Healthy skin care for teens

Why does skin change during puberty?

During puberty, skin makes more oil and sweat glands become larger. Hormonal changes increase sebum, the skin's natural oil, which can block hair follicles and contribute to spots. Acne is common in teenagers and can appear on the face, neck, shoulders, back and chest. Washing is part of caring for your skin, but scrubbing harder does not address the hormonal changes behind those spots.23

How should teens apply skin care?

Use this order for a basic routine:

1. 1Cleanse gently. Wash your face in the morning and evening, then gently pat dry. Remove makeup before bed.
2. 2Apply treatment if you use one. The general order places skin medication or treatment after cleansing. Follow the directions for your particular treatment.
3. 3Apply moisturizer. Put moisturizer after treatment in the basic routine. Adjust your routine if your skin becomes dry, including during colder weather.
4. 4Finish daytime skin care with sunscreen. Choose SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection and water resistance. Apply it to your face and other uncovered skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
5. 5Apply makeup if you want to wear it. Makeup goes after skin care and sunscreen, not instead of sunscreen.

Which products should you choose?

Choose products for your skin type, not a routine copied from social media, where a bathroom shelf can acquire a publicist. General skin care guidance favors a mild cleanser that removes oil for skin prone to acne and a hydrating cleanser for dry skin. For oily skin, look for sunscreen labeled "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores." A tinted sunscreen can be useful if other sunscreens leave a white cast.4

What should teens avoid?

• Do not pick or squeeze spots. Picking can make them worse.
• Do not scrub your face or overuse exfoliating products. Overexfoliation can cause inflammation and damage the skin barrier, the skin's protective outer layer.
• Avoid stacking unnecessary products, especially multiple products marketed for aging skin. Using too many products can irritate skin.
• Do not keep using a product that irritates your skin. Stop using it.

What about sports, showers and makeup?

Wash your face after sweating as well as morning and evening. Shower or bathe at least once a day, using soap or shower gel to clean your body and washing your underarms and feet thoroughly. Keep clothes and bedding clean with regular washing. Facial cleanser can handle the ordinary job of washing your face, even though ordinary washing rarely gets a launch campaign. If you wear makeup, taking it off before sleep belongs in the routine.24

Sunscreen is only part of sun protection

Use an oil free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when spending time in the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade. Sun protection matters for ordinary outdoor activities, not just a beach day. Avoid tanning beds: tanning damages skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.34

When should you ask for help?

Speak to a GP about acne and the treatments available. Acne can affect confidence, body image and anxiety, so its effect on your daily life is a reason to seek help too. You can also talk to a school nurse about skin concerns. If you use hormonal contraception, discuss your skin concerns with your GP because contraception can affect susceptibility to acne. A skin condition that affects your quality of life deserves medical attention rather than another round of product experiments.34