Teenage skin goes through plenty of changes, mostly due to hormone fluctuations that happen during this time. These hormone changes can result in oily skin and breakouts, which can make you want to hide away in your room. Skincare has developed a lot over the years and although you don’t need a plethora of products, you should be using quality skincare made with ingredients catered to your skin type. Here are 8 need to know teen skincare routine tips and products.
3 Common Skincare Struggles in Teen Girls
1. Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Acne is common during the teenage years when hormones go into overdrive. Hormone changes, including increased androgen levels lead to enlarged oil glands, excess oil, and bacteria. This bacteria can cause inflammation and mix with dead skin cells, clogging pores and leading to acne. Acne can also be influenced by genetics, diet, stress, environmental factors, and makeup products that clog pores.
2. Sensitive Skin
Younger skin is more sensitive and delicate in the first place, and on top of this, some teens struggle with extra sensitive skin. This skin type reacts easily to products or environmental factors, often resulting in redness, irritation, or acne.
3. Dry Skin
Dry skin is common in teens and often happens in dry environments, but can also be due to air conditioning or being in direct heat. Dry skin lacks natural oils and needs to be replenished with those oils. If it’s not replenished the skin becomes brittle and fragile. It can crack and become overly irritable and sensitive.
9 Best Teen Skincare Routine Tips & Products
1. Don’t Go Overboard on Your Skincare Routine
Social media has made 10+ step skincare routines seem like the norm, but overdoing skincare at a young age can do more harm than good. Younger skin is more delicate and certain ingredients can irritate the skin and make it more susceptible to sun damage or redness. Many teens are spending hours on platforms like TikTok and Youtube watching beauty influencers talk all about what products to use to get glowing skin. But when teens use anti-aging skincare and other potent ingredients it can actually cause premature aging and destroy the skin barrier, wreaking havoc on your skin.
2. Use a Gentle Cleanser
Keep your skincare regimen simple with a gentle cleanser, lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen. Wash your face twice a day- when you wake up and when you go to bed, as well as after any sweaty activity. A gentle cleanser will remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the natural skin barrier. The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a great option. It’s made with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, ceramides to protect the skin barrier, and niacinamide to help calm the skin.
2. Apply Lightweight Moisturizer Day and Night
The next step in your skincare routine should be a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer. This will lock in the skin’s natural moisture and protect it. The Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer is formulated for sensitive skin with ingredients that soothe inflammation such as glycerin, panthenol (a soothing B5 vitamin), and oat extracts. It’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain any “fluffy” ingredients that typically irritate the skin, making it perfect for teens.
4. Always Wear Sunscreen
Teens should be wearing sunscreen everyday, even in the winter. UV rays are one of the biggest culprits of premature aging and skin damage. Sun-damaged skin results in irritated skin, and irritated skin puts you at a greater risk for acne. Make sure to wear a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher – apply it in the morning and again throughout the day if you’ll be spending lots of time outside.
5. Check the Ingredients List
Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic skincare products. This means they won’t create comedones, the blackheads and whiteheads that clog pores. Using non-pore clogging products is especially important for teens with acne or skin prone to breakouts. Since hormonal changes during the teen years can create an excess of oil production, pores become clogged more easily, so the last thing you need is ingredients that also clog your pores.
6. Try a Spot Treatment
If you deal with acne you can try a spot treatment, such as the Differin Acne Gel. It contains 0.1% concentration of adapalene, a type of retinoid. Retinoids stimulate cell turnover and help reduce inflammation, and adapalene has been shown to have superior tolerability compared to other prescription retinoid products. Keep in mind that it can be dry and irritate the skin, so work it into your routine slowly. Only use a pea-sized amount and start with 1 to 2 times per week, increasing frequency as your skin grows to tolerate it.
7. Avoid Touching Your Face
Avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning your face on objects such as your phone. Touching your face can spread the bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed and irritated. Be sure to wash your hands before starting your skincare routine and applying anything to your face. You’ll also want to abstain from popping pimples at all costs. This unpleasant habit can push infected material further into the skin, which can lead to swelling, redness, and even scarring.
8. Prioritize Exercise and Sleep
Exercise contributes to healthy skin by promoting blood circulation and reducing stress, which can trigger skin conditions like acne. Exercise also helps even out blood sugar levels and can reduce the production of androgens in the body, which are both instrumental in managing acne. Sleep is another key factor. During sleep the body goes through several growth, repair, and restore processes. Consistent quality sleep can help your skin look its best.
9. Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
It’s super important for teens to follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and essential nutrients. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, avocado, spinach, and flaxseed are super beneficial for the skin. And foods rich in antioxidants should also be prioritized. Hydration plays a major role in skin health, too. Drinking enough water each day helps keep the skin hydrated and clear.
Teenage skin can go through a lot thanks to all the hormonal changes going on. Use these tips and products for your healthiest, most glowing complexion.
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