10 Tips From Skincare by Hyram

  1. We Don’t like Fragrance

This channel does NOT like fragrance. Hyram insists that fragrance in any skincare product (except potentially cleanser since it washes right off) is inherently bad for the skin. In an article he linked in a description box, it states that fragrances in skincare products are among the most common cause of sensitizing and other negative skin reactions. No matter what skin type you have, because of the reaction of the fragrances in formulas, your skin is going to be slightly sensitive to it! Always opt for fragrance free products if possible so that your skin is not irritated and instead, soaks up the product with ease.

2. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!

This one may be obvious, but so many people don’t wear sunscreen!! I myself am guilt of wanting to get super tan and not applying some sunscreen, but this is the number one WORST thing you can do for your skin. Hyram recommends that you apply sunscreen EVERY SINGLE DAY because if not, you’re going to age faster than a container of American cheese! Here’s a video with a list of Hyram approved sunscreens to try. Some notable products include SunBum Mineral SPF 50*, CeraVe Sheer Tinted SPF 30*, CeraVe Hydrating SPF 30*, and Neutrogena Dry-Touch SPF 50*.

3. Beware of the Makeup Wipes

Makeup wipes are seriously irritating to the skin. Think about it: when you apply a wipe to your face, you are tugging your skin drastically to get rid of all the products you’ve put in. Instead, Hyram recommends that you use a cleanser as it is less harsh on your skin. Also, he recommends applying the cleanser softly and simply patting your face to dry afterwards- never tug on your skin!! Here are some of his cleanser recommendations: Youth To The People Cleanser, Krave Matcha Hemp Cleanser, and the Simple Micellar Gel Wash.

4. Eye Creams are Unnecessary

Hyram says that eye creams are basically expensive moisturizers. Hence, you don’t need any! Next time your shopping for skincare products, forgo the eye cream section and focus on picking up a really nice moisturizer for your skin. Here are Hyrams recommendation- For Oily Skin: Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer Combination, For Combination Skin: CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, For Dry Skin: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

5. Cannot Go Wrong with Cerave

Hyram’s favorite skincare brand that is constantly mentioned throughout his videos is CeraVe. He sees it as a top brand because all of their formulas are fragrance-free, do not contain alcohol (it causes dryness), and have nutritious ingredients to hydrate and replenish your skin. Others brands he mentions quite frequently include The Ordinary and Youth To The People, and the Inkey List.

6. Prioritize Chemical Exfoliations

You know those exfoliation products that come in fat tubes or jars and when you put them on you legit feel them scraping your skin? Ditch them. Anything product that is super abrasive, such as having large exfoliating crystals or produces a burning sensation, has got to go. Instead, Hyram recommends using chemical exfoliators as they are less harsh on the skin and still are able to get all the dead skin cells of your body. Also, even though aren’t actual exfoliators, Hyram recommends using retinol. He says that retinol can repair past damage on your skin such as acne scars, signs of aging, inflammation, and even reduce redness- so give it a try!

7. Watch His Skincare Routine Reaction Videos!

On his channel, Hyram has a TON of videos where he reacts to celebritie’s makeup routines. Besides his bubbly personality, these videos are pretty much what made his channel mega popular. He’s reacted to skincare routines by Dixie Di’melio, Summer Mckeen, Lily Collins, and to name a few. Check em’ out and you will learn so much about how to perfect YOUR routine!

8. DIY Skincare: Don’t do It Girl…

DIY tutorials used to be all the rage. If you remember, back in 2016, there were recipes for DIY facemasks, kits to make DIY lip balms, and videos to learn to make DIY lotions. Basically, you name and there was a tutorial for it. Hyram recommends leaving it up to the skincare professions, as your honey or avocado mask may not actually be that replenishing your skin and you may be doing much more harm than good…

9. Skincare Doesn’t Have to be Expensive

During this global coronavirus pandemic, many people are struggling financially. It may be hard to justify buying skincare products for your skin as you may need to spend this money on essential such as food, water, and housing during this time. For this purpose, Hyram created a fantastic video in which he recommends skincare products that are all under $10. It may help if you are currently trying to ball out on a budget.

10. Enjoy the Journey

All this new information may be overwhelming, so it is important to know that it is a PROCESS to finding a skincare routine that fits you. As you begin to switch up or perfect your routine, have fun with the experience and enjoy the journey. Hyram always reminds his viewers that each year, there are new discoveries about skincare within research and sometimes, it even contradicts old information! So, essentially, there will never be a truly “perfect” skincare routine as the world is learning more and more about this area of health each day. If you can, support sustainable brands as well as this will help push manufacturers to be more ethical and improve the environment. For now, have fun, learn, and be confident in your own skin!

4 Natural Remedies to Increase Your Focus During Finals Week

As finals week approaches, there are several ways you can help yourself increase your focus while studying. When preparing for exams, it is important to take care of yourself so you can stay mentally and physically strong. Taking steps to reduce your stress will lift your mood and help you feel better overall, putting yourself in the best position to perform well on exams. Here are few remedies to make sure this finals week will run smoothly for you as you ace your tests (because duh, you rock!):

Remedy #1: Eat Right

It is important to fuel your body with liquids and foods that will help increase your energy and focus. Some fantastic energy boosting foods include bananas, salmon, brown rice, eggs, spinach or kale, and sweet potatoes. Some snacks that will lift your mood as well include apples (1 apple has equal caffeine to one cup of coffee!), some nuts, and even popcorn. As for liquids, you can have a cup of coffee or green tea, grab a Yerba mate, and most importantly, drink lots of water to help yourself tackle your work. Also, if you’re really feeling it, treat yourself to some dark chocolate that is filled with antioxidants to help blood move throughout your body and increase concentration. 

Remedy #2: Take Time to Clear Your Mind 

Another way to ensure you stay focused and productive during finals week is to set aside some time to clear your head. It may help to create a schedule for the and put all your thoughts on paper. To start, you can write down the tasks you wish to complete and goals you wish to accomplish throughout the entire week. You can even get specific and label which days you need to complete these tasks, or you can just lay it out more simply to see a bigger picture of the week at first. As you begin each day, pull out your notebook or computer (wherever you are writing your schedule), and write down all the work/activities you wish to complete that day. It is helpful as well to set specific times for these tasks to hold yourself more accountable and be more productive. You can even make a separate list at the bottom for “maybe’s,”which are jobs you can complete if you end up having some extra time.

Remedy #3: Be Active

Throughout the week of finals, it is crucial to take little breaks from studying so you do not get burnt out. I recommend taking these breaks to workout! In the mornings, you can relieve your stress and anxiety by following a guided meditation or perhaps, doing some yoga. I recommend searching for these videos on Youtube and finding a style that suits you. If you want to be even more active, you can get some fresh air and take a quick run outside or even go on a hike with a friend. As well, it is understandable if you have to limit your workout time during this week. However,  just taking small moments to breathe or perhaps do a ten minute workout will be beneficial for your overall focus. Heck, you can even do some planks while you rewatch lecture videos.

Remedy #4: Practice Self-Care While Studying

Even while you are absorbing information from your classes, you can treat yourself and relax at the same time. Some tips I have is to put on a face mask while you’re studying, drink some calming peppermint or chamomile tea, or even turn on a diffuser if you have one and throw in some citrus or lavender scents to help you concentrate. As part of your study routine, you can finish the night off by journaling and let out your feelings on paper to alleviate your stress and clear your head for a good night’s rest. It is so important to prioritize your mental and physical health, and sleeping can help your body recuperate after a long day’s work and sharpen your mind for your exams.

With these remedies in mind, finals week will be a breeze as you tackle your tests head on with a strong present mind. Your body and heart will thank you as you prioritize feeling good along with doing well in your classes. Know that nobody is perfect, and you are going to be okay no matter what. Work hard, try your best, and believe in yourself- not just this finals week, but always.