Being a teenager is filled with a lot of ups and downs, like mood swings, social drama, puberty, and, sometimes, the most frustrating of all, acne. Keeping your skin smooth and clear can be challenging, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re trying different routines and products, but nothing seems to be helping.
Sometimes it helps to get back to the basics. In this guide, we’ll go over simple skin care for teens and the little things you can do to take care of your skin.
Cleanse Twice a Day
One of the best things you can do for your skin is get into a good routine of washing it twice a day. Use a cleanser that works well with your skin type, and be sure to apply it gently—don’t scrub! Wash your face in the morning and right before you go to bed, and make sure to take off your makeup so the oils and products don’t clog up your pores or cause irritation.
Moisturize Daily
Moisturizing every day is a key step in skin care for teens because it keeps your skin hydrated and healthy. The right moisturizing routine has also been shown to help with acne. Choose a noncomedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores, and apply it after cleansing to lock in moisture without causing breakouts.
Wear Sunscreen
Putting on sunscreen every day may seem annoying, but protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays is crucial to keeping it healthy.
Try to apply an SPF of at least 30 every day. If you’re going to be swimming or sweating a lot, use a higher SPF and reapply every couple of hours. Some skin products might also make you more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to use a higher SPF if you are using any of these.
Exfoliate Once a Week
Exfoliating occasionally is a good way to clear away dead or dry skin and keep your pores clean, but over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and cause further damage.
Choose a gentle exfoliant that’s designed to be skin care for teens, and avoid scrubs, buffing tools, or other abrasive products. Be careful not to scrub your acne or blemishes, as this can be painful and cause further harm.
Don’t Touch Your Face
Try to avoid touching your face too much so you can limit the amount of oils, dirt, etc., that could clog your pores. This includes not popping your pimples! When you need to put on makeup or go through your skin care routine, wash your hands with soap and water first so your face can stay as clean as possible.
Figure Out Your Skin Type
Knowing your skin type can be helpful for choosing products and ingredients that will provide you with the best skin care for teens. Here’s one way you can figure out your skin type:
Wash your face with a mild cleanser, then wait 30 minutes. Don’t put on any other products or makeup, and don’t do anything that would irritate your skin or make it sweaty (such as exercising or going in the cold). Evaluate your skin after the time’s up: Is it dry and tight, or shiny and oily? Is the t-zone more oily, but the rest of your face mostly normal?
You can also take an online quiz or talk to your dermatologist to get a tailored idea of your skin type.
Ease into New Products
It can be tempting to dive into a ton of new skin care products for teens at once, especially if you have acne you’re trying to clear up. Resist the urge, and try one product at a time. Use a little bit at longer intervals at first to be sure you don’t react poorly to it. Taking this slower approach will help you know what works and be sure you don’t cause an extreme reaction on your skin.
Consider Trying Accutane
If your acne is particularly severe and persistent, and nothing else seems to be working, Accutane may be a good option. Accutane (aka isotretinoin) decreases the amount of oil your skin produces, reducing clogged pores, acne, and the chances of scarring. Talk to your dermatologist to see if Accutane is a good fit for you.
Schedule Regular Dermatology Appointments
Don’t skip your dermatology appointments! Your dermatologist can help you address any specific concerns you have with your skin and recommend products, ingredients, and treatments that can help you.At Utah Valley Dermatology, our dermatologists and aestheticians love helping you understand your skin. You’ll always get personalized attention and treatments based on your needs, and we’ll help you figure out the best plan to get your skin feeling healthy and clear. Get in touch to learn more about skin care for teens and schedule your first appointment.
