Skincare for Teens Made Simple: 5 Things You Should Know Before You Begin
Natural skincare for teenage skin is different from those of adults. While it’s true that your skin is changing and maturing, it’s important to choose skincare products that are suitable for your age. However, with so many products in the market, it can be confusing to figure out which ones are right. Don’t you agree?
Here are five teenage skincare routines that you should know before starting your skincare journey:
1. Choosing the best teenage skincare products
It’s important to understand the basic needs of your skin first. Most of you, as teens, need a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Look for products that are labeled "non-comedogenic", which means that they won’t clog pores. Also consider including a toner that can help balance the skin’s pH level, as well as a moisturizer to prevent dryness.
Next, consider any skin conditions you may have, such as acne or eczema (a condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin). If you suffer from acne, look for products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help clear up breakouts or acne.
Check out the Dermdoc salicylic acid range, which is specially designed to combat acne-related issues. For eczema, look for products that contain hydrocortisone, colloidal oatmeal or ceramides, which can help soothe irritated skin.
Finally, it’s important to make sure the products you choose are free from harsh chemicals. Products with alcohol, synthetic fragrances, or parabens should be avoided.
2. Understanding essential skincare routines for teens
As teens, understanding the importance of a basic skincare routine is key to having healthy and glowing skin. From acne to oily skin, you may have to deal with a lot of skin issues, and a regular skincare routine can help keep these issues at bay.
Here are some essential steps to help keep your skin healthy and clear.
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Cleanse: Cleansing is the most important step in any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. It is important to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. A gentle and soothing cleanser is best as your skin can be sensitive and prone to irritation.
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Tone: After cleansing, the next step is to tone the skin. A toner helps to balance the skin’s pH levels and remove any remaining dirt and oil that the cleanser may have missed. It can also help prepare the skin for the next steps in the routine. So, do not forget to add one to your routine.
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Exfoliate: Exfoliating is an important step in any skincare routine. It helps remove dead skin cells, revealing healthy and glowing skin. It can also help unclog pores and prevent breakouts. It is important to use a gentle exfoliant, as harsh ones can irritate and damage the skin.
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Moisturize: Moisturizing is essential to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. It helps lock in moisture, keeping the skin soft and supple. For teens, it is important to use a moisturizer that is lightweight and non-greasy.
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Protect: Finally, it is important to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be used every day, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen is a non-negotiable item in the entire skincare regimen.
3. Safety of ingredients for teens
When it comes to skincare, you may often want to try out the newest and latest products that you see advertised or talked about on social media. While this is understandable, you must educate yourself on the safety of skincare ingredients before using any product. They may contain unknown or potentially harmful ingredients.
The most important thing to remember is that your skin is still developing, so using products that aren’t specifically designed for your skin type can often cause irritation or other problems.
Another safety tip is to avoid products that contain fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and propylene glycol. Fragrances can cause skin irritation and can also damage the environment. Parabens are a common preservative in skincare products, but they can disrupt hormones and lead to skin irritations. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness, while propylene glycol can irritate those with sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions.
You should also be aware of the potential side effects of any skincare products you use. If a product causes stinging, redness, burning, or other reactions, it’s important to stop using it immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
4. Tailor-made skincare solutions for teens
It might be challenging for teens to select the best skincare products as there are many options available in the market. Also, no two teenagers have the same skin type or needs. Therefore, it's important to customize your skincare routine to meet your specific needs.
You should start by assessing your skin type. Do you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin? Knowing your skin type is the first step to finding the right products for you. Once you know your skin type, you can start looking for products that are specifically designed for your skin type. Look for cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and masks that are suitable for your skin type.
If you have sensitive skin, look for products that are labeled as gentle and hypoallergenic. It's also important to be aware of the ingredients in the products you use. Avoid products with harsh chemicals and fragrances, as they can irritate your skin and cause rashes and itching.
Finally, you should also remember to practice healthy skincare habits. Be sure to cleanse and moisturize your skin every day and wear sunscreen when you go outdoors. It's also important to drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet. These habits will keep your skin healthy and clear.
5. The right mentality
Before you start your skincare journey, you must first be as gentle with yourself as you would be with your skin. It’s wise to set realistic expectations for the products that you will pick for yourself.
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Allow your skin to progress at its own pace. Appreciate your efforts when you notice the changes.
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Do not forget to do a patch test of new products, and take it slowly when testing them.
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Some products won't start working right away, while others can promise quick results. Your persistence will be the key to achieving your skincare goal.
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Everybody has a unique skin type. Pay attention to what your skin is telling you, and accordingly follow the aforementioned steps to achieve flawless skin.
Conclusion
A teenager's skincare routine can be a stressful task, but understanding your skin type is the starting point in your skincare journey. You can be successful in your skincare journey by knowing the ingredients used in your products, not overusing them, applying sunscreen, and being patient. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet will also help in keeping your skin healthy and clear.
Explore skincare products from DermDoc that are designed to address all the common skincare issues.