Skin Care and Teens: The Tips to Keeping Teenagers’ Skin Clear
by Mark J. Hing
04/14/08
Adult skin care can be very different from skin care for teenagers. Many teenagers wrestle with acne and other skin disorders due to the presence of ever changing hormones, this simply means a more vigilant approach to skin care may be necessary. Teenage skin care tips for the most part are exactly the same as those for adults; the key difference is teenagers may need to keep a stricter regimen. However, Signature Forum is offering some skin care tips to help teens and even adults achieve the best possible skin.
- Do not pick, squeeze, or pinch pimples. This is tempting for many teenagers, but touching, rubbing, or popping pimples should be avoided. Popping pimples can push infected material further into already problem skin. This can cause increased swelling, redness, and even permanent acne scarring.
- Use a gentle facial cleansing routine. Hard scrubbing may only make the matter worse. Also avoid harsh products like rubbing alcohol, or rough scrubs and pads. You should gently massage your face with a mild cleanser and warm water twice a day (no more), preferably in the morning and before bed. Many teenagers think more washing equals cleaner skin. However, additional facial cleansing may be harmful, over washing can cause facial skin to become irritated.
- Also shampoo your hair regularly. Just as keeping your face clean is important, keeping your hair clean can be just as crucial. Keeping your hair washed and out of your face can help prevent dirt and oil from clogging pores and causing acne. Remember, it’s best to shower before you go sleep as oily hair products can transfer from your hair to your face during the night.
- Avoid touching your face when possible. Not only with your own hand, but be mindful of objects. Keep devices such as cell phones and headphones clean and sanitized. Avoid touching your skin after touching foreign surfaces especially keyboards or doorknobs. This can spread bacteria that can inflame or irate your skin. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, it’s best to clean them frequently to keep pores on the nose and around the eyes, clog-free.
- Drink plenty of fluids. The best advice for the flu can also help your teen’s skin. Keeping your body properly hydrated is one way to keep your skin healthy. Water helps digestion and food absorption, but more importantly water is responsible for carrying nutrients to the skin and regulating body temperatures.
- Maintain a low fat diet. A low fat diet cannot only help keep your body fit, but can help maintain clear skin. A diet high in fruits and vegetables can ensure that antioxidants keep your skin healthy and well nourished.
- For Females, be careful when choosing cosmetics. Look for products that are oil-free, this will help keep your pores from clogging. Additionally, always remember to remove makeup before you go to sleep. And remember to throw old makeup away especially if it looks or smells different from when you bought it.
- Use sunscreen regularly. Sun damage can cause skin to age prematurely, so to keep your skin young and supple, always use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). It may seem as if tans mask teenage acne, but this is only temporary. Tanning will eventually lead to wrinkles, sun spots, and increase the risk of cancer.
These skin care tips can help keep teenage skin smooth and acne-free. Treatments like Blue Light Therapy and Microdermabrasion have also been shown to be effective skin care treatments for teens. For those under the age of 18, always look for treatments that are non-invasive and low intensity.