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A Simple Skincare Guide for Gamers



If you’re anywhere between a dedicated gamer and an esports athlete, you may not have much free time to think about caring for your skin. However, a lack of sleep and excessive screen time can damage and age your skin. The good news is, skincare doesn’t have to be complex. Here is an easy, five-step skincare routine that will only take ten minutes out of your day.

  The Effects of Gaming on Skin

One of the main concerns for gamers and their skin is poor sleep. A study showed 67% of gamers reported inadequate sleep due to playing.[1] Plus, screen time before bed can also disrupt your body’s ability to get good sleep.[2] After just one night of poor sleep, you can get swollen eyes, darker undereye circles, paler skin, more wrinkles and fine lines, and more droopy corners of the mouth.[3] Another thing that can affect your skin as a gamer is your gaming consoles or equipment. Gaming controllers, computer mouses, headphones, etc. can hold grease, bacteria, and other germs, so touching your face after touching a dirty controller may cause acne or other skin irritations.[4] Lastly, blue light from screens may also cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin) and premature aging.[5]

  Morning Routine

Try this easy routine in the morning before you start your gaming sessions. 

  • Cleanser - Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin. Gently pat dry, and change your face towel out every 1-2 days. 
  • Serum - Vitamin C Serum can protect the skin from UV Rays, which can come through windows while you’re indoors[6] that causes aging. It may also protect against blue light from screens.[7]
  • Moisturizer - Lightweight moisturizer if you have oilier skin, heavier moisturizer if you have dry skin. 
  • Eye cream - Optional to reduce the appearance of dark circles. 
  • Sunscreen - Sunscreen is still important even if you’ll be indoors.[8] Apply at least SPF 30 sunscreen to protect against UV damage and skin cancer. 

  Night Routine

Wind down at night using this simple routine to clean all of the sunscreen, dirt, and other oils from the day before bed. 

  • Remove makeup - You can use micellar water, cleansing oil, or a cleansing balm to gently remove makeup. Non-makeup wearers can skip this step. 
  • Cleanser 
  • Retinoids and Exfoliants - Retinoids such as tretinoin cream can be used to treat and prevent acne and reduce signs of anti-aging. 
  • Serum 
  • Moisturizer 
  • Eye cream 

  Other Tips for Gamers

●  Sanitize your gaming station, mouse, keyboard, and controllers regularly.
●  Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching food.
●  Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
●  Try to stay away from foods that can cause acne such as sugary snacks and beverages, dairy products, and fast food.[9]
●  Exercise regularly, blood flow nourishes the skin.[10]
●  Remember to take breaks to prevent eye strain and potential dark circles.[11] You can also wear blue-light blocking glasses.

           It’s easy to dismiss skincare when you’re busy, but healthy skin matters too. Not only does it make you feel more confident, but it also protects us and has many functions. Find the ideal routine that you can commit to and stay consistent. Be patient with progress and consult a licensed dermatologist or esthetician if you need extra help!

Footnotes:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160613144656.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181127111044.htm
https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/36/9/1355/2453883
https://bestlifeonline.com/negative-effects-video-games/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/style/skin-damage-blue-light-what-is-all-of-that-screen-time-doing-to-your-skin.html
https://www.keckmedicine.org/myth-or-fact-you-dont-need-sunscreen-if-you-are-indoors-all-day/#:~:text=UVB%20rays%2C%20on%20the%20other,linked%20to%20most%20skin%20cancers.&text=So%20even%20if%20you%27re,rays%20and%20possible%20skin%20damage
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/style/skin-damage-blue-light-what-is-all-of-that-screen-time-doing-to-your-skin.html
https://www.keckmedicine.org/myth-or-fact-you-dont-need-sunscreen-if-you-are-indoors-all-day/#:~:text=UVB%20rays%2C%20on%20the%20other,linked%20to%20most%20skin%20cancers.&text=So%20even%20if%20you're,rays%20and%20possible%20skin%20damage.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-cause-acne
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/exercise
https://www.healthline.com/health/dark-circle-under-eyes#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

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