Skin Care for Oily Skin

What is Oily Skin?
Oily Skin is a condition in which sebaceous glands are overactive and produce a lot of oil. This type of skin is prone to breakouts and blemishes, specifically black heads. Oily skin can be caused by a variety of factors including diet, hormone levels, and cosmetics. Often it is hereditary. However, having oily skin isn't ALL bad. Studies show that oily skin tends to age slower than any other type!

Signs That You Have Oily Skin
If you are unsure if you have oily skin, here are some signs.

• Your face is greasy a few hours after washing your face
• You have enlarged pores
• You are prone to black heads

Now that you have established that you have oily skin, you can now fix the problem.

Diet
Not all skin care problems can be fixed by topical acne treatments and regular washing. Its important to have a healthy diet. Mom wasn't lying when she told you to avoid that greasy pizza before your date! What you eat affects all of your body, even your skin.

• Avoid sugar and salt. Strive for a healthy, balanced diet.
  
• Take vitamins with B2. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause oily skin.
• Drink plenty of water.

Cleansing
Cleansing twice daily with warm water should remove the excess oil from your skin. Be careful not to over cleanse as the oil is essential for your skins health. Look for cleansers made specifically for oily skin.

Skin Care Basics

If you think that it's gonna take a hundred dollar miracle cream to clear up your skin, you're wrong! You just have to find the right ones, at the right price. In the next following weeks, I will be posting skin care regiments for all different types of skins and products that are priced for thrifty students! Don't be overwhelmed, taking care of your skin is easy! There are only THREE steps that will help you get on the road to great skin! Cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing.

Cleansing
Cleansing is the first step of skin care. You should do it twice a day. Once when you wake up, once before bed. Getting into the routine will be the hardest part, but it will pay off! Trust me. The type of product you chose depends on the type of skin you have (Oily, dry, combination...). Most products are formulated for specific types, so just read the bottle. If you are fighting acne, try products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
What cleansing does is remove the dirt and oil build up from your day. If you don't wash the build up off, it can clog your pores causing blemishes. No one wants that.
An affordable cleanser that is useful for everyone: Cetaphil^® Daily Facial Cleanser 80z $6

Exfoliating
Exfoliating is the second step to your skin care regiment, and you don't even have to do it everyday! I'd say about every other day. Exfoliating gets rid of dry, dead skin and exposes very soft and rejuvenated skin. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend using a gentle formula. Exfoliates come in different varieties from creams, beads, even pumice! It might take a few tries to find the right one for you.
One that I love, and according to sales, everyone else loves too is St. Ives Apricot scrub. $4



Moisturizing
Moisturizing, like cleansing should be done daily. Its best to do it right after exfoliating. Moisturizer is basically lotion for your face. Look for moisturizers with sunblock for added skin protection. If you already have oily skin, look for products that are oil-free. When using moisturizer, always apply in an upward motion, from the chin up. Avoid your eye area. Wait until it is dry before applying make up. TIP: You can mix your moisturizer to your foundation when in a pinch! It helps to keep your skin youthful and dewy!
A great moisturizer for everyone is: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer $14

Roommates 101

Whether you are living on campus, or in your first apartment, you are most likely going to have at least one roommate. Roommates can be a blessing and a curse all in one. I'm going to give you some tips on choosing the right ones, and setting some ground rules to make both of your experiences pleasant ones.
Choosing The Right Mate
Ideally, you are going to want someone you have known for awhile and can trust. It helps if they share similar interests and have some of the same values as you. Opposites really don't mix in these situations. If you aren't living on campus, you are going to want someone who is proven to be self-sufficient and responsible. Some things to look out for is how long they have held their current job, and how responsible they are with their money. I know that no one is perfect, but you really don't want to be stuck with all seven hundred dollars of the rent if they bail on you.
If you are planning on moving in with a friend, please know that things will change. For example, things that never bothered you before will. For example, the way she squeezes the toothpaste and the fact that she doesn't trim her toe nails over the garbage! (ew!) This really is a big risk because I have seen many friendships fall apart because they became roommates. Between the petty arguments and their lack of financial responsibility. However, if you have spent numerous hours with this person (people) and feel confident enough to share a house with them, by all means, pursue it.

Keep your options open until you are absolutely sure you want to make a commitment. However, don't leave your potential roommates in the dark for too long. Qualities in a good roommate include, but certainly aren't limited too...

• Ability To Hold a job- This indicates: a)They have an income b)They can make commitments.
  
• Cleanliness- Well, if they don't respect their stuff, why would they respect yours? Besides, they will be more likely to clean up after themselves!
  
• Good Grades- This means they are taking their college education seriously, they can set goals and meet them.
  

Budgeting
This is such an ESSENTIAL step. Make sure you can afford it! Moving out on your own means that you will have considerably less financial freedom. Write it all down. Over estimate the price of the bills. Don't forget that most companies charge an activation fee. Also, if you are renting, you will most likely have to pay an application fee, and a deposit (which you may or may not get back when you move). Don't forget about the cost of furniture, small appliances, cleaning products (Which get pretty pricey), and other essentials for your new place.
An easy way to split expenses is to divvy it up.
If its the two of you, combine all of the bills up and each of you pay half. This gets kinda complicated with more than two people. If, say, its three people in a two bedroom apartment, whoever gets their own room has to pay x amount more. Make sure you agree on this PRIOR to when first months rent is due. Also, for your sake, put everyone on the lease.
Food
Don't forget about the cost of food as well! I have found that it costs me about 100 every two weeks. This can go up or down depending on what kind of food I buy, and if I go out to eat. When it comes to roommates, I cannot stress enough that you buy your OWN food. Do not go in on food. It never works out. Person "x" ate all the Pop Tarts, person "Y" didn't buy any groceries this week. Its the fairest way I can think off. Buy some sharpies and write your names on your stuff. Buy a mini fridge, or even assign cabinets to each roommate. However, I do think that planning meals together is a good idea, if it can be done. Maybe Fridays, you all pitch in for a nice barbecue or spaghetti dinner.
You really can't tell your roommate how to budget. You can tell them what you expect, and when you expect it.
Rules, Chores, and Pet Peeves
If you outline what you expect of each other, this will prevent innumerable amounts of issues in the future. Make a list of rules. No loud music after 6 on school nights, no boys staying the night, don't bring strangers in without permission, ETC. Whatever you feel are good rules. Good, REASONABLE, rules. Remember, its there place too! Everyone should have a say, and you should all have an understanding. Post the rules on the fridge so everyone knows, if you'd like.
Chores are probably a big reason why roommates fight. Just assign them as you'd like. I would say schedule it out. I like to post it just so there is no arguments. Make it as even as possible. Another great idea is to share your pet peeves with your roommate, so they can avoid doing them. If you know what their pet peeves are, you can avoid irking them, and avoid a petty argument.

Closing
If you respect each other, and each others privacy and stuff everything should be fine. If you define what you expect, then you will know what to do to stay on their good side. Best wishes to you!