The teenage years are not simple because there are so many new changes happening such as peer pressure, academic pressure, hormonal changes and other things. Teenagers experience many changes in their bodies, emotions and thinking. Teenagers almost always have distressing skin issues which require medical attention. Common conditions include pimples, greasy skin, sun-damaged skin, blackheads, whiteheads, undesirable body and facial hair, warts and eczema. These changes are mainly brought about by changes in body hormone levels.
These changes can be intimidating and overwhelming for teenagers, and they also want an immediate remedy. This also puts a lot of pressure on the parents. Hence, appropriate directions should be given.
By practicing some simple skin care, teenagers can take the first step towards having flawless skin.
All teenagers are advised to use a mild cleanser, non-greasy moisturizer and non-comedogenic effective broad-spectrum sunscreen, particularly gel-based. Perform a patch test on a small area of the skin to make sure it does not cause allergies before actually using the product.
If you have acne-prone skin and oily skin, it is advisable to use a mild exfoliating face wash containing salicylic acid.
Drink plenty of water since it helps the body detoxify which will show on the skin; drinking water is the straightforward way to keep your body and skin healthy. Consume a healthy diet, and avoid trans-fat, added sugar and preservatives.
Regular exercise and physical activity are also beneficial. Obtain enough rest and sleep. Manage your time effectively and you can reduce stress.
While getting exposed to the sun, always use sunscreen. You can carry it with you at all times. An SPF of at least 30 is ideal. Daily use of sunscreen can prevent sunburns, skin drying and early aging.
Refrain from frequently touching your face as your hand could be unclean, oily and germ-ridden. This can cause acne and other infections.
Always remove your make-up before going to bed. Nowadays, a lot of teenagers use make-up to improve their appearance. It is essential that at the end of the day, make-up is cleansed with a mild cleanser. Otherwise, the products can clog the pores which will cause pimples and bacterial infections.
Establish a Skin Care Routine
Set up a morning and evening skincare routine, which is basic and not too complicated. Washing your face with a mild cleanser in the morning and also before going to bed is beneficial as it can remove the excess dirt, oiliness and surface pollutants from the skin. Also, use a mild moisturizer at night which will help hydrate the skin.
When in doubt about what products to use, it is always better to consult a dermatologist to help and guide you in choosing the right products based on your age, skin type and other conditions.
Dr. Ashiq Mohamed
Consultant – Dermatology
Kauvery Hospital Chennai
