The Ultimate “Gamer-Glow” Routine for People Who Stare at a Screen for 8 Hours
A Buff for Your Face’s Stats
Long gaming sessions used to leave my skin looking dull and my eyes feeling strained. My “gamer-glow” routine is a targeted attack on these issues. In the morning, I use a Vitamin C serum. It’s an antioxidant that helps protect my skin from the environmental stress and blue light from my monitor. I also keep a hydrating facial mist on my desk for a quick refresh between matches. This simple, two-product system helps my skin look vibrant and hydrated, even after a marathon session in front of the screen.
How I Cured My “Headset-Acne” Along My Hairline and Jaw
That Breakout Pattern Wasn’t a Coincidence
I was getting a specific pattern of breakouts right along my temples and jawline, exactly where my gaming headset rests. It was “headset-acne,” caused by the friction and trapped sweat. I cured it with a simple hygiene hack. Before every single gaming session, I take an alcohol wipe and clean the ear cups and headband of my headset. This kills the bacteria that was being transferred to my skin. This two-second habit, combined with my regular face-washing routine, completely eliminated the problem.
The Best “Blue Light” Blocking Skincare: Does It Actually Work? I Investigated
Can a Serum Really Shield You From Your Screen?
I was skeptical about “blue light” skincare, so I did some research. While the blue light from our screens is less damaging than UV rays from the sun, some studies suggest it can contribute to long-term free radical damage. The best defense isn’t a special “blue light cream,” but a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen and an antioxidant serum. The sunscreen creates a physical barrier, and a Vitamin C serum helps to neutralize the free radicals. So yes, you can protect your skin, but you probably already own the products to do it.
My “No-Greasy-Fingers” Skincare Routine for Keeping My Controller Clean
Protecting My Skin and My Priciest Peripheral
There’s nothing worse than picking up a grimy, greasy controller. I designed my skincare routine around keeping my hands clean for gaming. I use serums with a watery, fast-absorbing texture. For my moisturizer, I choose a lightweight gel-cream that sinks in instantly with no residue. I also keep a bottle of non-greasy hand cream and apply it to the backs of my hands only, rubbing them together. This keeps my hands hydrated without leaving my palms slippery, ensuring a clean grip on my mouse and controller.
The “Rage-Quit” Calming Skincare Routine for Stressed-Out Skin
When You Lose the Match and Your Skin Shows It
After a particularly frustrating, high-stress gaming session, I can feel the tension in my jaw, and my skin gets red and blotchy. I’ve developed a “rage-quit” calming routine. I start by splashing my face with cool water to bring down the heat. Then, I use a facial mist with a soothing ingredient like chamomile or cica. The best part is a quick facial massage, focusing on my clenched jaw muscles. This simple, sensory ritual helps to dissipate the stress and calms both my mind and my flushed complexion.
The Best Eye Drops and Creams for “Gamer Eye” Strain
My First-Aid Kit for Tired, Screen-Strained Eyes
Hours of intense focus on a screen leads to “gamer eye”—dryness, strain, and redness. My rescue kit sits right on my desk. First, a bottle of preservative-free lubricating eye drops (artificial tears). I use them once every few hours to combat dryness from not blinking enough. Second, a cooling eye gel with a metal rollerball applicator. During a loading screen, a quick swipe under my eyes feels incredibly refreshing and helps to de-puff. This combo is essential for my eye comfort and health.
I Streamed for 24 Hours Straight. Here’s My Skincare Survival Kit
The Arsenal That Kept Me Looking Human on Camera
For a 24-hour charity stream, my biggest fear was looking like a zombie by hour 18. My survival kit was key. I had a hydrating facial mist that I used every hour to keep my skin dewy. I kept my eye drops right next to my mouse. For energy and a de-puffing boost, I had chilled under-eye patches that I applied during a longer break. And a good, high-coverage concealer was my secret weapon for the final few hours. This kit helped me stay comfortable and look surprisingly fresh on camera.
The Best “One-Handed” Skincare Products You Can Apply Between Matches
The Quick-Time Event for Your Face
Sometimes you only have the 30 seconds between matches to do something for your face. I’ve found the best “one-handed” products for these quick moments. A facial mist is the easiest—just a quick spritz and you’re done. A stick-based lip balm is another great option. My favorite is a serum in a pump bottle; I can dispense one pump onto the back of my other hand and quickly pat it in before the next round starts. It’s all about fast, efficient application that doesn’t require two hands.
How to Make Your Skin Look Good on a Low-Quality Webcam
Buffing Your Pixels for a Better Picture
My built-in laptop webcam is terrible and makes my skin look dull and blotchy. I’ve learned a few tricks to look better on screen. The most important thing is lighting. A simple, affordable “ring light” that clips onto your monitor makes a world of difference by providing bright, even, flattering light. Skincare-wise, using an “illuminating” or “glowy” primer before a call can help to reflect that light nicely, giving you a healthy-looking radiance even through a low-quality camera.
The “All-Nighter” Skincare Protocol for a Big Game Launch
My Strategy for Surviving a Marathon Gaming Session
When a huge new game launches, I know I’m pulling an all-nighter. My skincare protocol is about endurance. Before I start, I do my full evening routine, but I use an extra-hydrating sleeping mask as my moisturizer. I keep a giant bottle of water and my eye drops on my desk. Around 3:00 AM, when I start to feel grimy, I’ll use a no-rinse micellar water wipe to refresh my face. This simple plan helps my skin survive the marathon session without feeling like a total wreck the next day.
My Review of “Gamer-Branded” Skincare. Is It a Gimmick?
I Tried the “Respawn” Eye Cream and “GG” Face Mist
I saw a new line of skincare branded specifically for gamers and had to try it. The products had cool names like “Respawn” and “GG” and came in sleek, gamer-aesthetic packaging. I tried the eye cream and the face mist. They were… fine. The eye cream was a basic, hydrating formula, and the mist was refreshing. But the ingredients were nothing special, and the price was inflated. The verdict: it’s mostly a marketing gimmick. You can get better products for less money from traditional skincare brands.
The Best Hydrating Face Mists to Use Mid-Stream for a Refresh
The Can of “Ahhh” on My Desk
During a long stream, my face can start to feel dry and tight from the lights and the focused energy. A good hydrating face mist is my secret weapon. I’m not talking about a simple water spray. I look for mists that contain humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and soothing ingredients like green tea or cica. A quick spritz between games is an instant reset. It rehydrates my skin, revives my makeup, and the cooling sensation helps me feel more awake and focused.
How to Deal with “Chair-Butt” Acne from Sitting for Hours
The Unflattering Side Effect of a Long Gaming Session
Yes, “butt acne” from sitting for hours is a real thing. It’s usually folliculitis caused by the friction, heat, and sweat from being pressed into a chair for a long time. My solution is simple but effective. I started using a body wash with benzoyl peroxide in the shower, focusing on that area. Benzoyl peroxide is great at killing the bacteria that can cause folliculitis. I also make a point to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour to reduce the constant pressure and friction.
The Surprising Link Between My Gaming Posture and “Tech Neck”
My K/D Ratio Was Great, But My Neck Was a Mess
I was spending hours every day hunched over my keyboard, and I started developing horizontal lines on my neck, known as “tech neck.” I had to address my posture first, making sure my monitor was at eye level. For my skin, I started treating my neck like an extension of my face. I bring all my products—my cleanser, my retinol, my moisturizer, and especially my sunscreen—all the way down my neck and onto my chest. It’s a simple habit that helps combat the premature aging caused by my gaming posture.
The Best Snacks for a Long Gaming Session That Won’t Wreck Your Skin
Fueling My Gameplay Without Fueling My Breakouts
During a long gaming session, it’s easy to reach for greasy chips or sugary candy. But those snacks can lead to inflammation and breakouts. I’ve curated a list of skin-friendly, non-greasy snacks that I can eat at my desk. My favorites include a handful of almonds or walnuts (healthy fats), a protein bar that’s low in sugar, baby carrots with hummus, or an apple. These snacks provide sustained energy without the sugar crash and are much kinder to my complexion.
My “AFK” Skincare Routine: The 5-Minute Break That Saves My Face
My “Away From Keyboard” Reset
I’ve started scheduling a 5-minute “AFK” skincare break during my longer gaming sessions. It’s a mental and physical reset. I’ll get up, stretch, and head to the bathroom. I splash my face with cool water, apply a quick layer of a hydrating serum, and put in some eye drops. This short break gets me away from the screen, gets my blood flowing, and gives my skin and eyes a much-needed dose of hydration. It helps me come back to the game feeling refreshed and refocused.
The Best Long-Lasting, Non-Transferable Makeup for Streamers
For a Face That Stays Put, Even When You Rage
As a streamer, I need my makeup to look good on camera for hours without smudging onto my headset or my hands. My holy grail trio is this: a good, gripping primer to start, a long-wear, satin-matte finish foundation, and a powerful setting spray to lock it all in place. I also opt for a transfer-proof liquid lipstick instead of a creamy one. This combination ensures my makeup looks flawless from the start of the stream to the final “goodnight,” with minimal touch-ups required.
How to Create a “Healthy” Gaming Environment for Your Skin (Humidifier, Air Purifier)
Optimizing My “Gamer Cave” for My Complexion
My gaming room is my cave, but it used to be a terrible environment for my skin—dark, dry, and dusty. I made two small investments that made a huge difference. I bought a small humidifier to run during my gaming sessions. This combats the dry air and keeps my skin from feeling dehydrated. I also added a small air purifier to help filter out the dust and pet dander. These two devices have helped to create a healthier, more skin-friendly environment for my long hours at the computer.
The Best Skincare for Reducing Redness from Headset Pressure
Calming the Angry Red Marks from My Headphones
After a long gaming session, I would take off my headset and have deep, red indentation marks on the sides of my head that would last for an hour. To help with this, I started using a calming, cica-based balm. Cica, or centella asiatica, is fantastic for soothing redness and irritation. After my stream, I’ll gently massage a small amount of a cica cream into the red areas. It helps the marks to fade much faster and soothes any tenderness from the hours of pressure.
I Used a “Cooling” Eye Mask During a Loading Screen. It Was a Game-Changer
The 60-Second Refresh for My Tired Eyes
Loading screens and matchmaking queues can be dead time. I started using that time for a quick “eye facial.” I keep one of those gel-filled eye masks in my skincare fridge next to my desk. When I have a minute or two of downtime, I’ll grab the icy-cold mask and press it against my eyes. The intense cold feels incredible on my tired, screen-strained eyes. It helps to de-puff and makes me feel instantly more awake and alert. It’s the most productive way to spend a loading screen.
The Best Hand Care Routine for Preventing “Gamer’s Thumb” and Dryness
Healthy Hands for a High APM
My hands take a beating from gaming—dryness from the air, and soreness in my joints from repetitive motions. My hand care routine is twofold. For the dryness, I use a non-greasy, fast-absorbing hand cream on the backs of my hands. For the soreness, especially in my thumbs, I do regular stretching exercises. I also use a thick, soothing balm with an ingredient like arnica on my knuckles and thumb joints at night to help with inflammation. This keeps my hands comfortable and ready for the next session.
The Financial Cost of Bad “Gamer” Lifestyle Habits on My Skin
My Breakouts Were Fueled by Energy Drinks and Late Nights
I went through a phase where I was gaming until 3:00 AM every night, powered by sugary energy drinks and pizza rolls. My skin was a complete disaster—dull, inflamed, and constantly breaking out. I was spending a fortune on expensive acne treatments and concealers to try and fix it. I finally realized that the financial cost of my bad habits wasn’t just the junk food; it was also the hundreds of dollars in skincare I was buying to combat the effects. Prioritizing sleep and water was the most effective and affordable “skincare” I could have chosen.
The Best Lip Balms That Won’t Get Your Mic Greasy
For Clear Audio and Hydrated Lips
As a streamer, I need to keep my lips hydrated because I’m talking for hours. But a goopy, glossy lip balm can get on my microphone or just feel sticky while I’m talking. I’ve found that the best lip balms for streaming are matte or natural-finish formulas. I love a simple, waxy balm in a stick format. It provides long-lasting hydration without any shine or stickiness. It keeps my lips comfortable without me having to worry about a greasy mess on my expensive audio equipment.
How to Look Awake and Alert on Stream After Only 3 Hours of Sleep
The “I’m Not a Zombie, I Swear” On-Camera Routine
I had to stream after a terrible night of sleep. My “fake it ’til you make it” routine was my savior. First, eye drops. Red, bloodshot eyes are a dead giveaway. Second, a cooling, de-puffing eye cream. Third, a high-coverage concealer in a shade slightly lighter than my foundation to brighten my under-eyes. And fourth, a bright-colored lipstick. A bold lip distracts from tired eyes and makes you look instantly more vibrant and put-together. It’s an optical illusion that works every time.
The Best Skincare for People Who Forget to Eat, Drink, or Move
The “In-the-Zone” Neglect and How to Fix It
When I’m deep in a competitive match, I can go for hours without realizing I haven’t had a sip of water or gotten up from my chair. My skin pays the price, looking dehydrated and dull. The solution for me was to create environmental cues. I now use a giant, one-liter water bottle with time markers on it, which sits in my direct line of sight. I also set a recurring, silent alarm on my computer that flashes “MOVE!” every hour. These simple reminders help me take care of my body even when my brain is in the game.
My “LAN Party” Travel Skincare Kit
Portable Power-Ups for a Weekend of Gaming
Heading to a LAN party or a friend’s place for a gaming weekend requires a specific, portable skincare kit. My go-to kit is focused on low-effort, high-impact products. It includes a pack of cleansing wipes for a quick refresh, a multi-tasking moisturizer with SPF (in case I actually see the sun), a tube of pimple patches for emergency breakouts, and my trusty eye drops. It all fits in a small pouch and has everything I need to keep my skin from looking like a complete wreck after 48 hours of gaming.
The Best “Pimple Patches” You Can Wear on Stream Without Noticing
The Stealthy Blemish Banishers
Getting a big, angry pimple right before a stream is the worst. My secret weapon is a clear, matte-finish hydrocolloid patch. The best ones are incredibly thin and have beveled edges, so they blend almost seamlessly into the skin. Once it’s on, it’s virtually invisible on camera, especially under a ring light. It allows me to stream with confidence, knowing my blemish is concealed and healing, without my viewers being distracted by a shiny, obvious patch on my face.
How to Combat the Dehydrating Effect of Energy Drinks on Your Skin
Your “Mana Potion” is Sucking the Moisture from Your Face
I used to chug sugary energy drinks during long gaming sessions. I was energized, but my skin was always dehydrated and dull. The high amounts of sugar and caffeine are both diuretics, which can sap moisture from your skin. I made a simple swap. I still have one energy drink, but for the rest of the session, I switch to water or unsweetened green tea. Just reducing the constant influx of sugar and caffeine and increasing my water intake made a visible difference in my skin’s hydration and plumpness.
The Best Skincare Routine to Do While Waiting in a Queue
Productive Downtime Between Matches
The matchmaking queue for my favorite game can sometimes be a few minutes long. I’ve started using this downtime for a “micro-routine.” I keep a few key products on my desk. If my lips are dry, I’ll apply a lip balm. If my eyes feel strained, I’ll use my eye drops. If my hands are dry, I’ll use a fast-absorbing hand cream. It’s about using those small, two-minute windows to do a tiny act of self-care, which adds up over a long gaming session.
I Set Up a “Hydration Station” Next to My PC
Making Water as Accessible as My Mouse
I knew I needed to drink more water while gaming, so I made it impossible to ignore. I set up a “hydration station” on my desk. It consists of a giant, 2-liter water bottle, a cute cup with a reusable straw, and a coaster. It takes up prime real estate on my desk, so it’s always in my peripheral vision. By making water just as easy to reach for as my mouse or my keyboard, I’ve tripled my water intake during gaming sessions, and my skin has never looked more hydrated.
The Best Ring Lights and Lighting Setups That Are Flattering for Skin
Finding Your “Golden Hour” Lighting, 24/7
Good lighting is the most important “skincare” product a streamer can have. A single, harsh overhead light will create unflattering shadows and highlight every pore and fine line. The best setup is a simple, three-point system. I use a main “key light,” which is a large ring light, in front of me. Then I have a smaller, softer “fill light” off to one side to soften the shadows. This combination creates bright, even, diffuse light that is incredibly flattering and makes my skin look smooth and radiant on camera.
The Best Skincare for People Who Live in a “Gamer Cave” (No Natural Light)
When Your Only Light Source is an RGB Keyboard
I spend most of my time in my gaming room, which has blackout curtains and no natural light. This can actually be good for preventing sun damage, but it can also make my skin look pale and sallow. My routine focuses on creating a “lit-from-within” glow. A daily Vitamin C serum helps to brighten my complexion. I also love using a lightweight, illuminating moisturizer that has a subtle pearlescent finish. These products help to give my skin a healthy radiance that doesn’t depend on getting any natural sunlight.
My “End of Stream” Wind-Down Routine to De-Stress My Skin and Mind
The “Power Down” Sequence After a Long Session
After hours of being “on” for a stream, my mind is racing and my body is tense. My end-of-stream routine is a crucial wind-down ritual. I turn off my bright ring lights. I change into comfortable clothes. And then I do my evening skincare routine, but very slowly and mindfully. I focus on the feeling of the warm water, the texture of the cream. This sensory ritual is a powerful signal to my brain that the performance is over. It helps me to decompress, release the day’s tension, and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
The Best Scalp Care for Underneath a Heavy Headset
Your Scalp is Skin, Too, and It’s Being Suffocated
Wearing a heavy headset for hours can trap sweat and oil on your scalp, leading to itchiness and even breakouts along the hairline. I started paying more attention to my scalp health. A few times a week, I use a shampoo with a gentle exfoliant like salicylic acid. I also use a scalp massager in the shower to really work it in and boost circulation. This helps to keep my hair follicles clear and my scalp feeling clean and refreshed, even after a long day of wearing my headset.
The Best “Non-Sticky” Body Lotions for Gamers
For Hydrated Skin That Doesn’t Stick to Your Gaming Chair
I like to keep my skin moisturized, but I cannot stand the feeling of a sticky or greasy body lotion, especially when I’m sitting in my gaming chair for a long time. I’ve searched for the best lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas. My favorites are gel-creams or lotions that are labeled “fast-absorbing.” They sink in almost immediately, leaving my skin feeling soft and hydrated, but with a clean, non-tacky finish. This allows me to be comfortable in my chair for hours without that gross, sticky feeling.
I Compared My Skin on a “Gaming” Week vs. a “No-Gaming” Week
The Surprising Data from My Personal Experiment
I took a full week off from gaming to see what it would do to my skin. During my “gaming week,” I was sleeping less, drinking more caffeine, and getting more screen time. My skin was a bit more dehydrated and I had a few small breakouts. During my “no-gaming” week, I slept more, was more active, and my skin was noticeably calmer and plumper. It was a clear demonstration that it wasn’t the gaming itself, but the lifestyle habits associated with it—poor sleep, dehydration—that were impacting my skin.
The Best Blue-Light-Filtering Glasses and Their Effect on My Eye Strain
A Simple Shield for My Screen-Tired Eyes
I was getting frequent headaches and my eyes felt constantly strained after long gaming sessions. I invested in a pair of blue-light-filtering glasses for about $40. They have a subtle yellow tint that helps to block some of the harsh, high-energy blue light from my monitor. The difference was immediate and significant. My eye strain was dramatically reduced, and my tension headaches became much less frequent. For anyone who spends hours in front of a screen, they are an absolute must-have.
How to Handle Unsolicited Comments About Your Skin in Your Chat
“My Face, My Business”: A Guide to Setting Boundaries
As a streamer, you’re putting your face out there, and sometimes viewers feel entitled to comment on it. I’ve gotten comments like, “You look tired,” or “What’s that spot on your chin?” I’ve learned to handle them with a firm but polite shutdown. A simple, “Thanks for your concern, but my skin isn’t up for discussion right now. Let’s get back to the game,” works perfectly. It sets a clear boundary that your appearance is not a topic for public debate.
The Best Skincare for Improving “Focus” and Reducing Mental Fatigue
Can Your Face Mist Make You a Better Gamer?
While no skincare product can magically improve your aim, I’ve found that certain sensory experiences can help with focus. When I’m starting to feel mentally fatigued, a spritz of a facial mist with an energizing citrus or peppermint scent can be a powerful reset. The cool sensation and the bright, uplifting aroma provide a quick jolt to my senses that helps me feel more alert and dialed-in for the next match. It’s a small but effective tool in my mental game arsenal.
My Favorite Gaming & Skincare Crossovers and Collabs
When Two of My Favorite Worlds Collide
I’m a sucker for a good gaming and skincare collaboration. It’s fun to see two of my hobbies intersect. I loved the Starface x Hello Kitty pimple patches; they were just so cute and playful. The ColourPop x Animal Crossing makeup collection was another favorite. These collabs are often more about the fun, collectible packaging than a revolutionary formula, but they bring a sense of joy and personality to a daily routine, and I’m always excited to see what they come up with next.
The Best Skincare Subscriptions for a Busy Gamer
Level Up Your Routine on Autopilot
As a gamer, I spend my free time playing games, not shopping for skincare. A subscription service has been a perfect solution for me. I use a service that sends me a new bottle of my favorite cleanser and moisturizer every two months, right before I’m about to run out. It’s on autopilot. I never have to think about it, and I never have that “oh no” moment when I realize I’m out of face wash. It’s a convenient way to ensure my routine stays consistent without any extra effort.
The “IRL” Meetup Skincare Prep Guide
Getting Ready to Meet Your Online Friends in Real Life
Going to a gaming convention or a fan meetup is exciting but can also be nerve-wracking. My skincare prep is all about looking and feeling confident. The week before, I focus on hydration and avoiding any new, risky products. The night before, I’ll use a brightening sheet mask for an extra glow. On the day of, I use a long-wear, mattifying primer to control shine for photos, and I always carry oil-blotting sheets and a lip balm in my pocket. It’s about creating a fresh, reliable look that lasts all day.
The Best Quick Face Masks for a Respawn Timer
A Mini-Facial While You Wait to Get Back in the Game
The 45-second respawn timer in my favorite shooter is the perfect window for a quick face mask. I’m not talking about a full, 20-minute sheet mask. I use “flash” masks. These are masks designed to work in just one to five minutes. I keep a quick clay mask by my desk. When I die in the game, I’ll quickly apply it to my T-zone. By the time I respawn, it’s almost dry and ready to be rinsed off during the next break. It’s the ultimate multi-tasking.
The Surprising Benefits of Taking a “Walking” Break for Your Skin’s Circulation
The Best “Buff” for Your Skin is a Little Bit of Movement
During marathon gaming sessions, I used to just sit there for hours on end. My skin would look dull and my face would get puffy. Now, I force myself to take a five-minute walking break every hour. I’ll walk around my apartment, do some stretches, and get my blood flowing. This simple act of improving my body’s circulation also improves the circulation to my face. It brings more oxygen and nutrients to my skin cells, which helps to fight off that stagnant, puffy, “gamer-face” look.
How to Set Up Skincare Reminders on Your Stream Deck
A Programmable Nudge to Take Care of Yourself
My Elgato Stream Deck is my command center for my stream, with buttons for scene changes and sound effects. I’ve also programmed it with skincare reminders. I have a button that, when pressed, triggers a pop-up on my screen that says “DRINK WATER!” I have another one on a timer that reminds me to take a break and use my eye drops. By integrating these self-care reminders directly into my streaming workflow, I’m much more likely to actually do them.
The Best Skincare for a VR Gamer (Sweat and Headset Pressure)
Keeping Your Skin Happy in the Metaverse
VR gaming is an intense, sweaty experience. The headset traps heat and sweat right against your face. My VR skincare routine is crucial. Before I play, I use a “VR cover,” which is a soft, absorbent, washable fabric interface that protects my skin from the rough foam of the headset. After I play, I immediately use a gentle cleansing wipe to remove all the sweat from my face. This combination helps to prevent the irritation, redness, and breakouts that can come from spending a lot of time in virtual reality.
The Ultimate “Gamer-Neck” Stretching and Skincare Routine
Un-Hunching Your Shoulders and Soothing Your Skin
“Gamer neck,” that forward-head posture from hunching over a screen, is real. My routine to combat it has two parts. First, stretching. Throughout the day, I do simple chin tucks and neck rolls to relieve the muscle tension. Second, skincare. I am diligent about bringing all of my skincare, especially my sunscreen, all the way down my neck and chest. This helps to protect the delicate skin on my neck from the premature aging that can be exacerbated by the constant “tech neck” creasing.
I Used Gaming as a Distraction While a Face Mask Dried
The Perfect 20-Minute Pairing
I find it hard to just sit still for 20 minutes while a face mask does its thing. So I started pairing my masking time with my gaming time. I’ll apply a sheet mask or a clay mask, and then I’ll play a round of a relatively relaxed game, like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing. The game is the perfect distraction that makes the 20 minutes fly by. By the time I’m done tending to my virtual farm, my mask is dry and ready to be rinsed off.
The Best Skincare for a “Salty” Gamer
How to De-Stress Your Skin After a Tilting Match
When I get “salty” after a losing streak, I can feel my body tense up, my jaw clench, and my face get flushed. The stress hormone cortisol is coursing through my veins. My “de-salt” skincare routine is all about calming down. I’ll splash my face with cold water. Then, I’ll use a facial mist with a soothing lavender or chamomile scent. The physical act of caring for my skin helps to ground me and pulls me out of that frustrated, tilted headspace.
My Quest to “Level Up” My Skincare Game
Applying Gaming Principles to My Daily Routine
As a gamer, I understand the idea of daily quests, consistency, and grinding for results. I started applying these principles to my skincare. My morning and evening routines became my “daily quests”—I get my “XP” for completing them. Using my retinol consistently is like “grinding” for better skin texture. And seeing my skin improve over time feels like leveling up and unlocking a new achievement. This mindset has made me incredibly consistent and has turned my skincare routine into a fun, rewarding game.