Skincare routine for teenagers
Skincare routine for teenagers
So, you're a teenager. Congratulations! You're probably in the best shape of your life, and have more energy than anyone else in your grade. But what about your skin? If you don't take care of it now, you'll regret it later when wrinkles start creeping up on you—and believe me when I say that they do creep up. In fact, if you haven't started taking care of your skin already as a teen, there's no time like the present to start. So let's get started!
Use a cleanser.
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Use a cleanser.
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Choose a gentle, non-irritating cleanser for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, look for products labeled "sensitive" or "oil-free." If you have dry or sensitive skin and are prone to redness or irritation, look for products labeled "for sensitive skin."
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Don't use too much pressure when washing your face--this can worsen existing pimples and potentially cause new ones! Instead of massaging vigorously in circles with the tips of your fingers (which is what many people do), gently rub them across the surface of your face in small circular motions instead--this will help get rid of dirt without irritating the surrounding area further.
Be gentle.
As a teenager, you might think that your skin is tougher than it really is. But the truth is that even though adult skin may seem tough, it's actually more delicate than our younger counterparts' because of all the hormones coursing through our bodies.
As such, we should always be gentle when washing our faces and avoid scrubbing too hard--this can lead to broken capillaries (those red marks on the cheeks) or irritation! Also avoid harsh chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid; they can irritate sensitive complexions and cause breakouts instead of clearing them up. Finally, if you've got acne-prone skin like I do (and many other people), don't use products with high concentrations of salicylic acid--it will only make matters worse!
Use a moisturizer.
Moisturizers are a must-have in any skincare routine. They help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. Moisturizers can also improve skin's elasticity and hydration levels, which can prevent acne breakouts and make your skin look healthier overall.
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If you have oily or combination skin (oily T-zone with dry cheeks), consider using an oil-free moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid -- this will help keep the oil away without drying out those areas that need more moisture.*
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For normal to dry skin types: Look for products labeled "non-comedogenic" or "nonacnegenic," which means they won't clog pores or cause breakouts.*
Use products for your skin type.
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If you have oily skin, use a mattifying moisturizer.
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If you have dry skin, use a hyaluronic acid moisturizer.
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If you have acne, try using products with salicylic acid in them--it's great for treating breakouts while keeping your skin hydrated!
Wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine.
The best way to protect your skin from the sun is to wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine.
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Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapply it every 2 hours (or more often if you're swimming or sweating).
Don't pop your pimples.
It's tempting to pop your pimples, but you should resist that urge. Pimple popping can lead to scarring and infection, as well as an increased chance of getting skin cancer. If you have a zit that's been bugging you for weeks, it might feel like something needs to be done about it right away. But please don't pick at or squeeze your blemishes--that will only make them worse!
If you have sensitive skin and find yourself struggling with breakouts often, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist (or other medical professional) who can help diagnose what kind of acne treatment would work best for your situation
Your teenage years are the foundation for the rest of your life, so start taking care of yourself now.
The teenage years are a time for major changes in your body and mind. Your skin is still developing, as is your body. This is why it's so important to take care of yourself now--you'll have better skin for the rest of your life if you do!
Your skin will last you a lifetime, which means that good habits now can help prevent problems later on.
I hope this article has been helpful to you! I know that it can be hard to start taking care of your skin when it seems like there are so many other things going on in your life, but trust me: it's worth it. Skincare is important because it gives you an opportunity to take care of yourself and feel good about yourself. If you don't have time for a full-blown routine right now (and who does?), then just make sure that at least one thing-- sunscreen!--is part of your daily routine. The best thing about skincare is that there are products out there for every type of budget, so even if money is tight (it always is!), there are still ways for everyone to get started with some basic steps toward healthier skin today!