Get Better Skin for Back-to-School

Are you a little anxious about heading back to the classroom this fall? Sorry, silly question—we'd be surprised if you weren't! While you're probably familiar with the more stomach-clenching, palm-sweating side effects of the impending school year, there are (cringe) pimple-producing ones you should know about, too. But don't make that one more worry—there's help on the way!

According to Hirofumi Aoki, Ph.D., senior scientist at Shiseido, when you're super stressed, your skin often has a hard time getting the moisture it needs, which leads to cell shrinkage. "Cell shrinkage causes cells to harden on the surface layer, impeding the clear-out process, and preventing new cells from emerging," she explains. Not only does that weaken your skin's natural defense barrier, but without proper cell turnover, you're bound to get clogged pores. And (follow us here) clogged pores lead to breakouts. Ta-da! You have a zit.

Now that you know about the war stress is waging against your already overwhelmed body, it's time to take action. Based on what we know about cell shrinkage, it's clear that you're going to want to use products that help retain and replenish the moisture in your skin, and you're going to want to get rid of dead skin cells that are blocking your soon-to-be clogged pores.

Shiseido's new Ibuki line (out this fall!) is targeted at young adults—AKA the country's most stressed-out set come school time. "College, moving away from home, and starting a new job are all big life changes that often cause stress in women under 24," says Dr. Aoki. Don't we know it! Try a combo of the Gentle Cleanser, which removes sebum (yuck!) without stripping skin of essential oils, and the Refining Moisturizer, which hydrates skin while also reducing the size and appearance of pores and blemishes.

Credit to: TeenVogue