The teen years can be tough. Bodies are transforming, minds are moulding and amongst all the turbulence, many young people feel pressured to fit in, to decide who they are, to work out what they want to do with the rest of their lives and put plans in motion. It’s not easy and quite a few teens will experience a similar sense of confusion in their skin which, when you’re sense of self is in a precarious state, only adds to the issue. Before we get too negative though, let’s acknowledge the great things about those teen years - friendships are important, the world is unfolding before you with all sorts of amazing possibilities and opportunities and you’re entering a new phase of life where you will begin to experience more autonomy and more freedoms. It’s not all bad and this is not another article about the issue of being a teenager. However, it is important to look after your skin in your teens because it’s going through this journey with you and may well wear the stress of physical changes on the outside. Don’t despise it, don’t be shamed by it and do not wage war against it - it’s your skin and what it needs right now is love and care. Let me help you with some essential advice on how to look after your skin in your teens.
Teenage skin can be challenging, so here’s my take on taking care of it during the teenage years, the natural way -
How might skin react in the teenage years?
There are no set rules for how changes will occur, which will occur, when they will occur and how you will feel about them in your teens. The same is true for the skin. Some teenagers will be fortunate enough to coast the teen years with a clear complexion and smooth textured skin. Others will experience turbulence. Acne is the most common skin condition related to the teen years. Some may also experience itchiness or rosacea, related to an influx of hormones that can make cells more volatile and sensitive.
You may feel like you don’t know what’s happening or why. So, here’s what might be going on with your skin in your teen years:
Increased Oil Production
Androgens, which are hormones that increase during puberty, stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands to produce more sebum. This may well be an aid to dry skin but excessive sebum can lead to or overload oily skin, which might make skin appear shiny and can contribute to acne development.
Increased Sensitivity
Teen skin can become more sensitive due to hormonal fluctuations. This sensitivity can make skin more reactive to products and environmental factors. Therefore, you might experience more frequent skin irritation and redness in your teens.
Changes in Skin Texture and Tone
Hormonal changes can affect the rate of skin cell turnover. Faster turnover can lead to more dead skin cells on the surface, while slower turnover can make skin appear dull. If pores become clogged this can stimulate acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur after acne lesions heal, leading to dark spots or patches on the skin.
What NOT To Do With Your Skin During Teen Years
Young people are increasingly influenced to buy into fad skincare solutions and spend excessive money on products that make impossible promises. Not only is this a waste of money but these trends and products can be harmful to your skin.
When you’re in your teens, hormone increases can send your skin into a spiral. Think of it this way - it’s trying to find its happy place in the midst of a storm and that’s super tough. Chemical products may promise to tame your skin and overly complex skincare routines may seem to be a multi-step solution but, in reality, they’re just exacerbating the situation - forcing skin cells to react to an entourage of chemicals and processes when they’re already overwhelmed. Your skin doesn’t need an aggressive takeover, it needs a smooth transition. This is why it’s more important than ever, in your teen years, to be kind to your skin. Keep it simple, gentle and chemical-free.
Chemical-free, all-natural products are going to be better for your skin right now. They take a softer approach and, given time, this is more effective. Overly processed products that promise immediate results may seem to solve skin issues in the short term but they’re not helping your skin cells and their natural ability to heal. These products are operating a hostile takeover which is ultimately unsustainable and will weaken your skin’s ability to fend for itself. Natural earth-sourced ingredients, on the other hand, are aids. They remind your skin cells of what they need to do, calming them and working together with your skin to regain control.
What’s more, complex routines shift skin cells from one focus to another, again overloading it. Complicated skincare is not necessary - it is a money-making drive that fuels the selling of multiple pointless products.
You need to keep your skin clean and hydrated. That equals a maximum of two products applied at the most twice per day. Anything more risks overstimulating your skin, clogging your pores and negatively impacting sebum production.
Caring For Teenage Skin
Let’s move on to what our skin does need between the ages of 13 and 20. It’s not all that different to what our skin requires at any age, but we may be more conscious and disciplined during the teen years when skin and hormones can be more unstable. So here are a few top tips -
Morning Routine - Stick to a very basic, regular skincare routine. Wash your face with water in the morning and apply an oil-based moisturiser. Yes, I know it sounds crazy to add oil to skin that might already be producing too much but trust me - I speak from first-hand experience when I say that adding oil aids in regulation and works to balance your skin.
Sun Protection - Make sure your moisturiser has an SPF and use sun cream during the day on sunny days or sun behind cloud days. Remember, it doesn’t have to be 30 -plus degrees for sunlight to affect your skin. During your teenage years, you are at a high risk of hyperpigmentation and rosacea due to acne, sensitivity and clogged pores. Sunlight can worsen this, increasing the likelihood of scarring or blemishes and aggravating rosacea-prone skin. Not sure whether you need suncream? A baseball cap can be another good way to shield your face from the sun.
Evening Routine - Use your evening skincare routine to wash away the day. You want to keep pores clean which means opening them up and closing them again. Dampen your face with warm water and rub in a cleanser (all-natural please) to gently remove build-up, as well as make-up if you wear it. Your fingertips are the perfect tool for this - just make surethey’re clean first. Rinse with cooler water to close up pores and then add some hydration in the form of your oil-based moisturiser. Once or twice per week you may wish to exfoliate as this provides your pores with a deeper clean, but don’t do this too often as overuse can affect your skin’s natural oil production and exfoliating sensitive skin can cause microtears.
Drink And Diet - Your skin’s health is probably more affected by what you put in your body than what you put on it. With energy levels unstable due to increased hormones and other teen stresses, it can be tempting to reach for sugary treats and high-fat foods but these will not be kind to your skin. Ensure you’re eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and consuming plenty of those good nutrient-rich fats, like avocados and nuts. Remember, when you’re feeding yourself you’re feeding your skin too. Plenty of water is also key to keeping your skin hydrated enough to replenish cells and maintain a healthy glow.
A Final Word On Teen Acne
To give yourself the best chance of avoiding teen acne, you should keep your skin clean and hydrated. However, even those who do this can experience acne in their teen years because hormones are so volatile. If acne does appear try not to be embarrassed or feel responsible, it’s just your body adjusting to longer-term changes and this will pass. Continue to stick to a simple skincare routine, as laid out above, and be conscious of diet too. Above all, don’t be too rough with your skin, irritation will only make the situation worse and result in dead skin cells that can clog pores even further.
There are several essential oils that contain properties known to reduce scarring, including turmeric, lavender and sweetalmond oil, so look out for products containing these (don’t apply unfiltered). If your acne becomes painful or continues to worsen then consult a doctor who may be able to refer you to a dermatologist.
My Recommended Products For Teen Skin -