We’ve got some helpful skincare tips for your teenager. Image by Adobe Stock.
Acne, blackheads and oily skin are the biggest causes for concern with teen skin. Hormonal changes play a huge part in changes to the skin when you start to hit puberty, because of an increase in sex hormones called Androgens – these hormones cause oil glands to become overactive, enlarged and produce too much oil or sebum. When there is too much sebum the pores or hair follicles in the skin can become blocked with skin cells which can lead to acne and blackheads. Puberty can be a really hard time for teens so arming them with knowledge on how to care for their skin will be invaluable and something they can carry with them through life, so here are five simple tips to teach your teens about skincare.
Keep your hands clean
The number one rule before using any skincare is to wash your hands. Your hands carry dirt and bacteria and if they aren’t clean when washing your face you will be transferring that dirt and bacteria onto your skin.
Keep it simple
There are so many skincare products on the market it can seem quite overwhelming for a beginner skincare user. Keep it simple and stick to the basics.
Step 1- Your teen will need a good foaming or gel cleanser if they have oily skin or a milky cleanser if they have dry skin. If your teen wears makeup, make sure to wash off eye makeup first then follow with a full face cleanse using your fingertips.
Step 2- After cleansing in the morning, follow this with an SPF that’s moisturising to protect the skin during the day.
Step 3 – After cleansing at night, follow with a toner on the skin, this is especially important for teenage skin as it balances the PH level of the skin, closes pores and removes excess oil and dirt.
Step 4- If the skin is acne-prone you can then use a topical spot treatment on the affected areas.
Step 5- After nighttime cleansing and toning, finish with a light moisturiser.
Step 6- Exfoliate the skin only once a week and do it in the shower. This will help to remove the excess skin cell build-up and remove any deep-rooted dirt.
Educate about SPF
One of the most important things to know about skincare is to always use an SPF, every day, even in winter and even if you’re indoors. UVB rays from the sun are the burning rays, they can cause skin cancer and sunburn. UVA rays are the rays that will cause unseen damage to the deeper layers of your skin and they can penetrate glass and clouds. UVA rays will cause skin damage and premature skin ageing so it is very important to protect your skin every day with an SPF 30+.
How to control your oil
If the skin is oily choose a cleanser with a Salicylic Acid or a Benzoyl Peroxide in it – these ingredients will help to combat the oil and fight acne. Your teen may think that washing their face more often will help to get rid of the oil but in fact, over-washing will strip the natural oils from the skin, triggering more oil secretion.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do – Take the time to pick the right products, check the labels to make sure the products aren’t full of chemicals and don’t be afraid to ask questions in store or online to make sure you’re getting effective products that will be kind to your teen’s skin.
Don’t – Pick, scratch or peel a pimple! Messing with a pimple will invite more bacteria from your fingers and nails into the effect zone, potentially increasing the breakout and picking pimples can also lead to scarring of the skin.
Don’t – Overscrub or overwash your face.
Don’t – Use too many products on your skin. Keep it simple and stick to good quality products. If you are unsure, visit a skin care specialist for a custom made routine specifically designed for your skin needs.