Being a teenager isn’t easy. There are always things to worry about like school, grades, and a social life. On top of that, there are a lot of changes happening within your body and your hormone levels are pretty much running wild. Aside from your body changing and developing, you can find yourself dealing with pimples, teenage acne, or dull skin and skin problems. If your skin is getting you down, we’ll show you how to get clear skin as a teenager.
Find out your skin type
There are a few things for you to do when it comes to taking care of your skin, but first and foremost is to find out your skin type. There are a few types of skin types, and each of them determines the type of skincare products you will be using to give you healthy skin.
There are a few types of skin types;
- Normal skin,
- Dry skin,
- Sensitive skin,
- Combination skin.
The skincare products that you will be using should be dependent upon the type of skin you have. Not all products are created equal as they are each set to give you the best results depending on the skin type they are treating. For example, if your skin produces too much sebum you shouldn’t use a moisturiser that is too thick as this can clog your pores.
So, how do you determine your skin type?
The good news is that working out your skin type is not as complicated as you may have thought. The first thing is to wash your face with a facial cleanser for normal skin, and then wait to see how the skin begins to react afterwards. Many dermatologists recommend the CeraVe range for teenage skin and there are glowing reports on how this range has worked wonders on teenage skin.
If your skin looks and feels clean and thirst-quenched, but in no way oily then you probably have normal skin.
If your skin starts getting shiny and producing excess oil throughout then you guess it, you probably have oily skin. Now, if you only see your skin producing excess sebum throughout the t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) then your skin is probably combination.
And finally, if your skin feels dry and gets flaky your skin type is probably dry.
Establish a skincare routine
Once you have found out what type of skin you have you can then follow the right skin care regimen that will help your specific situation. There are so many products on the market, that are clearly marked, for specific skin care issues. Of course, do keep in mind that teenage skin can change based on hormonal changes so you will need to be flexible with your skincare routine throughout your teenage years.
Believe it or not, having a routine that takes care of your teen skin is quite simple. There are many products on the market, but if you stick to the right products you can be sure that your skin will thank you.
3 Step Skincare Routine
Start with a face wash that is made for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, for example, it is a good idea to wash with a gentle cleanser or a mild cleanser. Don’t wash your face with hot water as the high temperature will strip your face of the protective oils that help lock in moisture. Cold water can help your skin look refreshed and improve circulation, but this is something that is used more for mature skin than a teen’s skin. Stick to washing your face with warm water and it will be your best bet.
When selecting a face wash for teenage skin, it’s important to choose a gentle cleanser that helps to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities without overly stripping the skin. Here are some face wash options that are generally well-suited for teenage skin:
- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: This cleanser is gentle, non-comedogenic, and formulated with ceramides to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. It’s suitable for normal to oily skin types. Buy Here
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash: Specifically designed for acne-prone skin, this cleanser contains salicylic acid to help treat and prevent breakouts. It’s important to use this cleanser as directed to avoid over-drying.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser: This cleanser is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains zinc to help regulate oil production and remove excess sebum without over-drying.
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser: A mild and non-irritating cleanser suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.
- Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser: Formulated with salicylic acid and soy extracts, this cleanser helps to clear and prevent breakouts while also improving the skin’s texture.
- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser: Micellar water cleansers are gentle and effective at removing makeup, dirt, and oil. This foaming version is suitable for normal to oily skin and is a great low cost option which you can buy here.
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser: This is a fragrance-free and soap-free cleanser that’s suitable for sensitive skin. It’s also free of common irritants, making it a good option for teens with sensitive or reactive skin.
- Bioderma Sébium Foaming Gel: This cleanser is designed for oily and combination skin. It helps regulate sebum production while maintaining the skin’s natural pH balance.
Remember that different skin types and concerns may require slightly different products. It’s a good idea to start with a patch test when trying a new product to ensure that it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions. If you’re unsure about which product is best for your skin, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized recommendations based on your specific skin needs.
Continue with a moisturiser made for your skin type. You may think that a moisturiser isn’t necessary, but it helps your skin keep the moisture it needs to be healthy and supple. Keep in mind that if you have teen acne-prone skin you shouldn’t lather on moisturiser made for oily skin. On the contrary, stick to an oil free moisturiser, again we recommend the CeraVe range having used it on my daughter’s skin, to not exacerbate the oil production in your skin.
Finally, use sun protection! This can’t be stressed enough. It is never too early to start using sun protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which is a sunscreen that can protect from both UVA and UVB rays, to keep your skin protected during sun exposure. Many people think that they should only use sunscreen during their summer holiday, but sun protection is more than just sitting on a beach. By using sunscreen you help your skin against fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, sun damage, and even skin cancer. Don’t forget to use a lip balm with SPF as well to keep your lips healthy too.
Dealing with acne
One of the biggest skincare issues for teenagers is having acne-prone skin. Dealing with acne breakouts can be difficult for teenagers and can even leave long term acne lesions and acne scars. This is why it is very important to use an acne treatment to help combat acne as it begins.
There are different levels of acne, from mild acne to severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the products used to treat acne. This antiseptic is used to reduce the bacteria on the skin thus helping to keep it clean and preventing breakouts. The strength of the benzoyl peroxide you will use depends on the severity of your acne a good one to try is Organic Acne Cream which is also budget-friendly. A brand from a high street shop can help mild cases whilst a prescription will be needed if you need something stronger.
Salicylic acid is another ingredient that helps treat acne. It works to help reduce the swelling and redness of the acne as well as unclogging the pore of dirt and oil.
If after trying over-the-counter remedies the acne is still bad or having a determinantal effect on your well-being do see your GP as there are treatments that they will prescribe including Roaccutane although some will need careful monitoring as they are very strong medications.
Top Tips for Dealing with Acne
Dealing with acne can be challenging, but there are several steps teenagers can take to manage and improve their skin condition. Here are some tips:
1. Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine: Stick to a gentle skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen. Use products specifically formulated for acne-prone skin and avoid harsh, abrasive cleansers that can worsen inflammation.
2. Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose skincare and makeup products labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” These products are less likely to clog pores and contribute to breakouts.
3. Avoid Overwashing: Washing your face too frequently can strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to overproduction of sebum (oil), potentially worsening acne. Stick to washing your face twice a day, in the morning and evening.
4. Be Gentle: When washing your face, use your fingertips and a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Avoid scrubbing vigorously or using harsh cleansing tools, as this can irritate your skin and make acne worse.
5. Consider Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur can help reduce acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. Start with a lower concentration and gradually increase if needed.
6. Don’t Pick or Squeeze: Resist the urge to pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. This can lead to infection, scarring, and more inflammation. If you must address a pimple, use a clean, sterile needle or a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide.
7. Maintain a Healthy Diet: While there’s no direct link between diet and acne for everyone, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can contribute to overall skin health.
8. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate acne. Engage in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, yoga, or spending time with friends and hobbies.
9. Avoid Touching Your Face: Keep your hands away from your face to minimize the transfer of bacteria and dirt that can worsen acne.
10. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water can help keep your skin hydrated and support its natural healing processes.
11. Consult a Dermatologist: If over-the-counter treatments don’t provide satisfactory results, or if your acne is severe or causing emotional distress, consider seeing a dermatologist. They can prescribe stronger medications, such as topical retinoids or oral antibiotics, and provide personalized advice.
Remember that treating acne takes time and patience. Results may not be immediate, and it’s important to stay consistent with your skincare routine and any prescribed treatments. A dermatologist can help create a tailored treatment plan based on your skin type and the severity of your acne.
Final tips
If you want to know how to get clear skin one of the good habits to follow is to drink plenty of water. Water helps remove toxins and bacteria from your body, including your skin. So your skin will be more supple and healthy if you are properly hydrated.
One way to drink more is by always carrying a water bottle with you – since using the Air Up my teen drinks so much more. These Air Up bottles are the go to brand at her school and the pods are great too.
To prevent body acne start your shower from your head down to your toes. If you let conditioner fall on your skin you will be more prone to body acne, particularly on the shoulders, chest, and back. Therefore once you have washed your hair, wash your body to ensure that you have washed off the hair products.
Next, if you wear make up make sure that you remove it all before bed, sleeping in make up is no good for your skin – ever! With this in mind, it is also important that your make-up brushes are regularly cleaned so that you don’t spread bacteria around your face. Washing them in warm soapy water weekly will help keep them in the best condition, let them dry naturally and they will be as good as new.
We hope these skin care tips to follow during your teen years become lifelong habits. They will not only be helpful on how to get clear skin as a teenager but they will help you maintain young skin throughout your life.
For more posts relating to teenagers growing up read:
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