Some teenagers are so active, they don't have the time to even consider
their skin. Factor in hormonal changes, and you have a breeding ground
for a variety of different skin problems. The good news? With a proper
and simple routine, a couple of changes (avoiding bad habits),
teenagers can achieve clear and radiant skin.
Firstly, let's consider some quick and dirty tricks teens can
incorporate into their daily lives. Some of the most simple changes can
make all the difference.
Always wash your hands before cleaning (or touching) your face. Our
hands come into contact with an awful lot during the day. The dirt that
builds up on our hands can lead to clogged pores, and as a result cause
breakouts. Washing your face with dirty hands can be absolutely
counterproductive.
Check the cleanliness of everything that touches your face. Peaked caps
and mobile phones are regular culprits. Be particularly cautious with
any areas of the face where breakouts are common. Could you be touching
those areas with grubby objects throughout the day? Take care to check
that your skincare lotions or makeup don't contain ingredients that are
known to restrict pores. Ingredients to avoid include:- lanolin,
mineral oil, SD alcohol, fragrances and colour.
And eat healthily. Many experts think there is a correlation between
your diet and skin. When we eat unhealthy foods, our skin tends to show
it in the region between our foreheads, as well as on the chin. Wearing
a quality SPF15 every day can really help. Of course, this is good
advice for all ages, but teens should especially wear a moisturiser
that has a full-spectrum sunscreen. The suns rays break down our
collagen and elastin, which can lead to sun spots. These results don't
tend to surface until years later, so an ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure.
The most beneficial way to optimise your skin health in the future is
to start protecting it during the younger years. For instance, remove
makeup every night. Most young women are guilty of not doing this in
their teenage years, but sleeping in makeup is just not good.
Especially, if you put up with an oily complexion. Congestion can build
up in your pores and cause breakouts.
Using too many drying products is also likely to cause disappointing
results. When the skin is oily, most teenagers tend to buy face wash,
moisturisers and spot treatments that promise to remove oiliness. At
first, you may see some results, but in the long run, the oil glands
will begin to over accommodate for the lack of oil by producing even
more oil than in the first place! Everything starts with good
intentions, initially teenagers say they love drying skincare regimens.
But after a while, they suddenly cease to be effective. Any creams with
SD Alcohol are unquestionably part of the 'drying out' category.
Avoiding no, no's, such as using plain soap on the face. It is
alkaline, and our skin is acidic. Meaning that it can make skin feel
tight, dry and itchy. Taking hot showers is another tactic to be
avoided. Whilst tempting, the heat can actually draw moisture out of
the skin. This can cause your skin to either produce surplus oil (or
look dry and flaky). We're sure that everyone can recollect being told
not to pick spots, but picking really isn't a good idea. Infected and
angered spots spread infection to other areas of the face when picked.
Instead, try applying products containing Sulfur or Salicylic Acid to
problem areas, just as you feel them starting. So, how do you develop a
good skincare regimen in your teens? The answer is keep it simple but
effective.
Choose a high quality cleanser. Dermalogica Clean Start is recommended,
as it includes all of the ingredients necessary for a total regimen.
For instance, a foaming wash containing salicylic acid, which reaches
deep into pores to help exhaustively clean the skin.
For active teenagers, ensure any routine includes the body. Don't over
exfoliate, usually 3 times a week is good enough. Excess scrubbing can
lead to any infection spreading across the surface of the skin. You may
consider using a leave-on exfoliant, containing salicylic acid. This
can clean up the pores and cut through oil. When the pores are clear,
breakouts are much less likely to occur. Treat breakouts as and when
they take place.
Choose a spot treatment that is well regarded and has proven results.
Some use sulfur to dry out infected areas, and some contain Benzoyl
Peroxide to get rid of bacteria. You should apply as soon as you
suspect a breakout forming. One common myth is that moisturising
restricts pores. There are moisturisers available that will hold oil on
the surface of the skin at bay and looking matte. The same applies with
SPF protectors and sunblocks.
With the best will in the world any campaign to keep skin healthy can
be met with the odd congestion or breakout. Utilising quality products
and staying up to date with professional advice will go a long way to
saving your skin in optimum health.
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