When you’re a committed esports athlete or gamer, you may be too busy to really think about caring for your skin.

However, there are numerous reasons why skincare should be one of your top priorities.

Here are a few effects that gaming can have on your skin:

• It’s been shown that spending too much time in front of your screen^[1] and not getting enough sleep^[2] can have a detrimental effect on your skin.
• Gaming controllers and computer mouses may have an excessive amount of grease and bacteria which can be bad for your skin. If you touch your face after using a dirty controller, you may get irritated skin. ^[3]
• The blue light that emits from screens may lead to hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin) and premature aging. ^[4]

Though skincare may seem a little overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be! Check out this easy routine which can transform your skin:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser: Use a cleanser that’s gentle and won’t strip your skin. After you apply it, pat your face with a towel (remember to change this towel once every 1-2 days).
2. Serum: Apply a Vitamin C serum to protect your skin from free radicals which can trigger skin damage and aging. ^[5]
3. Moisturizer: Since skin types are different, you should find a moisturizer that suits your specific needs. For instance, if your skin feels dry or tight, use a thicker moisturizer.

Nightly Routine:

1. Remove Makeup: To prevent clogged pores, remember to take off all your makeup before going to bed. You can use micellar water, a cleansing oil or a cleansing balm to remove makeup. If you don’t wear makeup, you can skip this step but also remember to wash your face!
2. Use A Cleanser
3. Use A Retinoid and an Exfolliants: Tretinoin for wrinkles is a great way to combat aging. In addition, tretinoin cream is great for treating and preventing acne.
4. Serum
5. Moisturizer
6. Eye Cream

More Tips To Consider:

In addition to having a morning and nightly routine, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your skin. Her are a few:

• Remember to wash your hands on a regular basis — especially after you have eaten food.
• Try not to touch your face.
• Avoid foods that may lead to acne such as beverages and snacks packed with sugar, dairy products, and fast food. ^[6]
• Take a break from the screen to avoid eye strain and dark circles. ^[7]
• Exercise on a regular basis — blood flow is great for nourishing the skin. ^[8]
• Thoroughly clean your gaming area — wipe down consoles, seats, and screens.

Though you may be busy, you should still take the time to plan out a skincare routine that’s simple and can help you avoid aging and acne. When you have good skin, it can boost your confidence and help with a wide range of bodily functions. ^[9] It may take a while to get adjusted to having a regular skincare routine. But once you do, you will be thrilled to see positive results. Enjoy gaming and take charge of your skin!

^[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/style/skin-damage-blue-light-what-is-all-of-that-screen-time-doing-to-your-skin.html

^[2] https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/36/9/1355/2453883

^[3] https://bestlifeonline.com/negative-effects-video-games/

^[4] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/style/skin-damage-blue-light-what-is-all-of-that-screen-time-doing-to-your-skin.html

^[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/

^[6] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-cause-acne

^[7] https://www.healthline.com/health/dark-circle-under-eyes#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

^[8] https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/exercise

^[9] https://theconversation.com/the-skin-is-a-very-important-and-our-largest-organ-what-does-it-do-91515