Written by: Nisha Liana Evangelista
Overview:
Despite the many products influencers promote across all social media platforms, you don’t have to break the bank in order to create an effective skincare routine. In this article, I will go over the necessary products for an effective skincare routine and how to build one catered to your skin type.
Step 1: The Different Skin Types
Before building a skincare routine, it is important to determine your skin type. Here are the five skin types and what each one calls for.
Normal Skin: This skin type is balanced and is not prone to breakouts, flakiness, or feeling too greasy or too tight.
Dry Skin: This type of skin generally produces less oils, leaving the skin flaky, rough, and in some cases scaly.
Oily Skin: Oily skin produces an excessive amount of sebum, causing the skin to be shiny especially within the forehead and T-zone areas. This skin type is also more blemish, whitehead, and blackhead prone.
Combination Skin: This skin type is exactly as it sounds: a combination of both dry and oily skin in different regions of the face. Typically, the T-zone is oilier compared to the rest of the face and the cheeks are dry.
Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin may appear red and feel burning, itchy, or dry. This can be triggered by external dyes, chemicals, and environmental factors.
Step 2: Building the Routine For You
The nonnegotiables of skincare include a cleanser, a moisturizer, and an SPF for the morning. There are some additional products that can be used such as an oil cleanser or a toner. This section breaks down the different needs for each skin type underneath each product.
Cleansing
The foundation of any skincare routine is proper cleansing. It is essential to cleanse the face twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime, to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Teenagers should opt for a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that suits their skin type.
For oily or acne-prone skin: A foaming or gel cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be beneficial.
For dry or sensitive skin: A hydrating cleanser with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid is recommended.
Fun Fact: Double cleansing is a popular method for ridding the skin of impurities which involves using an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil and is followed by a water-based cleanser. This is an optional step and is usually not used during teenage years.
2. Toning
Toning helps to remove any residual impurities left after cleansing and restores the skin’s natural pH balance. Teenagers should choose an alcohol-free toner to avoid excessive dryness and irritation. A toner with soothing ingredients such as chamomile or witch hazel can help calm the skin and reduce inflammation. This applies for all skin types.
3. Moisturizing
Regardless of skin type, moisturizing is a critical step in any skincare routine. Moisturizers help maintain the skin’s hydration levels and create a protective barrier against environmental stressors.
For oily skin: Those with oily skin should opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.
For dry skin: These people may benefit from a richer formula. Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid which is excellent for keeping the skin hydrated without clogging pores.
4. Sun Protection
Daily sun protection is vital to prevent long-term skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Teenagers should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every morning, regardless of the weather. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours when exposed to direct sunlight. Even indoors, it is important to get into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day.
For convenience, teenagers may consider using a moisturizer that includes SPF.
Additional Tips
-Makeup Remover (Optional): The teenage years is usually the time people start experimenting with different makeup products and techniques. At the end of the day, it is important to use some sort of makeup remover, such as micellar water to remove all makeup at the end of the day BEFORE washing your face.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliating: This was not discussed above because exfoliation is not a required part of a teenage skincare routine. While exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, it should be done sparingly. Teenagers should exfoliate no more than 1-2 times per week using a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritation.
-Washing Makeup Brushes: Anyone who chooses to wear makeup during their teenage years should consistently wash their makeup brushes or beauty blenders at least once a week to avoid any future breakouts.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper hydration and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can significantly impact skin health. Good gut health equals healthier skin.
- Avoid Touching the Face: Touching the face frequently can transfer bacteria and oils, potentially leading to breakouts. It is important to avoid this, especially touching with unwashed hands.
- Consult a Dermatologist: If skin issues persist or worsen, seeking advice from a dermatologist can provide tailored treatment options and guidance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a simple and effective skincare routine for teenagers involves consistent
cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. By establishing these habits early, teenagers can see the positive outcome and overall healthier skin.
Citations:
Disclaimer: Everything posted on our website and Instagram is intended for basic educational purposes only. If you suspect you have symptoms of any condition, it is essential to consult a dermatologist or your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Our content is not a substitute for professional medical care.
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