We all want to look our best, but the teenage years can be tough. Your teenager might not be dealing with wrinkles yet, but they could have pimples, blackheads, or sensitive skin. Skin care for sensitive skin is crucial during this time. Standing out with a big pimple or red, irritated skin can be embarrassing and make them feel down. Incorporating a glowing skin care routine can help improve their confidence. If your teen is also getting bullied or teased, things like acne can be even harder.
“Acne can cause physical and emotional problems, like scarring, a negative self-image, feeling sad, and being anxious,” said Dr. Rebecca Thiede, a dermatologist at Banner–University Medical Center Tucson. “In fact, in the first year after an acne diagnosis, people with acne have a higher chance of getting major depression.”
Dealing with changing hormones and peer pressure isn’t always easy, but the good news is that your teen can have clear, healthy skin. Whether it’s skin care for dry skin or skin care for oily skin, here are 10 tips from dermatologists to help your teen’s skin look its best.
- Keep your skin routine simple. Don’t make the skin routine too complicated. Too many steps can cause problems. “I tell my patients to keep it simple: morning and night, wash your face.”
Wash your face twice a day: in the morning and before bed. After sweating, wash your face too.
Remember to wash your face, put your skincare products next to your toothbrush, and do it when you brush your teeth.
Also, don’t use a rough cloth or sponge on your skin. Use your fingers to wash your face and put on products.
Choose products that won’t clog your pores. Pick products that won’t block your skin’s tiny openings. For skin care for combination skin, you’ll see words like “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” on these products, which means they won’t lead to blackheads and whiteheads that block your pores. This isn’t only about moisturizers; it applies to makeup and sunscreen too.
- Always wear sunscreen, even in winter. A good habit for life is shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, or sunny; sunscreen is a must.
“Even if you plan to wear makeup, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more,” Dr. Thiede advises. “Dry and sun-damaged skin gets irritated, and irritated skin can increase your risk of getting acne.”
- Deal with acne early on. Acne is common during puberty when hormones are in overdrive. If you start having small breakouts, begin with just one acne product. If you don’t see improvement in four to six weeks, add a second acne product. This approach helps tackle different acne causes like bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation.
“For instance, if one acne treatment has benzoyl peroxide, the second one should have a different acne-fighting ingredient,” Dr. Thiede explained.
Here’s what each active ingredient works on:
- Benzoyl peroxide fights P. acnes bacteria.
- Retinoids, like adapalene gel, clear pores and reduce oiliness.
- Salicylic acid eases inflammation and clears pores.
Even if your acne is getting better or has cleared up, stick with the routine. “The routine is effective if you’re clear and works even better if you’re preventing acne rather than treating existing breakouts,” Dr. Thiede emphasized.
- Remove your makeup before bed. Make sure to take off your makeup every night before you go to sleep.
“Even makeup labeled as non-comedogenic can cause acne if you sleep with it on,” Dr. Thiede warned. “If you’re too tired to wash your face, use makeup remover towelettes, just make sure they’re non-comedogenic.”
- Keep your pillowcase and sheets clean. Are you washing or changing your sheets and pillowcases once a week? If you don’t, dirt and oil from your environment, skin, and hair can build up and transfer back to your skin.
Dr. Thiede explained, “After just one week, sheets and pillowcases are covered in dead skin cells and bacteria. These can block your pores and cause breakouts. If you have oily hair or use oily products, you might need to change your sheets more often.”
- Avoid excessive touching, picking, scrubbing, and overusing products. Scrubbing too hard, squeezing pimples, washing your face too often, and trying new acne products all might feel good at the time but can irritate your skin and lead to more breakouts.
“Stay away from doing too much too quickly; it can irritate your skin, cause allergies, and make acne worse,” Dr. Thiede cautioned. “Picking or popping pimples is also a big mistake. It can leave scars and make the pimple take longer to heal.”
- Got sensitive skin? Try the patch test. Everyone’s skin is unique, but if you have sensitive skin, finding products that won’t cause burning, stinging, or itching can be a bit trickier. Look for products that are both non-comedogenic and free from fragrances.
If your teenager tends to react to products, Dr. Thiede recommends using the patch test method:
- Apply the product to a small test area twice a day for seven to ten days. Choose a spot on your skin, about the size of a quarter, where the product won’t be rubbed or washed away, like the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow. Use the same amount and thickness you would normally use if applying the product regularly.
- Leave the product on your skin for the same amount of time as you would if you were using it regularly. If it’s something you’d usually wash off, like a cleanser, leave it on your skin for five minutes or as directed on the label.
- If, after seven to ten days, your skin doesn’t react with redness, itching, or swelling, it’s safe to use the product.
- If you develop a rash or feel a burning sensation, you might be having an allergic reaction. In that case, wash the product off gently and don’t use it again. You can soothe your skin with a cool compress or petroleum jelly. If the reaction is severe and doesn’t improve, consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Dr. Thiede explained, “Some common acne ingredients, like retinol and glycolic acid, can initially irritate the skin, especially if it’s sensitive. This is normal and usually temporary until your skin gets used to the product. It’s important to keep using the product during this phase while also using moisturizer.”
- Eat a healthy diet. It’s tempting to indulge in sugary drinks and treats with friends, but these may not be the best choices for your skin.
Dr. Thiede pointed out, “New data suggests that diets high in sugar (with a high glycemic index) might be linked to acne. There’s also some evidence that certain dairy products, especially skim milk, could affect acne. Whey protein in protein shakes has been shown to have an impact on acne.”
When you can, go for fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and options with a lower glycemic index for your carb-rich foods. For example, choose whole grain oatmeal over a plain bagel and whole wheat bread instead of white bread.
And remember to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is great for your overall health and your skin.
- See a dermatologist. A dermatologist is there to support you throughout your skincare journey, especially when dealing with acne.
“Dealing with acne is a journey,” Dr. Thiede explained. “What works for you now might not work in a year. It’s important to see a dermatologist if your acne isn’t getting better despite using over-the-counter treatments consistently if you’re experiencing significant flare-ups or scarring, or if it’s affecting your self-esteem.”
The good news is that almost all cases of acne can be effectively treated. If you’re not seeing results on your own, a dermatologist can help find the right treatment or acne medication. Incorporating a proper skincare routine for men can also be beneficial. For moderate to severe acne, you might be prescribed oral or topical acne medications like antibiotics such as sarecycline, isotretinoin, or hormonal birth control.
In conclusion, Skin issues can dampen your teenager’s ability to enjoy life to the fullest (YOLO!). Encourage them to establish skincare routines that can help prevent acne and emotional or physical scars. If needed, consult your teen’s healthcare provider or a dermatologist.
“Research indicates that teenagers have better outcomes when they take responsibility for their acne and establish a good routine with their dermatologist, including a skin care routine for men,” Dr. Thiede noted. “It can feel like nagging when it comes from parents.”
