Teenage years can be difficult. It’s hard for both parents and the teen. Their emotions, moods, body, and yes, their skin also face changes. With the coming of age, teenage skin undergoes various transformations. That’s why maintaining a skincare routine is important at this stage. But with the emergence of new skincare products on the market, it is very confusing to choose something that actually works.
Here, I am going to talk about a teenage skincare routine, what to do, and how to do it.
1. Understanding Skin Type
To establish an effective skincare routine, you must understand your skin type: dry, oily, or combination. With hormonal changes during puberty, skin issues like acne, blackheads, and whiteheads are common. To cope with all these situations, it is important to learn about your skin type.
How to do that? It’s pretty simple. Wash your face with any cleanser and pat it dry. Do not apply anything else on your face afterward. Wait for about 1-2 hours and see if your nose and chin area has any oil or not. If you don’t have any oil on your face and you’re feeling a bit dry and flaky, then you have dry skin. On the other hand, if it has produced oil, which looks shiny, then you have oily skin.
2. Basic Teenage Skincare Routine
a. Cleansing
Start and end your day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Look for a product that suits your skin type.
Use a gel-based cleanser if you have oily skin. If you have dry skin, use a cream-based cleanser; it will keep your skin hydrated. If your skin is sensitive, meaning it reacts easily, then go for cleansers that are fragrance-free and do not contain any allergens.
b. Toning
Toners help to balance your skin’s pH levels and remove any leftover impurities after cleansing. Use alcohol-free toners. Natural toners are the best idea for teenage skin, as they have no chemicals. You can also make your own toners at home with rose petals and some ice.
c. Moisturizing
Moisturizing is crucial for all skin types, even oily skin. Moisturizer helps to lock in all the nutrients for your skin to absorb. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. For dry skin, a richer, hydrating formula works best.
d. Sun Protection
Sunscreen is a must, regardless of the weather. Daily SPF helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Use a generous amount of sunscreen every day before going out, and reapply it every two hours. Always double cleanse before going to sleep.
3. Skin Concerns
a. Acne
Acne can occur when your pores are clogged. That’s why cleansing is important. If your skin is not hydrated, it will produce oil, resulting in breakouts. To avoid this situation, always hydrate yourself.
For acne-prone skin, consider incorporating products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help clear up breakouts. Spot treatments can also be effective for targeting individual pimples.
b. Blackheads and Whiteheads
Exfoliation is key to preventing and treating blackheads and whiteheads. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) once or twice a week. Remember, over-exfoliation is not good for your skin. It can break the skin barrier, making your skin sensitive.
c. Dryness and Flakiness
Hydrating masks and serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can provide an extra moisture boost, helping to alleviate dryness and flakiness.
4. Habits You Should Acquire
a. Diet
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve your skin’s appearance. Avoid excessive sugar and greasy foods.
b. Hydration
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
c. Sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Rest is essential for your body to repair and regenerate skin cells.
d. Stress Management
Stress can trigger breakouts and other skin issues. Practice stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
5. Common Mistakes
a. Over-cleansing
Washing your face too often can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production and potential breakouts. Wash your face two times a day.
b. Skipping Sunscreen
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage your skin. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your routine.
c. Picking at Your Skin
It can be tempting to pick at pimples or blackheads, but this can lead to scarring and infection. Use treatments to target problem areas instead.
6. Finding the Right Products
Experimenting with different products can be part of the journey to find what works best for your skin. Look for products labeled as non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and suitable for your skin type. When trying new products, introduce them one at a time to monitor how your skin reacts. Search for reviews, as they will tell you how people are benefiting from any product.
Establishing a skincare routine during your teenage years can set the foundation for healthy skin in the future. By understanding your skin type, using the right products, and maintaining healthy habits, you can achieve a clear, glowing complexion. Remember, patience is key. Consistency in your routine will yield the best results over time. Happy skincare journey!