So, you’ve noticed your teenager’s skin going through some changes – maybe a few more breakouts than usual, or maybe just a bit more shine? Totally normal! Puberty brings a lot of shifts, and skin changes are definitely part of the package.
But don’t worry, figuring out skincare doesn’t have to be a big deal or a complicated science project. Establishing a simple routine for your teen now can significantly impact their skin’s appearance and texture, and it’s a great way to help them feel more confident as well.
This guide is here to break down the basics. Let’s keep it simple and help them find their healthy glow!
Why Bother with Skincare?
Your teen’s skin is their body’s first line of defense. It protects them, regulates temperature, and during puberty, it’s dealing with a hormonal rollercoaster. This leads to increased oil, breakouts, and general skin changes. Teaching them to care for it now establishes healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Where to Start
They don’t need a million products to have great skin. A basic routine usually consists of four key steps:
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Cleanse: This is the foundation of any good skincare routine. Cleansing helps remove dirt, oil, makeup (if worn), and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
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What to look for: Choose a gentle cleanser that is specifically formulated for their skin type.
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Oily Skin: Look for cleansers containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, which can help control oil and combat acne.
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Dry Skin: Opt for hydrating cleansers that won’t strip the skin of its natural moisture. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
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Combination Skin: They may need to use different products for different areas of their face. A gentle cleanser that’s not too drying is a good starting point.
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Boss Gal’s Recommendations:
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Oily Skin: ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser is a gel formula that helps keep pores clear and minimizes the frequency of breakouts by providing both physical and chemical exfoliation benefits from jojoba esters and salicylic acid.
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Dry Skin: ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser is a rich, creamy cleanser that gently cleanses away impurities while minimizing dryness and irritation.
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Combination Skin: Skinbetter Science Cleansing Gel is a mild, foaming gel cleanser featuring a skin-soothing blend and glycerin to help prevent stripping the skin.
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Treat (Optional but Recommended): This step addresses specific skin concerns your teen may have, such as acne.
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Understanding Acne Formation: Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. One of the primary factors in this process is retention hyperkeratosis.
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What is Retention Hyperkeratosis? This term refers to an abnormal buildup of dead skin cells within the hair follicles. Normally, these dead cells shed naturally. However, in acne-prone skin, this shedding process goes awry. The cells stick together and accumulate, forming a plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle.
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Why does this happen? Several factors can contribute to retention hyperkeratosis, including hormonal changes (common during puberty), genetics, and the overproduction of sebum (oil) by the sebaceous glands.
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Acne Treatments: If your teen is dealing with breakouts, look for products containing ingredients that target these issues:
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Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps penetrate pores and exfoliate dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging the follicles.
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Boss Gal’s Recommendations:
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Salicylic Acid: ZO Skin Health Complexion Clarifying Serum is a great option because it contains a water-soluble salicylic acid, meaning you get all of the decongesting benefits without drying out the skin!
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Moisturize: Even if their skin feels oily, moisturizing is crucial! It helps to keep the skin hydrated and balanced. When the skin is dry, it can actually produce more oil to compensate, leading to more breakouts.
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What to look for: Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturizer.
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Boss Gal’s Recommendations: Skinbetter Science Hydration Boosting Cream is a lightweight moisturizer formulated with ceramides and sodium hyaluronate (a hyaluronic acid derivative) that provides soothing hydration and improves the skin barrier, making it perfect for teens who need a simple yet effective moisturizer!
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Protect (Sunscreen): Sunscreen is an essential step in any skincare routine, no matter your teen’s skin type or the weather. The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage the skin, leading to sunburn and acne breakouts and significantly increasing the risk of skin cancer later in life.
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Why Sunscreen? Even on cloudy days, UV rays are present and can cause damage. These rays can cause the skin to thicken and dry, leading to increased oil production and potential breakouts.
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What to look for: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for lightweight formulas that won’t feel greasy on the skin.
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Boss Gal’s Recommendations: Skinbetter Science Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion is a great oil-free option for teens because it’s transparent on the skin, suitable for sensitive skin, and includes ingredients that promote skin soothing, hydration, and support for the skin barrier.
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Face Facts: Tips Your Teen Needs to Know
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Don’t Pick! We know it’s tempting, but picking at pimples can lead to inflammation, scarring, and make things worse. Encourage teens to resist the urge and let the products do their work.
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Wash Your Face Twice a Day: Once in the morning and once before bed is usually enough. They may want to cleanse again if they’ve been sweating a lot (like after sports).
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Be Consistent: Consistency is key! Stick to their routine every morning and night to see the best results. It might take a few weeks to notice a difference, so be patient.
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Keep Their Hands Off Their Face: Touching their face throughout the day can transfer dirt and bacteria, which can contribute to breakouts.
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Wash Their Pillowcases Regularly: Pillowcases can harbor oil and bacteria. Aim to wash it at least once or twice a week.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, including healthy skin.
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Eat a Balanced Diet: While diet alone doesn’t cause acne, a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to overall skin health.
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The “Two-Finger” Rule: A great guide for applying the proper amount of sunscreen is to apply a line of sunscreen along the length of the index and middle fingers. This amount should be sufficient to cover the face and neck.
Every teenager’s skin is different, so what works for one teenager might not work for another. Have them pay attention to how their skin reacts to different products and adjust the routine accordingly. If you’re feeling uncertain about where to begin, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance.
Our Skin Bosses are ready to assist your teenager on their skincare journey. You can book a FREE skincare consultation at any of our four locations—Clintonville, Grandview, Easton, or Powell—or opt for a convenient Virtual Skincare Consultation. Let’s help your teen discover the best routine for their skin!
We can’t wait to see your face!