Adolescence can be a really turbulent time in a teenager’s life. Their bodies change and hormones start to rage, causing lots of chaos both physically and emotionally. Puberty presents itself in many ways, but skin problems can often appear long before any other signs. If you’re a teenager or know someone who might be searching for guidance on how to keep their skin woes at bay, this guide is for you. Read below for 5 essential products every teen needs in their skincare arsenal, particularly if they want to know about them how to build a skincare routine that works for them:
Face cleanser
Out of all the skincare steps available, cleansing should be the top concern for teenagers. Proper cleansing will remove some of the most common causes of acne from the surface of the skin, such as excess oil and dirt. It is specially important to emphasise cleaning if the teenager has also started wearing makeup, as residue from it’s also one of the main causes of relapse.
There are different cleansers for various skin types, and it is important to choose the right one. For dry to normal skin, cream-based cleansers filled with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are recommended. Using a cleanser that’s non-comedogenic and has oil-controlling properties can be a lifesaver for teens with oily skin, so look for one that contains tea tree or aloe vera.
For skin prone to acne, pay attention to facial cleansers that contain mild chemical exfoliants such as salicylic or glycolic acid. Those with sensitive skin should use a gentle cleanser that does not contain artificial additives, fragrances, or foaming agents. Overall, it is best to avoid sulfates and parabens. These ingredients have been linked to exacerbations of certain skin conditions such as rosacea and dermatitis.
toners
Toning is a very important skincare step that can tighten pores, rebalance skin’s pH level, and prepare it to better absorb ingredients from subsequent products. Different toners can treat different skin concerns, but in general, choosing alcohol-free products is the safest option for teens.
Teenagers with oily skin often also suffer from enlarged pores. Both of these problems can be solved with a clarifying toner that contains the oil controlling properties of ingredients like witch hazel and green tea. For those with acne-prone skin, a robust toner containing alpha and beta hydroxy acids can keep acne under control. Those with dry skin will certainly appreciate the deep moisturizing effect of a hydrating toner that includes rose water, chamomile or vitamin E in the ingredients list.
Moisturizer
Just because a teenager produces more oil during this stage in his life doesn’t suggest that he can skip moisturizer! Integrating a light moisturizer into your routine can help with oil control. Skin that’s thirsty and not properly hydrated tends to produce more oil to compensate for the absence of moisture.
Water-based or gel-based moisturizers are the way to go for youthful skin. The shorter the ingredient list, the better. Look for labels that say “non-greasy,” “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic”; this product should be freed from emulsifiers, oils, and coagulating waxes.
Topical treatment
Young people around the globe are often fed with every kind of fairy tales and misinformation about acne and how to treat it. Teens who routinely suffer from breakouts and breakouts are best served with topical treatment solutions intended for daily use all over the face rather than spot treatment products, which can be harsh and unnecessarily dry out their skin.
Look for treatment solutions that contain ingredients that provide gentle exfoliation, such as the salicylic acid mentioned above. Teens with problem skin can even benefit from products containing natural acne-fighting ingredients, such as bija and cica seed oils.
Sunblock
Many teens spend hours in the sun unaware of its harmful effects on the skin. UVA and UVB exposure do not just cause skin darkening and burning; both damage the DNA in skin cells and increase the risk of developing wrinkles, premature skin aging, and developing skin cancer later in life.
To keep your skin healthy now and keep it looking supple and youthful in the future, use a good sunscreen or sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF level of at least 30, which blocks 97% of UVA and UVB rays. Young, active people can skip a step if they use mineral makeup that contains built-in sun protection from titanium dioxide or zinc dioxide, or products that already contain SPF.
With so much going on, the last thing a teenager needs is the added stress of having bad skin. Don’t ignore the changes teenagers are going through, and begin working on these issues as soon as possible.
