First, protect new skin with a daily sunscreen—this is the most important step! Sun exposure makes dark spots darker. Look for brightening products with vitamin C or niacinamide, which help even out your skin tone over time. Be patient; these spots can take weeks or months to fade. Treating your skin gently and avoiding picking at pimples will prevent new spots from forming.
The absolute best time is in the morning, right after you wash your face and before you put on your moisturizer and sunscreen. This is because you face the most environmental stress during the day. Applying it in the morning sets up your daily defense team. Some people also use a little at night for extra repair, but the morning application is the most important step for protection.
This is a tough one, but so important! Your hands touch everything—phones, doorknobs, backpacks—and then transfer all that grime to your face. Try to become aware of when you do it, like when you’re studying or resting your chin in your hand. Keep your hands busy with a stress ball or fidget toy. Also, make sure you’re cleaning your phone screen regularly and changing your pillowcase at least once a week. These small habits make a huge difference.
Because that dampness is your secret weapon! Putting moisturizer on slightly wet skin helps trap that extra water. It’s like sealing in hydration before it can evaporate. This makes your moisturizer work much better, leaving your skin feeling plumper and smoother for longer. If you wait until your skin is completely dry, you’re starting from a less hydrated place. Think of it as giving your skin a big drink of water and then putting a lid on it.