Top skincare tips for teenage skin

As we reach our teenage years hormonal changes play a huge part in how our skin will be. Some teenagers breeze through these years while others really have issues. The most common thing is acne breakouts, around 9 out of 10 teenagers suffer from it.

Why do teenagers get acne?

Acne break outs are caused by the oil glands getting stimulated when hormones become activated by puberty. This stimulation leads to an over production in sebum, sweat traps dirt and remnants of makeup which makes it a breeding ground for bacteria. This results in pores becoming blocked and acne breakouts.

A poor diet of eating too much fast food, ready meals and fizzy drinks can also have detrimental effects on the skin and wellbeing as the right nutrients are not consumed.

Stress is also a leading factor in breakouts.

How to calm acne in teenage skin?

Make sure things like changing pillowcase regularly, avoid touching the face too much, clean make up brushes regularly, keep hair away from your face, make sure shampoo and conditioner are washed off the face and body as these can block the pores.

Try not to squeeze spots as this not only damages the upper layers of the skin but also helps bacteria to spread and can lead to scaring.

A good skincare routine should be started in your teens as your body has already started to change.

A gentle cleansing routine is recommended for teenage skin use a professional skin cleanser to suit your needs should be introduced twice a day. Using light circular motions and a clean gentle face cloth to remove with lukewarm water (not hot water). On a night-time remember to cleanse twice once to remove make up and dirt and the second cleanse for the skin.

To help remove the build-up of dead skin cells introduce a light exfoliation once or twice a week, but no more than that. Over exfoliation can lead to irritation and more oil being produced. AHA’s are a good way of gently exfoliating the skin and the BHA salicylic is particularly good for acne, however using the correct strength is crucial, as too much can irritate, so always ask your skincare specialist.

Adding Skin Perfecting Complex (for those over 18 years of age) to your daily routine can be beneficial. The supplement contains ingredients to calm aggravated skin including acne, rosacea and eczema.

A light moisturiser should be introduced twice a day. If the skin is oilier then make sure it’s a water-based moisturiser so that it won’t clog the pores. Avoid using moisturisers that have added fragrance if the skin is sensitised.

Sun Protection should be worn every day. It’s never too early to start protecting the skin from sun damage. You can now purchase moisturisers with SPF in them.  Use a Broad spectrum SPF30 or higher which protects for both UVA and UVB protection.

Read our blog on the best foods and treatments for acne