Teen Skincare 101: Dermatologist Tips for Healthy Skin

As a parent, navigating the world of teenage skincare can be tricky, especially with all the changes happening to your teen's body. Whether they’re dealing with acne, oily skin, or just trying to maintain a healthy glow, this guide will help you help your teen. Teenage years are a critical time for establishing a skincare routine that can help maintain clear, healthy skin in the future. Let’s explore the best ways you can support your teen in caring for their skin during this transformative period. 

Understanding Teenage Skin

Your teen’s skin is going through a lot of changes during their teenage years. Hormones play a significant role, often leading to increased oil production and the dreaded acne. Puberty triggers the body to produce more sebum, the natural oil that keeps skin lubricated. While sebum is essential for healthy skin, too much can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. 

Is your teen spending too much time on their devices? Are they eating and sleeping well? Are they stressed? Lifestyle factors can play an important role in the health of their skin. 

Teenage skin is more resilient and heals faster compared to adult skin, thanks to a higher collagen production rate. However, this doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface can help you guide your teen better. 

Common Teenage Skin Problems

Teenagers often face a variety of skin issues, each with its own set of challenges. Here are some of the most common problems and how you can help your teen address them:

Acne

Acne is the most prevalent skin issue among teenagers. It occurs when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. There are several types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne. Blackheads are open pores filled with oil and dead skin, which turn black when exposed to air. Whiteheads are closed pores filled with oil and dead skin cells. Cystic acne, the most severe form, involves deep, painful lumps beneath the skin.

• Parabens: Used as preservatives in many skincare products, parabens can mimic hormones and disrupt your body's natural balance. Opt for paraben-free products to avoid potential health risks.
• Fragrance: Added fragrances can cause allergic reactions and irritation, particularly in sensitive skin. Choose fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
• Formaldehyde: Used as a preservative in personal care products, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer. 
• Phthalates: Used as solvents and fixatives in personal care products, phthalates are endocrine disruptors that may cause onset of early puberty, reduced sperm count, and have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. 
• Sulfates: Commonly found in cleansers and shampoos, sulfates can be harsh and drying. They can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, causing irritation and dryness. Opt for sulfate-free products that cleanse without stripping your skin.

 

How to Develop a Teen Skincare Routine

As a general guideline, if your child is younger than 12 years old, they don’t need a skincare routine. As they start puberty and their skin starts changing, creating a simple skincare routine tailored to your teen’s skin type and concerns will help them maintain healthy skin. Here’s a dermatologist-recommended step-by-step guide to developing an effective skincare regimen for your teen:

Cleanse 

Start with a gentle cleanser that suits your teen’s skin type. Cleansing twice a day, in the morning and evening, helps remove makeup, dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores. 

A gentle morning cleanse can be as simple as a splash of lukewarm water if the skin feels clean. However, never skip an evening cleanse. Apply the cleanser, gently massage it into the skin, and leave it for 20-30 seconds to work. If cleansing doesn’t remove all the makeup, sunscreen and impurities, use micellar water first, then follow with the gentle cleanser. 

Exfoliate 

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and keeps the skin smooth and is particularly effective for acne-prone skin. However, it is essential not to overdo it – 2-3 times a week is enough. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and lead to more breakouts. Choose a mild exfoliant with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. 

Moisturize 

Even if your teen has oily skin, moisturizing is crucial. A good moisturizer helps maintain the skin’s hydration and prevents it from producing excess oil. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores. Look for products with as few ingredients as possible, designed for sensitive skin, and recommended by dermatologists. 

Protect 

Sunscreen is your teen’s best friend. Protect their skin from UV rays by using a broad-spectrum SPF daily. Opt for mineral sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30. Sun exposure can lead to premature aging, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen that’s non-comedogenic and suitable for daily use. 

Can My Teen Use Skincare Junkie® Products?

While Skincare Junkie® products are not specifically designed for tweens and teens, they are fragrance free, hypoallergenic, clean, non-toxic, and are less harsh than many other skincare products on the market. 

For this reason, some Skincare Junkie® products can be safely used on younger skin. Your teen can try Skincare Junkie® Gentle Jelly Facial Cleanser for daily cleansing. It is designed for normal to oily skin, including sensitive skin.

For exfoliation, they can give Skincare Junkie® Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads a go. They are designed for normal, oily, acne-prone, and combination skin, provide gentle yet effective exfoliation, and help prevent breakouts. 

In fact, our dermatologist founder’s teen nieces use these products daily! And watch our teen customer Johnny show how to use our toner pads on Instagram.