Many changes take place in your body when you reach puberty, and your skin is no exception. Activity in your oil glands ramps up — a process that’s completely normal, but may also leave you with some less-than-pleasant skin developments. For example, you may find yourself among the 85% of people aged 12 to 24 who experience acne.
Now for the good news: A little bit of skincare can go a long way to tackle skin issues that tend to pop up in your teens.
1. Start Now
When should a teenager have a skin care routine? There’s no “right” time to begin caring for your skin, but now is a great time to start. Many parents initiate a bedtime facial cleansing routine with children as young as six, since oils from sweat and sunblock can build up on a child’s face well before their teenage years.
2. Cleanse Gently
Cleansing keeps your skin clear and healthy. The cleanser you choose will depend on your skin type: if you’re prone to breakouts, look for a formula designed for oily skin. The same goes for sensitive or dry skin; pick a product with your needs in mind. Use it to gently wash your face each morning and evening.
3. Moisturize
Follow up your cleansing routine with moisturizer to lock in your skin’s natural hydration. Again, be choosy about the formula: a lightweight, oil-free product is best for acne-prone skin, for example.
Overwhelmed by your options and uncertainties? For instance, can a teen use hyaluronic acid? Yes, and in fact, it’s one of the best serums for teenagers, since it’s a hydrating substance that also occurs naturally in the body.
4. Spot Treat
As pimples inevitably pop up, apply a spot treatment. Active ingredients like salicylic acid can help exfoliate your skin and remove the cells causing the breakout. Topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can also help banish blemishes.
5. Apply SPF
Sun protection is an essential part of skincare that will help reduce your risk of skin cancer and minimize signs of aging years down the road (not to mention more immediate effects, like unwanted sunburns and unsightly peeling). Apply sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 daily.
6. Choose Oil-Free Makeup
Whether you’ve been using makeup for years or you’ve just started experimenting with it, selecting non-comedogenic products can help you avoid breakouts, as they’re designed with ingredients that won’t block your pores. Still, be sure to remove makeup thoroughly each evening and replace your products as needed to prevent bacteria buildup.
7. Wash Makeup Brushes & Clothing
Just as your cosmetics can harbor bacteria, the same goes for makeup brushes and clothing that touches your face. Wash your makeup brushes regularly, as well as scarves, hats, and hair wraps.
8. Shave with Care
If shaving is a part of your skincare routine, prevent nicks and cuts by using the right razor. Apply light pressure and short, slow strokes in the direction of hair growth. Use a shaving cream to help your razor glide smoothly, and replace your blade every five to ten shaves for nick-free results.
9. Stick to Your Personal Skincare Needs
It’s easy to be influenced by beauty gurus and influencers when it comes to cultivating skincare routines. But everyone’s needs are unique. For most teens, a basic regimen with drugstore products can keep skin on track — unless you have a specific concern, which brings us to our next point.
10. See a Specialist for Concerns
For skin troubles such as acne or sensitivity, there’s no substitute for customized skin care. Our teen skin care specialists can assess your needs and provide personalized recommendations, which may involve prescription-strength products, in-office treatments, or other targeted remedies.
Schedule an Appointment With Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics
Whether you’re a teen, senior, or any age in between, Olanksy Dermatology welcomes patients in all phases of life with diverse skincare needs. Discuss your skin care goals during an appointment with our specialists: request a visit online or by calling (404) 355-5484.
