Skincare

As teens, I’m sure many of us can relate to the struggle of breaking out right before that big event, or searching endlessly to find that one product that doesn’t irritate our skin. Skincare is an often overlooked but critical part of self care. As teens, our skin is adjusting to new hormones and factors, which makes caring for our skin even more important. Setting a good and responsible skincare routine can help preserve and keep your skin healthy for years to come.

What can you do to protect your skin as a teen? Well, one of the most notable changes occurring with teenage skin is the production of more oil. Adolescence causes hair follicles and sweat producing glands to mature, which paired with an increase in hormones, creates this oil (“Teenagers”, 1). To counter this, experts recommend that teens wash their face once or twice a day with warm water and a soap-free cleanser. In addition to this, moisturizer is critical, and there are many over the-counter products that can help reduce acne and oil. In choosing these products, however, experts recommend that teens choose products described as “nonacnegenic” and “noncomedogenic” because they do not cause black pores or acne (“Teenagers”, 1). Moreover, avoiding products that are alcohol-based or contain oil will help strengthen teenage skin. While it might surprise you, experts also recommend good nutrition, sleep, and exercise; general well-being will help your skin as well (“Teenagers”, 1).

The most common skincare issue among teens is acne, which is when pores become clogged with excess oil or dirt. It’s estimated that 95% of males and 85% of females have acne during their teenage years, so it is not a rare issue at all (“Acne, 1). Acne can be caused, or exacerbated, by genetic factors, excessive combing of hair, excessive sweating, pore blocking, stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications. The causes of acne have also been linked to diet. Specifically, diets that are high in dairy products (because these products have higher hormone levels) have been linked to a higher amount of acne (“Acne, 1). To counter this, further research suggests that diets high in protein, and lower in dairy, can improve acne breakouts. In addition to diet, however, there are also other ways that acne can be eased. Avoiding excessive washing of skin and not rubbing or picking pimples will most likely help with breakouts. Washing your face regularly and avoiding pore-blocking or comedogenic products will also help ease acne (“Acne”, 1). If self-treatment is ineffective, however, the next step should be talking to a dermatologist and seeking out professional treatment.

There is no magic product that will make your skin appear beautiful and resilient forever, as much as we might hope. However, there are certainly recommendations from experts that will help take care of skin. One dermatologist recommends that these five things should be a part of everyone's skin care routine: cleanser, serum, reinnoit, moisturizer, and sunscreen (Weiner, 1). Everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently to products, but ensuring that you look into these products will largely help take care of your teenage skin.

The way that we treat our skin throughout our teenage years will influence not only how it looks for the rest of our lives, but also our routines. Thus, ensuring that we are wearing sunscreen, for example, and not letting our skin burn, and using products to prevent acne, is one of utmost importance.

Sources

Clinuvel. “Acne.” CLINUVEL, www.clinuvel.com/photocare/knowledge-hub/mothers-children-skin/childrens-skin/teenagers-13-17-years/acne.

Clinuvel. “Teenagers (13-17).” CLINUVEL, www.clinuvel.com/photocare/knowledge-hub/mothers-children-skin/childrens-skin/teenagers-13-17-years.

Weiner, Zoe. “The Best Beginner Skin-Care Routine for Your Kid (or Yourself) to Start With.” Well+Good, 11 Jan. 2020, www.wellandgood.com/skincare-for-teenagers/.

Name: Brisa Kane

Editor: Claire Ottenstein

Graphic Designer: Anna Babab

Photographer: Sophie Hafter