because stress is often the underlying cause of this poorly-timed skin trouble, try some classic stress-reduction techniques.

• Set up a routine, so that you're not scrambling every morning to make the first bell.
• Spend time with friends before the start of the school year to get back into the swing of your social life.
• Be sure to balance out academics with leisure.
• Drink water and eat well!

2.) You get touchy: Sure, your calculus teacher Mr. Jones may make you want to burst into tears every time he asks you to find a new derivative, but we're not talking about being emotionally touchy. When you're at school, whether you're slumped over your desk in French class or running your hand through your hair waiting for your turn to serve in gym, chances are you touch your face more than you would otherwise. Try to remain conscious of this tendency. Touching your skin will only introduce more dirt and oil, which will clog your pores.

3.) Varsity Life: Sports are a fantastic way to alleviate stress associated with the start of school; you are able to get rid of tension kinetically—whether you're kicking a soccer ball or making a touch-down. The trouble is that sports can exacerbate skin problems for other reasons. Our dermatological hygiene typically takes a turn for the worse. Honestly, who wants to go wash your face right after winning a match against a rival high school? Also, equipment like helmets and chin straps can trap dirt and cause breakouts along your chin and hairline.

This school year, be sure to pack away these tips with your pencil case and binders. I think you'll find them just as useful!