New Delhi, Mar 18 (IANSlife): Although your college days might be the time when the sun shines on your skin, good skincare during one's early years can lay the foundation for a lifetime of flawless skin.

"College time is a stressful time for skin. Proper skin care is often overlooked in this time when we are growing and moving out with our friends so much under the sun this particularly affects our skin badly. Students take shortcuts and occasional salon treatments," Dr Navin Taneja, founder and CEO of The National Skin Centre, New Delhi told IANSlife.

He suggests some simple effective treatments for great skin.

What's your skin type

Whether your skin is normal, oily, dry, combination or sensitive it demands consistent and correct care. So the most important step is to know your skin type, get the right products and stick to them. Know thyself. The first step is to identify your skin type and what are the products that will suit your skin type. Buy them regularly and use them consistently.

Drink water to hydrate

Water is super important for your skin health. Consume at least 10-12 glasses of water in between your classes, presentations, internships or any other outdoor activities, especially if you are losing water through sweat.

Try an organic sheet mask

Use an organic sheet mask as per your skin type to revitalize your skin. Around 10-15 minutes of application once a week is all you require.

Target your T-zone

The most acne prone zone areas are forehead, down the nose and on the chin. Targeting your face washing and toning routine to the T-zone will best eliminate acne, black and white heads.

Clean your phone screen

Your phone screen is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria which get in contact with your facial skin and cause breakouts. You should clean your phone screen with a disinfecting wipe thrice a day.

Antioxidant rich diet

You definitely need an antioxidant rich diet with lots of fresh fruits and green seasonal vegetables. Avoid junk as far as possible, they do us no good. Fresh juices are preferred over aerated and sugary drinks.

UV protection is a must

Wear your sunblock for parties and other social events. It's also a must when you are sitting in front of the computer screen. Wear it below your makeup and be regular.

Regular exercise

College students can consider a regular exercise routine for overall skin health. Half an hour of walking six days a week will keep your skin firm and youthful.