Skin, the largest organ of the human body, has an equally large array of products devoted to its care. But with so many creams, cleansers and confusing words such as microdermabrasion, it’s easy for a low-budget college student to make the mistake of neglecting their skin.

That’s where Gallatin junior Tanya Neufeld comes in. Her blog, theskincarenerd.com, launched in early April and is tailored to college students craving information on anything involving skin care. Her posts range from setting up the best skin care regimen to knowing whether a $129 bottle of La Mer is a worthy purchase.

Neufeld’s inspiration for the blog stems from her own turbulent past that was inundated with skin issues and a lack of knowledge on skin care among her peers.

“I had just gotten really into skincare and I’d tell my friends, and they’d say, ‘You’re crazy, I just wash my face with soap,’” Neufeld said. “I told them, ‘Your skin might be fine now, but in 10 years or when you get a breakout, you won’t know what to do.’ So they said, ‘Tell me what to do.’”

In addition to listing essential skin care steps, her blog features buzzed-about skin products and specifies regarding who should use them and why, all while keeping the college student mentality in mind. Her most recent post, published on April 21, offers students five daily beauty essentials under $60.

The blog’s voice has attracted readers like Gallatin junior Leah Gervais, who appreciates Neufeld’s approach.

“She knows all about the chemicals that go into it, and she’s a funny writer,” Gervais siad. “It’s engaging to read what she’s writing, even if it doesn’t pertain to my skin at all.”

In the coming months, Neufeld plans to include interviews with her readers where she’ll answer their own personal beauty questions.

Her motto for the future is, “Provide benefits and boost confidence.”

Madeliene Overturf is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].

Madeleine Overturf is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].