By Mariela
Updated: August 16, 2023
8 minutes
Teenage skin is prone to a unique set of issues, which is why so many boys and girls going through adolescence have a difficult time finding skin care tips that work for them. Some of the most common dermatological issues experienced among teens include acne, blackheads, and unwanted facial hair, all of which can greatly impact one’s confidence and self-image.
In the pursuit of vibrant and healthy skin, teenagers frequently stumble upon a common pitfall – adopting skincare routines and advice that fail to align with their age or skin type. Regrettably, this misstep can exacerbate existing issues rather than alleviate them. That’s why, below, we have compiled a thorough list outlining some of the most effective skin care tips that are tailored to the problems that teenage girls and boys face on a daily basis.
Simplify Your Skin Care Routine
If you’ve been dealing with temperamental skin for a while, chances are you’ve compiled a complex skincare routine complete with a plethora of products, all promising to solve your problems for good.
Unfortunately, this approach is often counterproductive, causing clogged pores and aggressive flare-ups. Teenagers, in particular, need to beware of the quantity and quality of the products they use, as their skin is extra sensitive.
Most adolescent boys and girls will see great benefits in simplifying their skincare routine and only focusing on 3-4 good quality products. These should include:
-
Cleanser
-
Moisturizer
-
Sunblock
-
Face mask
Out of these four, only the cleanser and moisturizer will be included in both your morning and evening routine. Sunblock only needs to be applied before you go out, while face masks are generally applied only once or twice a week.
However, it’s important to ensure that the products you’re using are of good quality and compatible with your skin type. Finding the right brand can take some trial and error, so be patient.
It’s also important not to be too aggressive when applying your skin care products, as you might cause further irritation and damage. Instead, opt for gentle, circular motions.
Since you’ll be using fewer products, it becomes that much more important to stay consistent with your routine. If you manage to turn your morning and evening cleanings into a habit, you should notice the positive effects of your simplified routine in no time.
Prioritize Sun Protection
Your teenage years are the best time for you to form one of the best lifelong habits: using sunscreen. The importance of protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation has been scientifically proven, so make it a point to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 30) every day.
This is a good rule of thumb to abide by all year long, no matter the weather. Dangerous UVA rays can easily penetrate through clouds, so make sure to protect your skin even when it’s raining or snowing outside.
Sun damage will not only irritate your skin and make you more prone to acne, but it’ll also put you at greater risk for skin cancer, so don’t skimp on sunscreen and make sure to reapply it every two hours, or as the bottle suggests.
Never Go to Bed Without Cleaning Your Face
During sleep, our skin gets a much-needed opportunity to replenish itself. However, leaving dirt, oil, or makeup seep into the skin all throughout the night will only agitate it and lead to blocked pores and breakouts.
That’s why your nighttime cleansing routine is so essential, especially if you wear makeup. Those who use foundation (or concealer) need to thoroughly remove it before sleep, no matter how qualitative the product is.
To do so, you might need to invest in some micellar water. Alternatively, you can always get a makeup-removing cleanser to skip that extra step.
However, most teenagers will experience a night or two when they’re too tired to even brush their teeth, let alone do their skincare routine. So, we still recommend keeping a bottle of micellar water and some cotton pads in your room (preferably on your nightstand) so you can still remove your makeup without even having to get out of bed.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Keeping your skin clean goes well beyond cleansing it twice a day – it requires you to make a conscious effort to never touch your face without washing your hands first.
No matter how thoroughly you might’ve cleaned your hands last time, they constantly come in contact with dirt, oil, and bacteria. Just touching your phone, for example, will bring you into contact with 10 times more bacteria than touching a toilet seat. Think about that next time you’re resting your head on your hand after a texting session!
In the same vein, avoid picking at your pimples at all costs! Though you might see professionals pop pimples from time to time, you don’t have the skills or tools required to go about the process safely, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. Otherwise, you might cause further damage to your skin and make the breakout worse.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to sit by and watch acne take over your entire face. There are some gentle yet effective treatments you can try, all of which we will be discussing in the “Treat Acne Immediately” section below.
Choose the Right Facial Hair Removal Products
Though the growth of facial hair is a normal side effect of going through puberty, most teens can’t help but feel self-conscious about it. Many will try just about anything to get smooth, hairless skin, often paying a hefty price in the process.
Unfortunately, the two most accessible hair removal methods – shaving and waxing – are often too rough on the skin, especially in sensitive areas like the chin, cheeks, or upper lip. This means that while you might initially get that hair-free skin your after, chances are that bumps, acne, and ingrown hair will follow shortly after.
That’s why it’s essential to experiment until you find a product that works on your face without worsening its look and feel. If you’re a novice in hair removal, you might be wondering – what are your options?
Let’s start with shaving and waxing. Though accessible, these methods tend to be a bit rough on the skin, often leaving it worse off.
On the other hand, you have depilatory creams. Though these are often hailed as the end-all-be-all solution for hair removal, this is far from the truth. These creams are usually pretty ineffective and since the hair won’t be removed from the root, you can expect it to grow back in a couple of days’ time.
Considering everything we’ve covered thus far, it’s safe to say that laser is your best bet. It boasts the following advantages:
- Safe
- Long-lasting results
- Precise
- Rarely irritates skin
The one downside of this hair removal method is the hefty price tag, which is generally unattainable on a teen’s budget. The best workaround for this problem is to invest in a portable lasering device, like the Ulike Long-lasting Laser Hair Removal Handset.
This is a small but mighty device that provides all the benefits of a lasering session for a fraction of the cost. Not to mention that it can be used all over your body, so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
The FDA-cleared handset guarantees a pain-free experience and long-lasting results, so you won’t have to worry about damaging your skin when getting rid of unwanted facial hair. Moreover, the device can be used on the entire body and can be purchased in installments, providing excellent value for the price.
Given that choosing the right facial hair removal method can make or break your skin’s health, we highly recommend getting your hands on the Ulike Long-lasting Laser Hair Removal Handset, which provides all of the benefits of hair removal without any of the drawbacks.
Keep Your Makeup Tools and Products Clean
If you’ve made it thus far, you already know that keeping your skin clean is one of the best things you can do for its health. This means that everything that touches your face should be washed to a fault.
So, if you use makeup brushes or any other similar tools on a regular basis, make an effort to clean them every seven to ten days. That way, you can prevent the accumulation of acne-causing dirt.
For that same reason, it’s a good idea to refrain from swapping makeup with your loved ones, no matter how much you trust them. Sometimes, even the cleanest person in the world hosts specific types of bacteria that, while benign to them, can cause your skin to irritate.
Last but not least, change your pillowcases at least once a week. Otherwise, oil and debris are bound to end up in your face and clog your pores.
Treat Acne Immediately
Though picking your skin is a big no-no, treating your acne immediately after it appears is encouraged. Finding the right type of treatment might require some trial and error, and even a visit to the dermatologist. Generally speaking, though, a good-quality spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide should do the trick.
Remember that you don’t want to overwhelm your skin with too many products at once, so only rely on one type of spot treatment at a time. Give it at least a few weeks to see results, and if nothing changes, you can move on to another option.
I still want to note that patience is of the essence, so don’t expect your breakouts to vanish overnight. In fact, maintaining realistic expectations throughout your skincare journey is a must; otherwise, you’ll end up trying way too hard and doing more harm than good.
Follow a Healthier Lifestyle
As with anything else in life, the phrase “prevention is better than cure” rings true even in terms of skincare.
That’s why it’s important to work on your skin from the inside out by trying to follow a healthier lifestyle. We’ve heard it a million times, but what does a “healthier lifestyle” entail exactly?
- Eating a balanced diet rich in micronutrients
- Exercising regularly
- Finding effective stress-coping mechanisms
- Drinking enough water
We know this seems like a lot of effort to go through for fewer breakouts, but rest assured that the results you’ll see not only in your skin but also in your overall well-being will be worth it.
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your skin as a teenager can make or break your complexion and texture in the long run. Simple (but consistent) skin care practices, like moisturizing, sun protection, and using the right facial hair removal tools, can do wonders when it comes to managing some of the most common skin problems faced by girls and boys of this age.
Remember that the process requires a lot of patience and determination, so take your time and, in the meantime, try to embrace your skin in any stage it’s in – no moisturizer can emulate the glow of a healthy dose of self-confidence.
